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Members Only > Group Members > Grassroots Fundraising Plan

Grassroots Fundraising Plan

Grassroots fundraising raises money for your work from your own community.  You don't have to write proposals or worry about government rules and "strings attached."  Everybody does it.  You do it every time you pass the hat to meet a pressing need.  Well-planned grassroots fundraising can provide steady income for your group.  Your plan should include:  Who are we?  Why do we need the money?  Plus the following questions:

WHERE'S THE MONEY?

Members have money and good reasons for joining?  Are dues high enough?  Dues should be affordable, but high dues represent a serious commitment.  Who else can give?  People might share your concern but are "too busy to get involved." Businesses and other institutions (churches, farm and civic groups, county government agencies, etc.) might share your concerns.  You're not going to know they support you unless you ask them and provide concrete ways to give and good reasons to give.

WHY DO PEOPLE GIVE?

"Self-interest." For many, self interest is clear - they have a stake in your fight.  Others feel good when they give to a worthy cause.  Businesses can get deductions, please a good customer, or improve their image.  "Self interests" vary, so tailor your appeal.  You always do better face-to-face.

SOME FUNDRAISING METHODS.

• Membership Dues.  Set realistic but serious levels, with several catergories so people can give based on their means.
• Direct Appeals - at the door, through the mails, or even over the phone.  Tie these appeals to your issue.
• Sell Goods, Services, Auctions, bake sales, car washes, flea markets, buttons, T-shirts, posters, etc.
• Special Events, Includes entertainment (dances, outings, fairs, concerts), eating, gambling (raffles, bingo, etc.), sports (bowling, softball, marathons), and socializing (testimonials, rallies, coffee hours, conferences).
• Ad Books.  Sell ads in a program book for a special event (annual meeting, rally, testimonial, etc.)
• Non-Cash Gifts.  Things your group can either use or sell or raffle off.  Businesses and individuals can deduct their "fair market value."  This is attractive to businesses who give old, depreciated gifts, as furniture or equipment.  The end of the year is the best time to ask.

Look at what other community groups do.  Check out the churches; they're the best example of groups supported entirely by grassroots fundraising.

WE'RE NOT INCORPORATED OR TAX EXEMPT.  IS THAT A PROBLEM?

Yes.  Solve it by either taking on the paperwork (and headaches) or incorporating or using a tax-exempt ally (church or civic group) as a "sponsor."  Channel gifts through the sponsor to your group.  Pluses of this route: you avoid the headaches and responsibilities of incorporating and can "borrow credibility."  Minuses are that some people may not like your sponsor or, worse, you and your sponsor may have a dispute. See CHEJ's guidebook "Should Your Group Incorporate"

TEN SIGNS OF A PERFECT FUNDRAISER:

1. Little or no up-front cash investment.
2. High rate of return.
3. Little or no risk.
4. Fun.  Makes people feel good.
5. Easy to do.
6. Gets lots of people invlved in a positive way (builds new leaders, gets and keeps members involved).
7. Donor feels good so you can ask them again.
8. Your group wants to do the activity anyway.
9. Fits into an overall plan.
10. Improves your group's image and fits into your mission.

  Avoid professional gimmicks like candy bars, pens, calendars, and cookbooks.  Girl Scouts sell a lot of cookies, but they have up-front cash and an estabished market.  Also, the cookies company gets most of the money.

Fundraising is people talking to people, just like organizing.  What makes you give or refuse?

Rehearse.  Here are four sure-fire phrases for your "pitch":

1. "I am (your name)."
2. "We are (your group and what it does in 25 words or less)."
3. "This is (what we're doing now - a petition, a meeting, a campaign, a health survey, etc.)."
4. We want (you to sign a petition, come to a meeting - whatever.  AND show your support by becoming a member or  making a donation)."

Go get 'em!  If you need help in making a fundraising plan, call CHEJ.  We can help.