Fundraising is a Strategic Process…NOT a Problem.

Whether your not for profit is in its’ infancy stages and you assume the title of Executive Director simply because you are the inspiration behind the cause or the Executive Director was selected among highly qualified candidates for the well established not for profit either in the midst of or with the support of an eager Board of Directors, approaching explosive growth; Fundraising is a PROCESS. Fundraising is also strategic, but most of all…Fundraising is FUNdraising!!!

Let’s examine the four categories of fundraising and a brief overview of the strategies that are unique to each. I know placing a number and a label on the categories of fundraising processes, someone will feel the need to challenge that there is yet another category to be added. The principle fact is there very well may be another category, however, the fact remains fulfilling the financial or in kind contribution expectation of the need is the bottom line and success will only be achieved when a well-planned strategy is established no matter what category the campaign falls under.

• Sponsorship Campaign: The Sponsorship Campaign is a fundraising campaign that often can be viewed as an infinite campaign. In isolated circumstances a Sponsorship Campaign that is infinite can prove successful for an organization. Infinite Sponsorship Campaigns should likely take on the title of Membership to potentially inspire recurring gifts. Setting a time limit on a Sponsorship Campaign creates a sense of urgency with the donor as well as the potential fundraising teams of the organization. Sponsorship campaigns can kickoff multiple times a year often with shorter terms and reduced goal expectations.

• Annual Giving: Annual Giving Campaigns exist in support of the overall mission of the organization where support is required in order to provide the services. The champion of Annual Giving Campaigns is the United Way. I can declare with nearly absolute certainty that no adult that has ever worked a full time job in a mid sized to large company without being solicited by a United Way Volunteer sharing their story at a company United Way Campaign Kickoff. The United Way Annual Giving Campaign should be considered the model for all Annual Giving Campaigns. There is structure, an established goal, a time limit, volunteers, and ultimately successes are celebrated.

• Capital Giving: Capital Giving Campaigns are unique in that they rarely occur annually, but rather are isolated to larger tangible expenditures such as building, renovation, or equipment purchases. Again the strategy for the Capital Campaign is strategic and requires volunteers to function as teams, goals to be aggressive while also attainable, a time frame that is potentially lengthier and/or performed in stages.

• Special Events: Special Events are the newsworthy events that often give the organization FREE publicity that is always an added benefit of the event. Whether it’s a “Handbag for Hope”, black tie gala, “Jail and Bail”, fitness run/walk, or a motorcycle poker run, the event must proclaim the mission of the organization. Volunteers, extensive planning, and follow through are a must in order for any Special Event Campaign to achieve success. Special Events are not methods of raising funds for an organization that can be thrown together haphazardly. The potential exposure is too great if success is not attained and the damage can create a substantial setback to the organizations image compromising future events.

Instituting a fundraising strategy is critical in not only performing a successful campaign, but also the basis for creating a FUNdraising Campaign. If you would like support in developing your FUNdraising Campaign strategies in your organization, we are eager to team together with you to get the results you desire. Visit our website at www.themeritgroupindy.com or call 317-805-4896 today!