Raising money for your nonprofit organization forces you to compete with other good causes for donations. This can be tough, especially if the economy is down and prior donors are facing financial hardships. However, if you attract the attention of current and prospective donors and give them a reason to support your cause, you may be able to raise enough money to keep the organization operating at its full potential and helping those who benefit from it the most.
Targeted Campaigns
Always have a special project for which you are raising funds. Call your list of current and prospective donors and explain the importance of the campaign and your goal for the amount that you are raising. In addition, hire a company that specializes in letters to donors asking for money for the campaign. For example, if you target high school youth at risk for dropping out, your campaign can request funds for a particular high school that you have identified as needing the most help at this time. The donations collected must go to the cause that is specified. This will help build your reputation within the community and will give you a list of active donors who you can call for a future campaign.
Gala
Organize a gala and sell tickets for admission. The ticket sales will act as a fundraiser, but the money that is donated through activities at the gala will be the main reason for the event. Have a fancy dinner at an elegant venue with speakers that include those who have been helped by your nonprofit. Organize a silent or live auction for donated items and activities. Or hold a raffle for theme baskets or other desirable items. Find a musician who will donate time at the gala to help attendees immerse themselves in the mood of giving for the evening.
Small Groups
Have the head of your organization, or the person used as the face of your nonprofit, meet with small groups of current donors and their friends in a donor's home. The development director should be present to meet the attendees and know who to call to follow up with a pitch for donations. This is an intimate affair that gives major donors and others an opportunity to mingle, ask questions and to become closely acquainted with your nonprofit and those who represent it.
Electronic Giving
Your nonprofit organization should take advantage of the electronic media available to elicit donations. Your website should have donation capabilities and accept all debit and major credit cards. Create social networking accounts to reach more donors and update them at least once a day. Start small campaigns on these sites and ask your electronic followers to each donate $1 for a specific cause that your charity supports. Update how much you have collected in real time to encourage others to join. Place a deadline on the giving and rally those on your website and social media pages to help you reach your goal.
