Fundraising

101
The Beginning Steps
of Fundraising
Success

I Give Because....
Use the notecards on the table & write THREE reasons why you give/donate
No peeking!

Top 15 Reasons Donors Give

1. A familiar face asked- I wanted to help them!
2. I felt emotionally moved by someones story
3. I want to feel Im not powerless in the face of need (especially true during
disasters)
4. I want to feel a sense of community or group
5. I want to change someones life
6. It makes me feel connected to my city and community
7. I want to have a good image for myself or my company
8. I give for religious reasons- my faith teaches me to help

Top Reasons Donors Give

(Continued)
9. Guilt- I feel bad if I am asked and say no
10. Transparency- I am more likely to give if I know exactly where the money is going
11. I give to receive recognition for my good deeds
12. I give because it is Christmastime- Time of Year
13. Giving in remembrance of a loved one
14. I was raised to give back to the community- its a family tradition
15. I want to be seen as a leader or role model

Why People Do NOT Give

No plan
No powerful supporters
A concern about management
A concern about investments
Wrong solicitors
No follow up
Impersonal
Inadequate communications

Giving & Asking

People give money because they want to
People do not give money unless they are asked
People give money to people, not programs
People give money to opportunities, not deficits
People give to successful organizations, not distressed ones
People give money because they want to make a change for the good

PEOPLE GIVE MONEY BECAUSE THEY ARE ASKED!

Lesson Objectives
Develop understanding about effective methods of raising money for nonprofit
organizations
Share knowledge and personal experiences that others can use to increase their
fundraising abilities
Lay the groundwork for success:
Create a clear and functional pre-fundraising plan
Provide the practical tools to bring the plan to life

What is Fundraising?
Fundraising- (Noun) the raising of assets and resources from various sources for
support of an organization or a specific project
-The Association of Fundraising Professionals Dictionary Online

Sources of Funding
Individuals- your best form of support!
Corporations- building relationships can PAY off (In-kind donations, volunteer
support, matching gifts, grants, sponsorship)
Foundations (family, community, private, corporate)
Organizations
Events
Government

Before You Start...

Organizational budget
Non-profit tax status
Donor tracking database
A system to quickly acknowledge donors
Individuals who are trained in how to ask for money (staff/team)
Knowledge of available funding resources
Basic materials about the organization
Firm knowledge of who you are

Three Steps to Success

1. Make it CLEAR
2. Make it EASY
3. Make it FUN

So What Does all this Mean?

Fundraising is a combined effort between the entire staff, the Executive Director,
Development Director (if applicable), and the members of the board

Think to yourself: What is one thing you can do in the next 48 hours to engage
your staff members or coworkers to become more focused on fundraising?

CREATE A PLAN
Step 1: Assess your strengths and weaknesses
Think, Pair, Share! Get into groups of 2 or 3 and discuss CCI strengths and
weaknesses when it comes to fundraising efforts.
Things to consider:
Board and board giving
Staff
Members, donors, prospects
Grants
Corporate donations

CREATE A PLAN
Step 2: Review your current budget and fundraising numbers
Make sure to include:
Special Events
Individual Donors
Sponsors
Grants
In- Kind Contributions

CREATE A PLAN
Step 2: Continued
Compare your funding sources to determine
where you are lacking funds
Consider ALL sources: major donors, mid-level
donors, low-level donors, total individual
donations, total foundation donations, total
grants, total corporate sponsorships, total
special events & total earned income

CREATE A PLAN
Step 3: Set Goals
Create tangible goals for a given time period within your fundraising categories

Goal Example
GOAL: $165,000
DEADLINE: July 31, 2013 (end of FY 2013)
Donor Goals: Secure 25 gifts of $1,000 or more / Increase donor retention rate to 70% / Get at least
three prospect names from each board member Raise $67,500 total
Grant Goals: Apply for five grants; receive at least two grants / Contact each foundation at least four
times during grant period Raise $55,000 total
Corporate Giving Goals: Identify five potential corporate sponsors with which a board or staff member
has a personal connection / Ask for four donations Raise $15,000 total
Event Goals: Secure sponsors that cover 100% of Annual Dinner event costs Net $20,500

CREATE A PLAN
Step 4: Create a Fundraising Calendar
From January to December, create a fundraising calendar of your monthly goals
and events
Include specific dates and deadlines
Include holidays that affect the programs or events
Can include monthly and yearly funding goals
Who is responsible for deadlines?

Fundraising Calendar Example

January
Holidays & Fixed
Dates
New Year's DayJanuary 1
Twelfth NightJanuary 6
MLK DayJanuary 21
Fundraising
Dates &
Deadlines Annual
Dinner Planning
Kickoff MeetingJanuary 15
(MARY & JOE)
Smith Family
Foundation Grant
due- January 25
(STEVEN)

February
Holidays &
Fixed Dates
Lundi GrasFebruary 11
Mardi GrasFebruary 12
Fundraising
Dates &
Deadlines
Annual Dinner
Monthly
Planning
MeetingFebruary 28
(MARY & JOE)

March
Holidays &
Fixed Dates
St. Patrick's
Day- March 17
Staff RetreatMarch 29-31
Fundraising
Dates &
Deadlines
Annual Dinner
Monthly
Planning
MeetingMarch 21
(MARY & JOE)

April

May

June

Holidays & Fixed

Dates
Volunteer
Appreciation
Luncheon- April 6
French Quarter

Holidays &
Fixed Dates
Jazz FestMay 2-5
Mother's DayMay 12

Holidays &
Fixed Dates
Father's DayJune 16
Fundraising
Dates &

Think Quietly & Grab a Post-it!

How are you doing in relation to these four steps?
Of the fundraising planning tools given, what one thing might you try out to
upgrade your organization and planning?

Lets Get Some Feedback!

In front of you, you will find a CCI Fundraiser Feedback Form
It is important to get staff opinion on past fundraisers so we can better plan for
the future!
Please fill out the form and have a great day :)

THANK YOU!
REFERENCES USED:
Fundraising 101. (2013, September 10). Retrieved from www.gnof.org/.../Fundraising-101-slides-NOLA
Holland, T. P., Ph.D. (n.d.). Fundraising for Your Non Profit Organization. Retrieved from
nonprofit.uga.edu/Academics/FacultyDocs/FUNDRAISING