Starting A Non-Profit: Fundraising

It is estimated that a lion’s share of over 85% of the total collection is raised from direct individual donations every year. Comprising of both small and substantial donations, these sustain and develop non profit organizations. However all is not hunky dory as it might sound. If you are start up non profit organization you should plan each of your steps diligently as you are not very sure of the intricacies of the complex process of Non Profit fund raising.

As a first step honey comb your neighborhood and local community for potential donors, before moving on to Internet Fundraising.

The process of raising funds

There are many sources of funds such as availing grants and conducting product sales and special events or by phonathons. Online fundraising is the latest catch word among the non profit fraternity world wide in the present era. Basically you have to hit upon one or two major donors who will make substantial contributions to the organization. There are some simple steps that could be useful in drawing prospective into the project.

1. Compile a comprehensive list of all prospective donors who are likely to get interested in the line of activities of the non profit organizations.

2. As the saying goes, non profit fund raising is more of friend raising by organizing interest events such as dinner, concerts and carnivals among others with interesting prizes for the winners.

3. The next step would be to string up a mailing list with some of the big shots in the locality and all those persons who you think will be interested in your activities. Make sure to include complete residential and office address with phone number and all personal details and other relevant information of the donors in the mailing list.

4. Send a cordial letter to every individual listed where you can shed light on how the organization is involved in community services, which could be possible only with the donations in cash and kind from noble hearted gentlemen like them. Make sure to include a pre addressed return envelope while requesting for contribution as it might be easier for the donor.

5. Extend invitation to the prospective donor to be a volunteer. Ensure to engage a friendly volunteer coordinator to receive them to receive their calls and to clear all their queries. The coordinator should introduce the guests to the staff, and make them good and a part of the organization. Once a volunteer finds himself part of the organization, chances of making contributions increase

6. Do not lose heart for those who did not volunteer. You can try sending letters or newsletters and request them to speak to their civic groups and church groups about the organization as nothing can beat the effect of the word of the mouth publicity even in this digital age of internet.

7. Make sure to shower praises and thanks whenever possible as good words and deeds always pay off.

8. Last but not least, the donors should be taken into confidence about your activities that are being carried out with their aid. Provide all the latest figures and facts by way of news letters and email messages, which would keep up their interest and passion in continuing this work.