Easy Fund Raising Ideas

Archive for April, 2010

Question: What resources are available to train how to write grant applications for non profits?

Sometimes, when charitable organizations are fundraising by writing to foundations or other agencies, they need some more instruction on how to write a professional grant application. I’m looking for free online resources or webinars that will train grassroots non-profit organizations on the basics for how to apply for grants.

Answer: Check out the following resources

Teaching Yourself to be a Grantwriter http://www.grantproposal.com/starting_inner.html
Minnesota Council on Foundations Writing a Successful Grant Proposal http://www.mcf.org/mcf/grant/writing.htm
American Association of Grant Professionals http://www.grantprofessionals.org
Non profit Guides http://www.npguides.org/
GrantExperts.com http://www.grantexperts.com
Association of Fund Raising Professionals http://www.afpnet.org/
Foundation Center http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/learnabout/proposalwriting.html

Houston Association of Fundraising Professionals

Question: Planning a fundraiser – Can you help?

I want to organise a fundraiser for a child who has cancer. I live in the UK but the baby lives in America.

Just a few questions:

1. Do I need to register this as a charity?
2. How do I approach sponsors for the fundraising event? Letter, email, in person?
3. Should I prepare a presentation to encourage sponsors to donate?
4. What are some good ideas for fundraising? (Bingo, poker, etc…)
5 How can I attract a high profile guest/entertainer?

Anything else you may think I need to know?

Thank you in advance!

Answer: 1. You cannot register as a charity as a charity has to be capable of benefitting more than one person. You can legally fundraise for this child as long as you do not describe the events, etc as charitable. You also need to make clear who the money is for and what will happen to any excess funds raised.
2. In person generally works better, but have some printed literature which you can leave with them.
3. Presentation may be a bit heavy – most people don’t have the time.
4. Many books and internet sites on Fundraising Ideas.
5.Connections – who do you know, who does anyone in your group know who knows someone who knows someone…………?

Bingo Central Fundraising For Comic Relief Red Nose Day 2009