Before embarking on any fundraising activities, its important to employ some specific strategies to maximize your efforts. After all, fundraising means money and money requires good management.
A good plan and fund raising strategy sets up a structure and goals for raising money and helps you stay in touch with your cause and evaluate your achievements. Through a well-thought out strategy you are showing everyone you work with that you have:
considered and established priorities;
considered the most effective allocation of resources;
planned for the future;
provided an action plan
What to consider?
1. Your Mission Statement is the first strategic step to a successful campaign; setting up a clear vision from the beginning about what the fundraising stands for is important for the organization and for potential donors;
2. Establish financial goals in positive but realistic terms. Trying to make the group's plan fit the budget rather than making the budget fit the plan is a common error characteristic of stifled organizations. Break down the amount required into small sums and you will find it more straightforward to decide upon a particular method of raising funds.
3. Explore creative funding sources. Don't get stuck with the same old ideas that everyone else is using. Brainstorm to find exciting new ideas. Use multiple approaches to fundraising and identify all potential funding sources.
4. Establish a fundraising plan. Answer who, what, when, where and why you are running the fundraiser. Find the place for volunteers in the team and set up clear guidelines for each. Do not try to have one person do everything. Instead, get everyone in the group to participate by delegating tasks.
5. Organize the fundraising activities. Follow all activities in detail and be prepared to overcome any unwelcome problem, like orders taken too late or unexpected costs.
6. Evaluate fundraising activities to see if you reached your financial goals. Seek feedback from members about their thoughts and concerns of the event, and include recommendations for future fundraising activities. Thank all your volunteers and supporters. Keep the donors informed on how their money was spent. Showing appreciation will keep the door open for next year.
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