Fundraising Best Practices
Fundraising Best Practices Stephannie Sack Bailey Incoming International Vice President Panhellenic Affairs IVPPA@alphagammadelta.org Stephanie Simpson Philanthropy Committee Chairman PCC@alphagammadelta.org
By the end of our time together, you will be able to: Identify the why, how and what of your fundraiser Differentiate between types of nonprofit organizations Identify the main ways of fundraising Review marketing and logistic strategies Complete an evaluation form that walks you through the process of planning for a fundraiser
Types of Fundraising
Types of Fundraising 501 ( c ) 3 Tax-deductible Charity Non-profit Ex: Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation 501 ( c )? Not for profit, but may not be a charity Not tax-deductible Ex: Alpha Gamma Delta *Why this matters: not all non-profit organizations are tax exempt or tax-deductible. Make sure that you know your organization s status prior to fundraising!
Various Ways to Fundraise Endowment Large gifts with fewer donors Give stability to an organization or institution Use the interest to fund operations or scholarships Capital Campaign Bricks and mortar Often facility related Endowments Remodeling or building a facility Annual Fund Smaller gifts with more donors Typically for annual programs Stimulate regular giving Direct mail Phone-a-thons Project or Event One time or periodic event Annual Event Gala or some in person event Smaller individual gifts Our focus of today
Why are you fundraising?
Simon Sinek: Start with the Why
Simon Sinek: Start with the Why Start with What What: We need money How: By asking people over the phone, email and in person Why: So we can meet our goal and help x Start with Why Why: Kids need safe and fun places to grow and develop How: Build a playground for the kids in our neighborhood What: By fundraising and asking those to support our cause Which one is more compelling?
What is your why?
Fundraising Things to Consider
Fundraising Things to Consider Marketing Event Logistics Sponsorship People Follow Up
Planning for Your Fundraiser Event Logistics Prior to the Event What is the budget and what do the gifts support? What are the potential barriers? Does our location have any parameters like capacity or parking issues? What equipment/permit needs do we have? How will donations be accepted? What is our emergency/safety plan? Day of Plans What are your talking points? What is the attire? Will there be photography? Who is in charge of which areas of the event?
Planning for Your Fundraiser - People Volunteers How many people will you need? What are their job responsibilities? What is the time commitment? How will we recruit these volunteers? Fundraisers (people not the event) What are your talking points? What is a tangible way of explaining gifts support? $5 pays for five meals $200 allows one student to attend camp $1000 funds a scholarship Make it real for them What is the cause they are fundraising for? Fundraisers need to be confident in what they are selling Is the fundraising a competition? How will you ask for money? Face-to-face, crowdfunding, email, over the phone?
Planning for Your Fundraiser - Marketing What to Include: Basics Who is the beneficiary of the fundraiser? What is the goal or mission? How can people help? (volunteer, donate, advertise, etc.) When is the event being held? Social Media Plan What to Include: More In Depth Date, time, location, attire expectations Transparency and credibility Host individuals/organization Where the funds will be donated How donations can be made (cash, check, cc, online, in person, etc.) If donations are tax deductible How charity aligns with host s mission, goals, etc.
Planning for Your Fundraiser Sponsorship What to Prepare In Advance Drafted letters to go out to companies Levels of giving Action plan of who to contact How to Recognize Them at the Event Logo on fliers, shirts, screens
Planning for Your Fundraiser Follow Up After Event Follow Up Send out Thank You notes! Reconcile any payments so the final total can be calculated Debrief and Plan for Next Year Ideally right after the event Share what went well Talk about what can be done better next time Celebrate your successful event!
Case Study Preparation in Action
Case Study Choices Choose one of these groups to create a fundraiser for and then come up to the front to receive more information on your chosen group to support. Red, Buff and Green Alumnae Club of Alpha Gamma Delta Friends of the Squirrel Town Library EHB Elementary- Home and School Association Relay for Life Event on Campus Medical support for friend or family Plan of Action Choose your organization Agree on the type of fundraiser Go through the planning process Thoroughly fill out best fundraising planning worksheet
Case Study Share Out
Takeaways Today we ve covered: Types of Fundraisers How to Start with the Why Things to Consider Marketing Volunteer Needs Promoting of the Event Sponsorship Follow Up After the Event
Questions? Stephannie Sack Bailey, Incoming International Vice President Panhellenic Affairs IVPPA@alphagammadelta.org Stephanie Simpson, Philanthropy Committee Chairman PCC@alphagammadelta.org