Funded by the West Virginia Developmental Disabilities Council

Keeping the “FUN” in Fundraising

“A plan to raise money to do more work.” What is Fundraising? “A plan to raise money to do more work.”

Two principles of fundraising People don’t give to causes. People give to people with causes. There is never enough money to do the job. Fund-raising is the mother’s milk of the activity which not only feeds the organization itself, but funds and grows and furthers the good work that get done. Fund-raising helps the organization to keep track of itself, be organized in its approach, and to think about it mission and the way it represents itself to its stakeholder.

Different Ways of Raising Resources Asking for donations from individual or corporate donors Special events like dinners, dances, concerts Charging for a service Selling goods (food, t-shirts, hats) Membership fees (dues)

How to Ask for Money Open Engage Tell your story Ask for involvement Make a connection. Engage Watch what how they act when you ask and listen! Tell your story This is your mission - what you can do. Ask for involvement Know what you are going to ask for - have an amount ready.

If they say……. You say……. That is too much Not right now How much would you be comfortable with? Not right now When would be a good time? I’ll think about it What more information do you need to make a decision? This is not something I’m interested in. What would you be interested in supporting? Remember at this point it is about them and not your organization. It’s about the donor and how you can provide them an opportunity to support a cause they care about! Above all else - LISTEN!

Principals of Fundraising Fundraising is very personal - people give to other people! Them that ASK, get! Don’t be afraid to ask! After asking – LISTEN! Get money from different places. Plan ahead – start working at least a year before you need the money. Do good work and let other people know about it – they are more likely to give you money.

Thank You! Christina Smith Executive Director People First of WV christina.smith@arcwd.org