Simple and Effective Non Profit Fundraising
When many think of fund raising they think of grant writing and going for the big money (cha ching). Questions like how do I find donors and grant makers to fund the nonprofit induce ulcers. Many wonder if in this economy there is any donors and grant money left for a nonprofit to access. We will show you below how finding operating and program funds for your nonprofit can be stress free and sustainable.
Many good and successful nonprofits are made and supported adding one donor at a time. While large grants and huge checks may be nice, one of the most important and productive activities can be building and maintaining a stable donor base. Large grants and huge checks don’t grow on trees, instead many times they take a large investment of time and resources to obtain. For many nonprofits, grants are few and far between.
Instead of “gold mining” for the big money, a smarter and more stable approach can be just as satisfying. Many times smaller and simpler approaches to finding a stable funding base can be just what the nonprofit needs. With a stable base established, looking for larger supplemental grants and donors can add the “gravy” and be much less stressful. Let us explain.
Relationship Building
One of the most important activities and disciplines a nonprofit can concentrate on is finding good, reliable, and consistent donors. Donors that do not necessarily give the big checks but that believe in the nonprofit and will supply ongoing support are vital. These are the backbone of a stable income stream for a nonprofit. These are the donors and supporters that will carry the nonprofit even through the lean times. Once they are convinced that they should be a part of your story, they are there like clock work providing good moral and financial support. Many times, these supporters also become the best “evangelists” for the nonprofit bringing their friends, business partners, and even companies they work for into the nonprofit support system. Cultivating these types of supporters and donors are never a waste of time. Many of these can also be counted on to be a volunteer task force when doing special events, fund raising drives, and the nonprofit’s activities. These supporters do require ongoing personal relationship building activities.
How to build donor relationships
Building a strong donor support infrastructure like described above takes a different approach than looking for grants. These ongoing supporters need to feel and touch your nonprofit organization. They want and need to “feel the love.” You cultivate this type of supporter by smaller, more frequent and intimate events and activities. Some ideas for these types of events can be found at the post “Fundraising Ideas.” Keep these types of donors well informed, involved and reach out and touch them every chance you get. By involving them in the larger story of your nonprofit they will become loyal supporters which will provide a strong operating base of support for your organization. It is entirely possible to fund a very successful nonprofit off a group of this type of supporter, with them as a part, you will feel much more connected and have a group that believes and lives your vision. Whether you desire to start a nonprofit or already have one working, enable your nonprofit to be more stable in its funding with a strong financial backbone.
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