What is fundraising?

Fundraising is the process of collecting money as donations, for a cause from individuals and businesses. A person who raises money from them is known as a fundraiser. 

It was usually used to gather money for non-profit organizations, but, over the years fundraising has evolved a lot and it is now used to fund various important causes. 

Types of Fundraising:

Fundraising is indeed a challenging job. If you're trying this for the first time, it can become quite tedious. We have listed some popular fundraising methods below which you can look upon before starting out.

There are many types in which fundraising happens.

1) Capital campaigns:

These are limited campaigns that are bound by time for a particular project. As these are time-specific, they require a good amount of preparation and clever execution, that's the reason why many non-profits do this.

2) Corporate support:

As the name suggests, this is philanthropic giving by a corporate company to an organization. The organizations involve NGOs and other non-profits. Non-profits approach corporate companies and explain their mission. Few corporations contribute to their causes either from a set budget or their foundation. Few companies may be interested in sponsoring an NGO's capital campaigns as it increases brand outreach. It is called Cause branding.

3) Online Fundraising:

This method is one of the easiest ways to raise funds for a cause. As it is online, it can reach a larger audience which might be physically impossible. Most non-profits in India aren't leveraging the power of online fundraising. You have got fundraising platforms like Milaap, which use crowdfunding to gather funds for your project.

4) Earned Income:

Earned income is the amount of money earned by producing goods or services provided by a non-profit. For example, an NGO might make handmade goods and accessories like purses and sell them. If you've ever bought any of those handmade accessories, you have contributed to that NGOs earned income. This usually requires a marketing plan and the "Being Human" brand is the perfect example of it as any accessory you buy under the Being Human brand contributes to the Being Human Foundation.

5) Grants:

Grants are amounts of cash given to organizations or individuals for precise purposes. An individual who is opting for a grant must keep track of all the data which may be required in the future. There are certain grants by the government as well. 

6) Membership Campaigns:

This is one effective way of gathering people to know more about your organization and the work that you do. Bringing in members enhances the chances to rake in more funding for your campaigns as most of the members get converted to donors in a short period. 

7) Special Events:

Raking in funds to support a cause from special events can prove to be the most efficient way as you not only get funds but, increase awareness about your brand and the importance of the cause. Many artists, like Justin Bieber, Coldplay. etc support few charities, and they organize charity concerts to contribute a certain share of their earnings for charitable purposes.

 

Charity Event Ideas

When there is a pressing need to raise funds for a cause, any method is good enough. But when you have a perspective, it becomes easier to plan and execute.

Let us look at a few of the popular campaign ideas and methods. First, at the outset, some of the traditional,  popular, and tested ones over time.

Auction

Charity auctions are perfect for raising funds for a cause and can be organized online and offline. From the humble garage sale to the high-profile events of leading auctioneers, charity auctions can happen at several levels.

Cultural Program

A cultural evening is another time-tested method of raising money for a cause. The performances may be individual or a team, organized at school or neighborhood level.

A cultural program can also happen at a bigger scale involving professional musicians/performers. The audience pays for entry. In case of a locally organized event, family members and friends of the participants will undoubtedly love the opportunity to witness the performances of their near ones.

Walking and Running Event

The charity runs and walks belong to a list of traditional and practical fundraising events. Although a running (or walking) event is a low overhead program, it is considered a high-return event for the organizer.

T-shirt Campaign

Fundraising by selling t-shirts is a standard, time-tested method. Individuals or organizations sell t-shirts for fundraising for a specific cause.

Fundraising Dinner

Fundraising or charity dinners are a significant source of funds. They (dinners) also allow the nonprofit’s supporters, volunteers, and staff to mingle and interact, which leads to stronger bonding. Many nonprofits are organizing annual dinner events that turn out to be significant sources of funds. 

Planting Trees

Concern for the environment is increasing globally. We all are witnessing and suffering from the ill effects of global warming and climate change. Tree plantation is an effect of the increased focus on environmental issues.

Cleaning up the Locality

Children can participate in a locality cleanup event and collect pledges (donation amount) from seniors (in the locality) for a deserving cause. The event doubles up as a forum where everyone, from local sponsors to the participating children and local community members, can show concern and care about the environment. Local events always help build communities that can be advantageous to every resident of the place.

A Football match

A football match (or any other popular sport) between two neighborhood schools can create plenty of excitement. Paid entry of spectators and sponsorship from local businesspeople can raise a good amount of funds. The event will also serve to promote the organizing nonprofit.

 Food Festival

A food festival coinciding with a school event is one more popular and effective method of raising charity funds. Food is usually brought home by the children, and the profit from sales is contributed to charity funds.

 Crafts Bazaar

 Homemade crafts or scenic paintings can change the environment. It is always an exciting show when children display their creations.