| Raising funds for charities, schools and worthy | | | | the public; but, the added burden of asking for money |
| organizations is not easy. The fact is that raising | | | | heightens this issue. Support staff, those who are |
| money takes a tremendous amount of time, effort, | | | | asking for donations, must not only know the mission |
| money and organization. And unless there is a donor | | | | and objectives of the charity, but they must be able to |
| who is bequeathing or giving funds directly, the process | | | | adequately articulate why money is being requested. |
| of fundraising is arduous. | | | | This may necessitate that the support staff has a |
| The overwhelming effort to raise funds is easier if a | | | | “script” to follow. This script will go a long way |
| charity is willing to plan and train like a professional | | | | to alleviating any fears or intimidation of speaking to |
| operation, with a special emphasis on treating the | | | | complete strangers and asking for money. |
| fundraiser like a public relations campaign. | | | | Those asking for money must also know what they |
| Many charities raise money each year by holding | | | | are selling and any representations made on behalf of |
| functions that serve as a primary means of financing | | | | third party suppliers. Whether magazine companies, |
| the operations of the cause. And this “annual | | | | candy suppliers or gift companies, these businesses |
| function” is not without great effort. Many people | | | | should be represented honestly. A script is ideal for |
| are involved with a management team leading the | | | | explaining what the donor is getting for any financial |
| effort. Hours are spent before and after normal hours | | | | donation. This may require that the support staff be |
| to plan and coordinate the fundraising campaign. Thus, | | | | prepared to answer questions. And in the event an |
| recruiting of volunteers is a taxing effort. Without the | | | | answer is not known, it is best to state, “I do not |
| proper amount of support, the effort will not have the | | | | know,” and then find out. |
| impact expected. | | | | Given the advent of the internet, fundraising may be |
| The logistical support of the fundraiser is essential. As | | | | easier, but the effort expended to raise funds is still |
| part of the planning process, the management needs | | | | intensive. In the end, a fundraiser is tantamount to a |
| to ensure that the proper and commensurate amount | | | | public relations campaign. Thus, the charity must ensure |
| of supplies is procured. And if an item is being sold to | | | | that it protects its good name and extends a genuine |
| raise funds, there has to be an adequate supply to | | | | degree of good will when asking for funds. |
| satisfy orders. Furthermore, any support team needs | | | | Most donors do not mind supporting a worthy cause. |
| the ancillary supplies to support the selling of product, | | | | But, when there are so many charities competing for |
| be it forms, pens and promotional literature. | | | | limited dollars, the organization that gives the extra |
| Training of the support staff is essential. Any charity is | | | | effort with planning, organizing, logistics, training and |
| concerned with not only representing itself well before | | | | selling is well served. |