Non Profit Fundraising Strategies: Ideas for Maximizing Donations
Fundraising is one of the toughest activities going. After all, you are asking someone to give you something
for free aren't you? There are quite a few non profit fundraising strategies out there that will help you
maximize your donations.
Variety is the spice of life and it’s no different when it comes to fundraising for non profit groups.
All of these are tried and true no-thrills fundraising ideas. Not all of them are suited to your particular
fundraising needs - as every non-profit has different needs and has fairly different donor bases etc.
Non Profit Fundraising Strategies - Auctions
There are many different items you can
offer in auctions as non profit fundraising strategies. Some of these include a balloon ride for two, a
hotel or vacation package, photographic portraits, furniture, dinner for two, membership to a country
club, and more.
Members of the organization can also auction off services such as lawn mowing or babysitting. The tried
and true bake sale auction can also be effective in helping raising funds.
Cash Back Rewards and Coupons
Important non profit fund raising strategies include
linking up with local businesses and collecting coupons. Some businesses such as Kmart and Office Depot offer
a percentage of cash back from purchases made by consumers affiliated with certain schools. For example,
Kmart’s program assigns different schools barcodes. Anytime affiliates make purchases the barcode is used
and later 5% of the cost of the purchases is rewarded to the schools.
There are online shopping web sites that help with non profit fund raising strategies by giving a percentage of
the proceeds to non-profits and schools. You can sign up at one of these sites and encourage your members to
shop there whenever possible. There are also cereal boxes that have coupons you can collect to raise
funds. Encourage your members to purchase these cereals and campaign to collect coupons.
Non Profit Fundraising Strategies -Challenge Gifts
One of the most lucrative non profit
fundraising strategies is the challenge gift. A challenge gift is usually a large gift that comes from a
corporation, individual, or foundation. The donor is basically challenging others to match their donation
and will only make the donation if the challenge is met.
Challenge gifts work very well because they pray on the egotistical tendencies in the mind. As many want to be
known as the "top donor" or "one who saved the organization.
This strategy really does energize donors to give a whole lot more than they normally
would.
When using this strategy, it’s important to keep the donors fired up or there motivations high. Common
strategy for doing this is the - thermometer. It's a large chart to show how much has already been raised.
Use this strategy when you approach new donors. As you get closer to the goal, you will be
surprised at how many donors will dig a little bit deeper and make an extra donation.
So there you have it, Fundraising strategies for non-profit organizations is tough. If one doesn't work, cut
your loss immediately an t try another one. . By doing so, you will be able to minimize your losses and
maximize donor gains.
