OMG Fundraising!

courtesy SignUpGenius.com

This post is primarily for those who are going into non-profits. There are probably some tips for sales too so if that’s your thing please stick around.

Money is what makes the world go around. Just because an organization is a non-profit doesn’t mean that money doesn’t have a huge influence on how they do “business.” Having more money coming in than going out can be an obsession – and a drag – if you aren’t prepared for this going into non-profits.

You can’t operate without income. Pure and simple. Whether your heart is in animal rescue, giving voice to abused children, cancer research, or saving an historical landmark, you need income to get the word out and address the issue of your heart.

“Everyone will support poor, hungry children. All I have to do is show pictures of the kids we’ve helped and share their stories and ask for money. No one wants to see a kid go hungry,” you think. “I’ll just do my fundraising  in November and December. Heck, this year I might even get out there in October.”

StaffingRobot.com

Fundraising is about building relationships ALL year long. Sure, your money may all get to you in Q3, but you have to earn it all year long! This is why e-newsletters, social media, press releases, events and appearances are so important. Communicate all year long. Have you gotten a prestigious grant? Everyone needs to know about it. Regulations change that affect your mission? Talk about it.

Find out why the folks support you already. Capitalize on that to bring in more people. Particularly with charities, people will support you when their friends do. It’s called trust.

Fundraising is only as successful as they relationship you’ve built with the community.

Do you have cool tips on how to build relationships for fundraising?

I’d love to hear from you!

-Tina