What is the purpose of fundraising?Possible answers: To support a cause, to avoid the reliance and agenda of others, to have mullah, and to pay people.

What is the goal of fundraising? “To develop a broad base of donors who feel loyal to your organization or mission.”

What is organizing vs. fundraising? Organizing is building a broad base of support for a cause. Organizing and fundraising are similar, but still different. The characteristics of good organizers are the same as those of good fundraisers: Networking skills, dedication, communication skills, flexibility, available to people, non-judgemental, compelling, behind the scenes, sees strengths in others, supportive. “makes it possible for people to work together for what they believe in.”

How about ownership of organizations? Who? Social justice organizations should be owned by the communities they engage. Ownership means providing significant support however that is defined by each individual community member. Support should be diverse.

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Grassroots fundraising

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Support should include: Creative contributions to the program Monetary contributions to the budget

Ownership creates accountability to the community. Why is that important? SELF DETERMINATION. The people most effected by the issues, are the most equip to define and create their own liberation. (ie. Racism). Indicators of ownership: leadership, financial management and fundraising.

Who gives financial support? In 2008 $212 Billion was donated to non-profits 76% $161 Billion: Individual contributers 12% $26 Billion: Foundations 8% $16 Billion: Bequests 4% $9 Billion: Corporations • 3/10 of the population have a disposable income, but 7/10 of the population donate. • 85% of money given by individuals is given by households of incomes of less than $60,000. • People with a household income of $10,000 or less give 5.5% of the overall income to non-profits. • People with an income of $100,000 or more give under 2% of their income. • 80% of people who donate don’t fill out taxes for it. They don’t claim it for benefits, which means that people aren’t donating for tax breaks. • What makes someone a donor? 1 cent • Small donations count more than large in general, because they happen more often. • People don’t generally give to just one group. They normally donate to around 5-11 organizations, and it’s easier to talk someone into donating if they already do.

OUR goal is to become ONE organization that someone gives to.

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#1 reason the people give: BECAUSE THEY WERE ASKED. By not asking, we are ignoring a resource. Donating makes people feel good, feel like part of a group. Fundraising creates an accountable relationship. Anyone can do it! YOU can fundraise. People tend to project their emotions about asking for money onto the person who they’re asking. But when you ask, people are flattered to be asked, thinking about what they can give. Be a part of something. Put aside YOUR issue about money. The worse outcome is they can say “no.” We’re not begging. In a sense, you’re asking for a fee for what you’re providing to the community.

What do I need to know now about fundraising? It’s not hard. Good fundraisers have good people skills. SMILE! It’s important to have more than one person fundraising in an organization, people will find too much frustration otherwise. That way, we all participate in owning the organization!

“#1 Fundraiser = #1 Organizer” Every organizer should be a fundraiser for some period of time. Development planning increases successful fundraising strategies. Must fit in with program training. People chose to support your mission.

So get out there and fundraise!

Why do people give? To change the current systems, because they connect with the organization, to show support, to ease their own mind, for cultural/religious reasons, because they can, they don’t have time to help more, for a tax break, belief in Karma, because some things that you cannot do individually whereas collective action can accomplish more. (We can’t volunteer everywhere, or do everything.)