There are three methods of fundraising: Direct Ask, Fundraising Event and Direct Mail.

1. Organize Direct Ask Efforts:

  • List all potential prospects: Business owners, church leaders, foundation representatives, community minded individuals, general grant sources etc.
  • Prioritize them:  Those you feel certain will contribute down to those that you are somewhat confident will contribute.
  • Organize the list into various levels of giving:  Research past donations to like organizations and organize into $ categories - outline gift options in terms of child sponsorship, book sponsorship, bookend sponsorship, annual membership, or one-time donation. Challenge local businesses/churches to sponsor the children of their employees, each member of local civic group to sponsor 1 child, etc.  Book Titles and Bookends may also serve as sponsorship opportunities. Reoccurring Donations possibilities could include Real Estate agents donating $36 with each home closing, retirement community golf outings donating “kitty” or card game winnings, HS talent show, etc.
  • Assign CAT representatives for “the ask”:  Should be the individual with a direct relationship with the prospect or the relationship with the direct link to the prospect.
  • Conduct “training” sessions for individuals assigned to “the ask”: Distribute marketing materials, review Case Statement, Foundation history, and Program logistics so that all persons are well-versed on the Ferst Foundation mission and program logistics.
  • Schedule meetings/luncheons, etc with the prospect:  The individual with the direct connection to the prospect should be present and knowledgeable of the Foundation.
  • Make “the ask”: (Based on the research of past gifts.)  If a donation is offered, be sure to ask how this amount may be increased next year and take notes on the specific measureables they are looking for!
  • Follow up every year: If applicable, follow up with this supporter next year with a list of specific CAT accomplishments; be sure to address the measureables that you noted in the initial meeting, outline the progress on each, and then ask for that increased donation amount.

80% of funds for a community are generated from individuals and businesses.

Some example documents from established CATS: 

        Greene County's Christmas Appeal letter 
        Greene County's repeat donor request letter 
        Example "in honor of" donation card from Greene County 
        Sample letter to Chamber of Commerce members  
        Lamar County Dine Out Ferst letter
        Lamar County repeat donor letter
        Lamar County Founder Invite

 

NOTE: Handwritten personal notes written on letters has worked well in Morgan County.  Find someone on your CAT who knows the individual to write the note and sign the letter on behalf of your CAT.

2. Fundraising Event Efforts:

  • Annual Events: Spelling Bees, $10,000 Raffle, BBQ, Dinner Parties, Bike ride, sack groceries for tips, No Show Event, Face Painting at local fair etc.
  • Grant Writing Sessions: Local Wal-Mart/Target/Dollar General Literacy Grants, parent foundation for local businesses, Chamber Partners in Ed designated money, local college marketing funds for bookend logos, etc.
  • Local Partnerships:  Benefit for “Make a Case for Reading” – hardware store donate wood, homebuilders build book cases, artist guild paint them then auction them off; local restaurant servers donate tips for one evening; local businesses donate sales from one day or one specialty for one day/week; Frog Planters, ice cream sales for school children, etc.
  • Sell Items:  Cookbooks (sell advertising $50 / books cost $6.00/sell for $10.00); Holiday cards, In Honor/In Memory of cards, Bake sales, etc.
  • Annual Memberships Drives or Pledges:  Sell memberships to the Ferst Foundation Community Action Team or Raise 100 $60/year pledges, 10 $120/year pledges or 5 $1,000/year pledges, Ferst 50 event etc. (see samples below at the end of this section). 
  • Other: Grandparent Program, Billboard display, etc.

Some documents created by the Morgan County CAT for their highly successful annual Ferst 50 fundraiser:
        
        Ferst 50 non-event invitation
        Ferst 50 solicitation to capable prospects
        Ferst 50 soliciation to Morgan County CAT members
        Ferst 50 reply RSVP card
        Ferst 50 reply card with gift option

Remember, No $ Amount is Too Small!

3. Direct Mail Efforts:

  • Model your community fundraising efforts after other successful non-profit organizations (Relay for Life, etc.)
  • Recruit local volunteers to help with your organized fundraising events Newcomers Association, Retired Teachers, HS students, Red Hat Ladies Association, Boy Scouts, etc.
  • Include donation forms in newsletters/bulletins sent to the homes of families with young children.
  • Send donation form with utility, gas, city bills or bank statements (disk available – ask local printer to print the forms).
  • Display donation forms where everyone goes: laundry mats, dry cleaners, grocery stores, library, retail places, etc.

Additional Fundraising Resources:

 

 

 

 

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