April 26, 2013
Nonprofit managers who launch organizations and decision-makers who have been around for a while often struggle with the same thing: Fundraising. It's the nature of the industry that makes it hard for nonprofits to consistently gather capital. Organizations often rely on donations from businesses and individuals to stay float and continue operations, but the economy has made it difficult for nonprofits to acquire the necessary funds. Here are some tips from npENGAGE to help nonprofit managers become better at fundraising:
Take part in webinars
Nonprofit managers should always look for new ways to improve fundraising, and what better way to learn about the industry than by listening to experts in an online presentation? Webinars are a great way to expand a knowledge base, because attendees have the opportunity to see slides created by the speaker, as well as listen to their overture from the comfort of their own computer chair.
Attend networking events
Industry events are a great way to not only glean insight from experts, but also meet new people who may be interested in the organization. Nonprofit managers trying to garner funding should attend at least one local networking event or conference each quarter where they can meet new people and spread the word about the organization. Forming relationships with other leaders can be a great way to boost awareness and fundraising efforts.
Hold fundraising events
Nonprofits are often created around a cause people believe in and want to help, and the cause serves as a great opportunity for nonprofit managers to hold fundraising events. However, before creating plans for a number of different occasions, it's important for decision-makers at nonprofits to remember that less is more when planning events. Having a party, fundraiser or gala once of twice each year will be more beneficial than hosting a monthly event.
Read about the industry
Nonprofit managers can never learn enough about how these organizations work, and the more they learn about the industry, the better chance they will have to be successful. By reading at least one article, book, magazine or whitepaper about how to improve fundraising each day, decision-makers will be better equipped – and inspired – to bring more money into the organization.
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We first started using First Nonprofit’s Unemployment Savings Program when we were a small startup nonprofit. We didn’t have an HR department and needed expertise in the event that an unemployment claim was made. We knew we were eligible to be a reimbursing employer, but weren’t sure how to navigate that process. They made it easy to set things up, plan for, and then manage claims when they came at a very reasonable cost. The amount of time and stress they’ve saved us dealing with all this has been worth way more than the cost. We’ve now grown to a large nonprofit and do have an HR department but have no plans to stop using their services. I highly recommend them to every nonprofit I come into contact with!
Throughout our membership in the Unemployment Savings Program, First Nonprofit understood our demands, community dynamics, and the importance of seamless services; that allowed us to serve our constituents better.
Because INCS advocates for the operating conditions that allow charter public schools to provide high quality public education, partnering with First Nonprofit was an easy decision. First Nonprofit’s unemployment programs provide our member schools two operating elements crucial to their ability to provide high quality public education: savings and budget certainty. Capable, committed teachers are the key to student success. By participating in the unemployment insurance savings plan, charter public schools gain peace of mind and are able to invest more money in their teachers.
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First Nonprofit has been easy to work with and makes the administrative process easier and smoother. We enjoy working with you.