Fundraising 101

The Basics of Fundraising

Guide to Online Fundraising

Online fundraising is the wave of the future. Already, it is making a dent in direct mail fundraising, and, as the “wired” generation matures, online may become the dominant form of fundraising.

Giving Circles

New models for giving seem to be exploding. Giving Circles is one of those new models that is growing in popularity.

Study Proves the Worth of Giving Circles

Giving Circles are Hot, Especially for Donors Who Want to Get Up Close and Personal with Their Causes

Raising Funds Through Auctions

Auctions can be a enjoyable way to raise funds, whether you do them as an event or online. Find out how to do them well.

Why Online Fundraising Auctions Work

With the help of the Internet, online auctions break the barriers of time and geography and allow organizations to reach a broader audience and increase their fundraising potential. Online auctions also offer a more quantifiable value proposition to donors and sponsors. They also dramatically expand the marketing reach for organizations as a whole, creating a greater awareness of the cause and a greater fundraising capability.

How to Raise More Money through Online Auction Fundraisers

Online auctions are a cost-effective way for charities to expand their reach and engage supporters willing to donate but who for reasons of geography, babysitters or other conflicts find themselves unable to attend the annual gala or other live event.

A Holiday Take On the Nonprofit Auction

Coming up with fresh and creative ways to build a charitable auction is the key to enticing bidders, driving up earnings, and raising more money from your fundraiser. One way this can be done is by running “theme” or “concept” auctions.

20 Ways to Make Your Auction More Effective - Even in an Economic Downturn

Respondents had a variety of thoughts in what they will do differently next year. Over 60% said they would start the process of getting items earlier. Greater use of online was cited by 39% of respondents. Thirty on percent said they would get more high priced items while 19% said they would get additional lower priced items to appeal to more people.

The Basics of Nonprofit Fundraising

Raising funds for a nonprofit is one of the most important tasks, and one of the most complex.

New 990 Makes Nonprofit Fundraising Registration Unavoidable

Some nonprofits have been flying "under the radar" when it comes to registering to fundraise outside their home states. This is no longer possible.

Fundraising Fundamentals

Fundraising is the life blood of any nonprofit organization. But, where do you start? Here is a briefing on the major methods of fundraising and sources of those donor dollars.

6 Steps to a Simple Annual Fundraising Plan for a Start-Up Nonprofit

With the mass of fundraising advice, sources, strategies and tools, a new nonprofit, just getting started with its fundraising, can be more than confused. Here are some simple steps to get you started.

Tips for Writing a Fundraising Letter

Just like copywriting, writing great fundraising letters is not for the amateur. However, unlike businesses that can often afford to pay the big bucks for great copywriting, nonprofits usually depend on in-house staff to write that crucial letter and to put together their direct mail package. Here to help are the Cardinal Rules of writing a fundraising letter.

How to Make the Most of Your Special Events

Special events are not a way to raise a lot of money immediately, but they can be a part of your strategic plan to cultivate future donations, and to boost your profile in the community.

How to Start an Endowment for Your Nonprofit

An endowment is something a nonprofit of any kind and size can attain. An endowment is also something that can insure your organization against the future.

Fundraising Simplified and De-Scarified: a Review

Pitman's book is quick and precise. He has developed what he calls his R.E.A.L. process to guide us through the fundraising cycle. R.E.A.L. represents research, engage, ask, love and back to research. Follow the process, rinse and repeat.

How to Break Into Corporate Employee Giving Programs

Not every charity is a good candidate for such programs, but don't count them out if you are a new charity or a small one. Here are some tips to pursuing corporate employee donor programs.

Tips On the Fine Art of Cultivating Donors

Cultivation is what makes solicitation possible, and ultimately donations. Done well, cultivation sets the stage for easy and successful "asks."

No Money for Donor Acquisition? Focus on Retention

During these difficult times, we should focus our resources on our organization's "missionaries," "loyalists," and "lapsed donors."

Chart of Income for a Nonprofit

It is helpful, especially for startup nonprofits, to develop a chart showing annual income from all sources. Here is an example that you can use.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nonprofit Fundraising

Here are some of the questions we are frequently asked about fundraising.

Where Can I Find Financial Information About a Nonprofit?

Before you become involved with a nonprofit organization, you have the right to see its financial information. What if the nonprofit is cagey about providing that?

Can We Start Raising Funds or Do We Have to Register First?

It is not enough to become an IRS registered nonprofit in order to raise funds. Most states require registration too.

What Is Unrelated Business Activity?

Most nonprofits engage in some kind of business activity to help support their organization. But, what activities are related and what are unrelated? And, what are the tax implications?

Should We Suggest Donation Levels?

Should you include suggested donation levels on your donor's return envelope?

Can one make part of a for-profit business into a nonprofit?

There are potential pitfalls when combining a business and nonprofit organization, though it can be done.

Are there any rules about how much fundraising my nonprofit has to do?

501(c)(3) charitable organizations have to have a certain percentage of funding from the general public

How Can a Nonprofit Accept Credit Card Donations?

Most nonprofits of any size should be able to accept donations by credit card. Donors love the convenience and perks that they get when they pay with a credit card; and the nonprofit benefits from quick collection of funds.

I'm starting a nonprofit. When can I start accepting donations?

Naturally, a start-up nonprofit is anxious to start raising money. But, it is best to wait until all the details are wrapped up.

Information in this article gathered from About.com available here.