The basic axiom of fundraising is, "People give only to people," and that truth applies directly to any successful fundraising effort by teen pregnancy/parenting organizations, too. But before you can plan routes to reach individuals who believe in your work and your organization, some very basic questions must be answered. Any fundraising effort succeeds or fails in the planning and preparation stage.
- Do you have a strong case for support?
Potential donors must be convinced that your organization has thought out exactly what it intends to do by having clearly stated goals and objectives that are supported by relevant statistics. The results that are expected must be described precisely because donors fund the future. - Is your fundraising goal realistic and achievable?
Collect all the data you can to illustrate the work and needs of your organization. Then establish the costs of each segment of your work. Do not overstate the costs; be sure you can document and prove every expense. Then you can establish fundraising goals. - Are your volunteers, especially your board of directors, totally committed to the fundraising effort?
Board members must make a financial commitment to your organization, cultivate and solicit donations from their personal and professional contacts, speak to community groups about your organization's work. Board members are indispensable to successful fundraising. - Is your organization well-known in your state?
Citizens in your area need to know who you are and what you do. This public awareness can be achieved by representatives of your organization regularly communicating with state leaders, business persons, and members of civic groups. Informative and imaginative brochures and other printed materials describing your services should be distributed throughout the state. - Does your organization have the resources to support a fundraising program?
All the planning and processing required for a fundraising effort must be carried out by an adequate staff that is properly housed and equipped. Your organization's budget should include an item for this development and support of staff.
Only when your organization has answered these questions positively, can you begin to raise funds effectively. Then you can: - Build a donor base from natural prospects - those closest to your organization. Natural prospects for teen pregnancy/parenting organizations include board members, community foundations, local businesses, former clients, and residents of the state with a particular interest in your work with teens. Start by developing an annual giving program, increase those gifts (perhaps within the context of a capital campaign) and then plan a deferred giving program.
- Develop a separate strategy for each group or individual you approach. You must make every attempt to meet personally with potential funding sources before you submit a proposal. Your chances for fundraising success are greatly enhanced if you can develop a relationship with a potential donor and create the opportunity to tell your story. This method is especially important for human service organizations. Remember to translate your needs into opportunities for giving.
- Kiss Off: Keep it short and simple or forget funding. Write your proposal with your reader in mind. Forget flowery or technical language. Just state your case clearly and concisely and focus on your organization's success and ability to get the job done.
- Address the "alone or with other groups" issue. If you are just getting into fundraising, you will have to decide whether to do it alone or garner the support of a fundraising professional. You also will want to consider seeking funds jointly with other organizations with similar missions. Regardless of the method you choose, form a network with other teen pregnancy/parenting organizations to coordinate your fundraising events and cycles and perhaps share certain resources.
- Build a better board. The board of directors is the heart and soul of a non-profit organization. They will make your group come alive to donors and potential donors. You cannot spend too much time training and motivating board members to take an active role in fundraising, for the quality of volunteer leadership will determine the success of your efforts.
Philanthropy is the active effort to promote human welfare. Teen pregnancy/parenting organizations are engaged directly in this same effort. As Barry Nickelsburg, Executive Director of the Funding Center, has remarked, “Although there is some luck involved in fundraising, it is a very small part of the process or the results. By seeking funds using a well thought-out strategy and approaching each source in a timely and appropriate manner, you will realize that there is very little, if any, mystique in fundraising and success will be yours.”
Adapted from: Nancy Wells Boughton, The Funding Center, Alexandria, VA.
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