So, You're in Charge of Fundraising!: Fundraising Tips, Ideas, Checklists, Sample Letters and More to Help You Raise Money and Awareness for Your Group or Organization.

By Dee Spruce

So, Youre in Charge of Fundraising! is an easy to follow guide to encourage and empower the seasoned fundraiser, as well as the beginner. It includes ideas, tips, checklists, sample flyers, letters and more on how to hold successful fundraising events. From Golf Tournaments and Banquets to Jail-a-thons and Direct Mail Solicitations; this book provides everything your organization needs to plan and execute successful fundraisers. Looking for a no fuss fundraiser? Check out plate or pizza sales. Need to raise $10,000 to $20,000 at your event? Try the Golf Tournament. Is your fundraising goal $25,000 or more? Banquets are the way to go. No matter your organizations financial need, So, Youre in Charge of Fundraising! will take you step by step through the process and help you meet or exceed your fundraising goals.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Nov 24, 2010
• ISBN: 9781450270199

Dee Spruce

Dee Spruce, Owner and CEO of Dee Spruce Consulting has diverse experience in media/public relations, nonprofit management, small business development, copywriting and community advocacy. Dee is a certified small business coach and has 20 years of hands on experience in the nonprofit and small business sectors, serving for the past 13 years as the Executive Director of the Albemarle Crisis Pregnancy Centers in northeastern North Carolina. Her clients have included Crisis Pregnancy Centers, Affinity4, a national affinity marketing company, Colleges, Small Business Centers, Chambers of Commerce, Operation Blessing, The SPCA, Main Street Project Promotions, restaurants, retailers, home health agencies, spas, school and community service organizations, churches and more. Dee has coordinated major fundraising and community awareness events utilizing national speakers including: Pastor Johnny Hunter (LEARN, INC), Actress Jennifer Oneal, Actress Lisa Welchel, Chief Justice Roy Moore (The Ten Commandment Judge), Star Parker (CURE), Bobby Schindler (Terri Schiavo Foundation) and Actor Stephen Baldwin. Dee lives in northeastern North Carolina with her husband Scott, and their three children. "Dee is passionate about her work and her clients. She has a strong personality, and she gets the job done! She would be a true asset to any business or charitable organization's efforts to take their business to the next level..." - Shelley Layden, President/Owner, Cross Country Homes, Edenton, NC "Dee has been helpful in creating innovative strategies in fundraising and donor development as well as faith and family based copywriting and development of radio sales programs for Affinity4. I know that she shares our commitment to ministries and charities..." - Stephen Halliday, President/CEO Affinity4, Norfolk, Va "Thank you Dee. I have had more positive comments about your training than most other training sessions. The folks from Dare said they talked about it all the way back to Manteo. Several people in EC told me they loved your enthusiasm and that your info. was very timely." - Ray Scaffa, Student Development, College of the Albemarle, Elizabeth City, NC

Book preview

Dedicated to…

Scott, my best friend, my husband. The years are flying by, but, as you often say, it has been a wonderful experience. I look forward to all that God has planned for us on the rest of our journey. Thank you for loving me unconditionally and supporting my every effort! I love you more today than ever and I’m so blessed to be your wife!

Tyler, my oldest daughter. It’s hard to believe that you are all grown up and out in the world pursuing your dreams. I love you with all my heart and I am so proud of the incredible young woman you have become. Continue to focus on the prize baby girl! Seek God first and everything else will fall into place. I promise!

Colbi, my middle daughter. Your smile lights up my heart. Who knew you’d grow up so fast? Just yesterday it seems you were playing on the swing set in the backyard and now you’re a sophomore in college! You’ve become quite the young lady and I couldn’t be more proud of who you are today. I love you bunches!

Tanner, my son. Well, Tannerman, it’s hard to believe you just got your learner’s permit and you’re driving. You are such an amazing young man and you have so many unique qualities that will surely take you far in life, especially that sense of humor of yours. I know God has great plans for you, trust in Him always son and know that I love you dearly and I always will!

Friends and family who have encouraged and prayed for me along the way. Thank you for believing in me!

And to God, I am so thankful for your grace, mercy, and many blessings!

Introduction

You do not have because you do not ask (James 4:2). This has been a phrase I have used over and over again for years. I have used it on board members who didn’t feel comfortable asking people for money. I have used it on non-profit directors who were afraid of hearing the big No! I’ve used it on people who wanted me to raise money for their groups and organizations. I’ve even used it while asking potential donors for gifts.

After 20 years of working with non-profits, I decided to put what I’ve learned down on paper. Within the pages of this book I am offering, to each of you, my knowledge and experience as a beggar! Okay, not really, what I meant to say was, as a fundraiser.

When I walk into a business people usually raise their eyebrows and, before I even walk in the door, I hear How much do you want and when do you need it? We all have gifts and most people will tell you that mine is raising money. I have to say, I think I am pretty good at it. It takes a certain knack, a salesman’s mentality, combined with the gift of gab, the ability to handle rejection (on occasion), a strong belief in the cause, and ultimately God’s grace!

If you are afraid to ask you are in the wrong business! Fundraising is after all by definition: the process of soliciting and gathering money or other gifts in kind, by key word requesting donations from individuals, businesses, charitable foundations, or governmental agencies. So, if you are in charge of your organization’s fundraising, it’s time to get used to asking!

These next chapters will provide you with ideas and suggestions for successful fundraising events. All you have to do is choose those that are right for you and your group. I’ve laid each one out from start to finish, so have at it! Included are also sample letters, flyers, and checklists. While most of my samples are specific to events held through the Crisis Pregnancy Center please tweak them to meet your organization’s needs.

Whether you are looking for simple fundraisers to help your Scout Troop or you’re ready to put on that huge banquet to raise half of your organization’s budget, this is the book for you! Grab a highlighter and a glass of sweet tea (yep, Carolina girl!) and let’s get you headed in the right direction!

Contents

FUNDRAISING BANQUETS/DINNERS

FOOD SALES

BABY BOTTLE FUNDRAISER

TEN FOR TEN CAMPAIGN

LOCK-UP!

BINGO FUN-RAISER

WALK-A-THONS

GOLF TOURNAMENTS

FUNDRAISING BANQUETS/DINNERS

My favorite event every year as the Director of a local Crisis Pregnancy Center has been our Annual Fundraising Banquet. This event is key to raising the funds needed to carry on the work of the Center. The goal for the event is to, not only raise funds, but also to solicit one-time and monthly pledges throughout the year.

While I tend to work best under pressure and tight time constraints, the general rule for a smoothly planned banquet is to start working on it six months in advance. The reason I say this is because if you are considering a National Speaker, which I highly recommend, you are going to want to make sure you can get them before their calendar is booked for the year.

In the initial planning of your event, you will need to start thinking