Fundraising Brainstorm

Fundraising Brainstorming Session

Conducting a fundraising brainstorming session can be a productive way to come up with good ideas for new resources. Promoting what you do does not have to translate into strong sales tactics or "collaring" people into doing what they don't want to do. It can be a pleasant experience if you employ a variety of fundraising options as a total package. Remember that believing strongly in what you do coupled with dogged persistence translates into future dollars.

1. Consider employing the Internet fundraising web sites (see Volunteer/Donor under

Related Links) as one method in a package of fundraising ideas. More and more

groups are finding them very effective.

2. Ask your volunteers if their employers donate to the charities where they volunteer.

Many employers are donating money to the cause if an employee volunteers for X

number of volunteer hours per week or month. (Many companies already have

programs like these set up. If not, mentioning it may initiate the idea.)

3. Contact and meet with donors (on a one-on-one basis) who haven't

yet donated this year. Ask them why they haven't and let them know of your

needs and your appreciation for their help in previous years.

4. Consider placing free community service ads that publicize your group's name,

mission, and need. Some people just need to hear that you exist before they can

donate.

5. Identify a celebrity in the area that you respect and meet with them about what it is

you do. They may be willing to give you a free endorsement.

6. Network, network, and network! Get creative on where to go to meet potentially l

large donors. Meeting new people is an investment in your organization's future.

7. Have willing and happy recipients of your program's services speak about the

group at local civic group functions. They don't have to be eloquent speakers to be

effective. There's nothing more impressive and meaningful than a live testimonial

for bringing in donations. You never know who's going to be in the audience and will

be moved by their talk.

8. Contact a local radio station, educate them on what you do, and schedule a fun-

time fundraiser. (Example: People/teams ask for pledges and then participate in a

mattress sled race, go-cart racing, mini-golf activity, etc.) Everyone gains publicity

and you gain both new volunteers and donors.

9. Advertise the rewards your group has received! Do it one-on-one, in talks, and in

the media. It's not bragging … it's informing. Everyone wants to give to and be

associated with a winning team.

10. Team up with local small or large businesses. Businesses want to attract loyal

clients and supporting good causes is one of the ways local business owners

attract and keep good customers.

11. Identify free or low-cost products or services over the Internet available to non-

profits.

12. Ask local businesses for a cost reduction or a donation of office or other

equipment as a write-off.

13. Get good at being persistent and not taking "No" for an answer. As in sales, it's the

5th attempt that wins the prize.

14. Do you have talented people in your volunteer pool who make unique gifts or

products for the holidays and who might be willing to donate a part of their

proceeds to you? This can set up another fundraising option that also benefits the

local entrepreneur.