FastTrack Fundraising Tips and Articles

We asked an expert for his top 10 tips on the nuances of email marketing for nonprofits and ways to increase conversion rates. One simple change he made lifted response 66%. Nonprofit organizations have different relationships with their members than businesses do with their customers. Those differences need to carry over into their email programs.“Part of the whole overall fundraising program is realizing that your newsletter that’s keeping people aware of your activities is really fundraising. Nobody will consider it that, but it really is the cultivation side of a fundraising program, not just asking for money once a month,” says Jeff Herrity, Internet fundraising professional.

When your list is ready for an appeal — or a donation request — Herrity follows a long list of best practices he has developed over the years for clients, including Amnesty International and the American Red Cross.

Here are his top 10 tips for putting together an email fundraising campaign:

The Email Itself

-> Tip #1. Put your request in the subject line

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The face of fundraising has changed drastically since its conception. During the late 19^th/early 20^th century, the fundraising process required organizations, even widely recognized ones such as the YMCA and United Way, to rely on prosperous business leaders within the neighborhood to help support their cause. When fundraising, individuals representing these organizations were left with no other choice but to meet with respectable members of the community and ask for donations, a very straight forward method that is no longer considered an acceptable procedure as it once was. Continue Reading…

When people think about fundraising ideas, they tend to think in dollar amounts. Most fundraisers focus on earning money for the short term and completely disregard the long term. This is where the idea of donor loyalty comes in. Any non profit organization or charitable cause depends on their donations to fund their efforts. Donor loyalty can play a key factor in this. Continue Reading…

Fundraising is an essential process for any organization that wishes to promote their worthwhile cause to the general public. By fundraising, not only are you making others aware of the goals you are trying to accomplish; you are also increasing your chances of attracting potential donors who share your sentiments and want nothing more than to support you in your efforts. One, however, must be realistic throughout this entire process and acknowledge the fact that although some individuals will gladly offer donations, there are many more who are not willing to do so. Continue Reading…

When your group is brainstorming fundraising ideas, don’t forget to include the thank you note. There are several parties responsible for the success of your fundraiser. Volunteers, sponsors and staff have all contributed their time and effort so that you may be one step closer to supporting your cause. Of most importance, however, are the donors. Continue Reading…

When raising money at fundraising events, it is up to the organizer to offer guests’ fun and easy games or tactics that will raise money for their non-profit organization. Although totally acceptable, raffles and 50/50 draws are becoming passé. You might want to try something with a little more pizzazz and consider the following game at your next fundraising event!

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One sure fire way of raising your company’s profile is to give back to the community. By donating to a worthy cause you will not only create awareness for your business, you will gain respect from the public. Giving back is highly recognized throughout society and can have a huge impact on the way your business is viewed. There are plenty of successful fundraising ideas that your company and a special interest group can benefit from. For example, you might consider hosting a silent auction fundraiser. This type of event is popular, social and enjoyable and you will raise good money for the charity of your choice. Silent auctions are not stand-alone events—you can incorporate them into a golf tournament, car rally, pub night, sock hop, concert, comedy night, or fashion show. Silent auctions can be held almost anywhere—the local community centre, golf & country club, restaurant or any other venue that appeals to you. Brainstorm with your employees to select an event that your staff will enjoy organizing and attending. On a personal level, raising money for the less fortunate can prove to be a rewarding experience for individual employees. It can also be a good character builder. Being a part of something that is beyond the ordinary day-to-day work activity can go a long way in enhancing staff enthusiasm and morale. You will also notice that employee pride increases as co-workers band together to achieve a charitable goal. Aside from charitable organizations, there are many individuals who may require assistance from your business. I knew of a woman in remission from breast cancer that suffered from the side effects of chemotherapy treatments. She didn’t have the money to install a stair lift in her home, so a small business in the community stepped up to the plate and organized a silent auction fundraiser to assist her. With only 60 guests, 30 silent auction items, and two live auction items, they raised over $4000. Engaging in the art of giving not only helped the woman, it brought public responsiveness to the company and the business increased tenfold.Hosting a silent auction is an excellent way to build business relationships and make new contacts. Canvassing for auction items opens the door to new opportunities, products and ideas. In a world where we are inundated with pleas for money, you will be surprised at how generous people are when it comes to donating auction items. People feel good when they can help out, and in the long run, a simple donation assists in promoting their own business.  The next time your company is planning an occasion be sure to consider the benefits of a silent auction fundraiser. Raise money for the charity of your choice and raise your business profile at the same time—giving back to the community is a real win-win.

No other fundraiser brings a community closer together than a discount card fundraiser does. Aimed at attracting residents within the neighborhood of your school, discount card fundraisers serve another purpose besides helping your cause; they assist in the development of a sense of community between all parties involved: you, your supporters and your sponsors. Continue Reading…

So your school has decided to begin fundraising for the essentials towards higher education, leaving you to make a very important decision:  which course of action to take. There are more traditional methods, such as selling chocolate bars or magazine subscriptions; however, keep in mind that there is a possibility of other schools within the area doing the same. Continue Reading…

All schools need money to fund classroom supplies and extra curricular projects. Fundraising is an essential process for the majority of classrooms, but many people just don’t know where to start. The key to a school fundraiser is having a timeline and sticking to it. Continue Reading…