FUNDRAISING

FRIENDRAISE BEFORE YOU FUNDRAISE

One of the biggest oversights in fundraising is that too much time is spent on attempting to raise money from strangers. Successful fundraisers make friends before they fundraise. Remember that friendraising is energy intensive, rather than fund intensive. However, when people know what you are about, they are more willing to provide the support that you will be requesting.

WHY PEOPLE GIVE AND SUPPORT

• People will give because of personal relationships. This is the money that can be raised by the son, niece, or neighbour. This is also the alumnae or the former staff members who are often forgotten as a source of support. Try to think of who likes you!
• People will give when there are clearly stated goals and missions. Support will come for a new scoreboard, rather than for a contribution to the activity fund.
• People will give when they are confident that their contribution can make a difference.
• People will give when they receive a quality product at a good price. When you are selling to your friends, this becomes most important.
• People will give when there is something in it for them. It is much easier to ask for the support of a small business owner in your community when your school does business with his or her store. Approach the individual rather than the corporation.

FUNDRAISING FUNDAMENTALS

1. You have to ask for what you want.

2. People respond to people, not paper.

3. People want to know what they are supporting.

4. Money is attracted by strength.

5. Wealth and generosity are not related.

6. Pity works once.

HOW MANY FRIENDS CAN YOU RAISE?

There is an old rule called the 5 - 30 - 45 - 20 Rule. When applied to your fundraising potential audience it works like this. When an appeal for help is launched:

5% will respond immediately

30% will respond when told how to support

45% will respond when they are persuaded to support

20% will not respond at all.

Many fundraising attempts fail because they only rely on the initial 5%. They fail to realize that good fundraising is 90% research. When you concentrate on friendraising, you are able to reach 80% of your audience rather than just the first 35%.

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