Online Class: Fundraising 101

Mastering Fundraising: Transforming Aspirations into Achievements

In today's interconnected world, the heart's desire to make a difference remains as profound as ever. Many individuals and groups have noble aspirations—supporting non-profits, championing worthy charities, advocating for political or religious causes, bolstering local schools, or extending a hand to specific community needs. However, aspirations need actionable plans, and that's where effective fundraising enters the picture.

Introducing our meticulously designed course, Fundraising 101. Tailored to elucidate the nuances of fundraising, this course aims to transform you from a passionate visionary into a fundraising maven. Although primarily crafted for beginners, seasoned fundraisers will also discover a wealth of innovative ideas backed by contemporary data and trends.

Understanding Today's Fundraising Landscape:

The landscape of charitable giving has seen a significant evolution. With the proliferation of organizations vying for attention and resources, the challenge isn't just about raising funds—it's about making your cause resonate in a cacophony of voices. Potential donors are continually inundated with requests, making it imperative for fundraisers to craft compelling narratives and employ strategic techniques. By grasping the concepts presented in this course, you'll be better equipped to convert potential hesitations of "I already contributed elsewhere" into enthusiastic affirmations like, "Absolutely, how can I help?"

Course Breakdown:

1. Fundraising Start-Up Essentials:

   • Overview: Understand the foundational principles of fundraising.
   • Example: The significance of mission statements and how they guide fundraising goals.

2. Developing Your Fundraising Plan:

   • Overview: Delve deep into formulating a comprehensive and flexible fundraising strategy.
   • Example: Crafting a year-long fundraising calendar with milestones and review points.

3. Marketing Strategies for Fundraisers:

   • Overview: Harness the power of marketing to create visibility and engagement around your cause.
   • Example: Utilizing storytelling techniques to enhance donor engagement.

4. Using the Internet and Technology:

   • Overview: Explore the digital frontier of fundraising, from online campaigns to leveraging social media platforms.
   • Example: Case study on a successful crowdfunding campaign and its components.

5. Fundraising Events:

   • Overview: Organize and execute memorable events that drive donations and foster community spirit.
   • Example: Organizing a community marathon: logistics, partnerships, and promotional strategies.

6. Attracting and Winning Major Donors:

   • Overview: Learn techniques to identify, approach, and secure substantial contributions.
   • Example: Curating personalized donor experiences to nurture long-term relationships.

7. Strategies to Keep Givers Giving:

   • Overview: Delve into retention strategies, ensuring that your supporters remain engaged and invested in your cause over time.
   • Example: Implementing a monthly donor program with tiered benefits.

Each lesson is enriched with assignments, exams, and practical resources. These are curated to ensure students not only grasp theoretical concepts but can apply them in real-world contexts.

Why Choose Fundraising 101?

The art and science of fundraising is a dynamic interplay of strategy, emotion, and perseverance. Our course offers a holistic blend of these elements, ensuring that each student emerges with a toolkit, brimming with the latest techniques, ready to champion their chosen cause.

Your aspirations are noble, and with the right guidance, they're entirely achievable. Dive into Fundraising 101 and pave the way for a future where your dreams are funded, and your impact is felt. Register today to start your transformative journey in the world of fundraising.

This is the document that you will ultimately be showing to potential donors. It will be a description of your organization that you may leave with others so that they can learn more.

• Don't be afraid to ask family and friends to assist, hey, what are friends for?
• Don't hem people in, take what they can offer. You may have a relative or friend who cannot devote many hours to your cause, but they might be willing to create a flyer or brochure for you during their lunch break.
• Take out an ad in the local paper or post one in a grocery store, (or other high traffic area), calling for like-minded volunteers.
• Build your expanded team from your nucleus. If you have a small group together ask them to call upon their friends and families to help.
• For larger fundraising efforts it may be necessary to pay specialized individuals to assist. Be sure to narrow down those things that absolutely can't be accomplished by the volunteers already on your team.
• Keep the "work" atmosphere fun. High morale is key in keeping your unpaid helpers happy.
• Thank those who do agree to volunteer often and lavishly; let them know that their help is greatly appreciated.
• Celebrate milestones and accomplishments with a pizza party or some other small gesture of festivity, (perhaps even donated by a local business!).

Some other points to help keep your team organized:

• Be forthcoming; do not "selectively" provide information to your team.
• Keep everyone involved.
• Welcome ideas and suggestions.
• Audio record meetings, or, at the very least, assign one person to act as "secretary" and write down decisions made during meetings.
• Set up a regular meeting schedule to ensure that everyone stays current on progress and goals.
• Train new incoming volunteers well. Take the time to get them up-to-date on what has transpired so far and introduce them to the rest of the team.
• Be sure to handle personality conflicts between team members promptly and with care to avoid hurt feelings, or worse, the loss of a helpful volunteer!
• Gently let your volunteers know if they are off track or confused about their particular job.
• A sense of humor goes a long way; don't be too stringent with your "rules."

Once you have a meeting place designated and secured, be sure to provide your volunteers with provisions that they will need to accomplish their tasks. The most obvious and simple are notepads and pens, refreshments, and use of bathroom facilities. However, depending on how involved the fundraising campaign or group is you may also want to consider some of the following:

• Access to telephones with multiple lines
• Computers with Internet access and printers
• Copy and fax machines
• Basic office supplies, such as: file folders, paper clips, pens, paper, staplers, printer ink, postage, envelopes and the like
• Software such as Microsoft Office, MS Publisher or Adobe Acrobat

Make a list of the equipment and technology items you think you will need. This list may become more extensive as your development plan (Lesson Two) becomes more defined. As a basic reference use the list above. Browse your local Office Supply store and Internet supply stores to get the best prices on larger items.