Charitytalent

Archive for the ‘General’ Category

Wellness Detective Comments: I was fundraising in 2010 and I held a fundraising event where I advertised it the community.  I used social media, online media outlets and newspapers to get my message before and after the event.  One of the keys is to share a compelling story to emotionally touch your event audience members.  Read this article about advertising fundraising events.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Barnett_Hatcher

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6670989

One of the main reasons why most fundraising events fail is due to lack of publicity or ineffective advertising strategies. Fundraising is more like running a business; if people are not aware of your events, they will not participate in it. That’s why you need an effective strategy that would easily entice the curiosity and interest of your customers to participate in your events. They must also know the reason behind the efforts and how their support can help out other people so that you can easily encourage them to join you.

In preparing your advertising strategies, you need to invest time, effort and resources in order to make them effective. An ineffective advertising tactic is as good as nothing so always make sure that they are useful in raising the awareness of people in your community about your fundraising project. It may cost you a lot of resources to execute your advertising plans but you need to understand that it is an integral part of every fundraiser and should not be ignored. Investing in a good and effective advertising strategy is worth every penny in the long run so never be afraid to spend your resources on your plans since this will make your fundraiser successful. In introducing to your customers your fundraiser, you need to be open-minded and tell them everything that is important in your events. Tell them the real purpose of your fundraising campaign as well as your goals and objectives so that they will understand why you’re doing your best to encourage them to join. You should also show them how they too can help out in your fundraiser and the beneficiaries which will benefit from your efforts. Always be open to criticism and suggestions; in this way, you can still improve your fundraising events for the better. You should also remember to never spoil everything to your customers regarding what kinds of events you have in store for them in the future. This assures you that they will be curious and interested in participating in your events especially if you still have something to offer them aside from your existing campaign. This also goes with your products; make sure to always have something new to offer your customers so that they will continue to support your fundraising efforts until the end.

One of the best ways to promote your fundraiser without spending too much resources is through the use of media outlets such as newspapers, television and radio programs. These media outlets can help your fundraiser’s reputation to increase since most people denote their information credible and true. If your fundraising event is featured in their programs and news articles, many people will flock to your events to personally see what you are offering. In order to gain the attention of the media, you need to make your fundraising event newsworthy. It means that your fundraiser must have something unique and creative that would separate you from other fundraising campaigns. By doing this, you are assured that media people will feature you in their respective programs making your fundraiser very popular as well as profitable.

Charitytalent Comments: Many non-profit organizations often request for interns as way to take care of tasks and due to the limited funds available to run the organization.  Sometimes, however, interns take on roles, and really should be employees.  There is a fine line and it’s important to be aware of the legalities associated with taking on interns.  Internships are usually a training ground and should be a learning opportunity. Read this article:   http://www.charityvillage.com/cv/archive/acov/acov11/acov1150.asp

Charitytalent Comments: What will you do to end hunger in the world? Take a look at this thought provoking video about the current food crisis and how we can all take action to stand together and tackle this issue worldwide.

http://www.ted.com/talks/josette_sheeran_ending_hunger_now.html

Charitytalent Comments: “You know Harvey” is a documentary project by Linda Matarasso about an exceptional individual named Harvey Lalonde who is a film festival addict and volunteers practically for every film festival in the city of Toronto.  I first met Harvey in 2006 when I became Volunteer Coordinator for the ReelWorld Film Festival in Toronto.   I worked a few other festivals that he volunteered for as well.  I have also seen him around the city when attending other festivals as a guest. I was filmed as part of this documentary, check out the blog post on my interview: http://youknowharvey.blogspot.com/2010/02/day-47-lynn-manwar.html

What amazes me about Harvey, is his dedication and passion for making a difference in the world of film festivals.  Michael Yarde, another extraordinary individual who I have had the good fortune of meeting in this lifetime, interviews Harvey in this video segment. After watching this video, take a moment to think about the “Harvey’s” you have come across in your life.

Charitytalent Comments: I have learned through many years of personal development that the language used in conversations makes an impact on individuals and community.   It’s important to keep empowering language and words present in the workforce at non-profits and charities.

Source:  Sandy Rees, CFRE, is a coach, consultant, and trainer who shows nonprofit organizations how to raise more money and grow their Boards. For free tips on how to raise all the money your organization needs, visit www.getfullyfunded.com.

Asking “How” can change everything

I had a conversation recently that I wanted to share with you.

I was talking with an Executive Director who wanted to hire me to lead a retreat for his Board. He was certain that I could help get his Board members engaged and excited about a fundraising campaign. Everything was going well until he asked what I charge.  When I told him, he suddenly seemed disinterested.

I understand that sometimes your organization is cash-strapped, especially if you haven’t learned how to raise big money. But all too often, it’s a poverty mentality. Way too many nonprofit leaders and volunteers think they can’t spend any money to operate their nonprofit. They attempt to operate on a tiny, thin shoestring, even when they have the money to do something else.  Instead of thinking about the value they are receiving from their purchase, they simply look for the lowest price.

There are all kinds of problems with this thinking.  The biggest one is that it will keep your organization small.  If you look at every opportunity that comes your way and say “we can’t afford that” you will never raise the kind of money you need to make a significant impact.  You’ll never fulfill your mission and change peoples’ lives.

One small word can make a big difference.  Ask “How?”

Try saying “HOW can we afford that?” Instead of immediately assuming you can’t afford it, look for ways you can make it happen.  Brainstorm ways you can raise the money to afford the opportunity.  You’ll find that it can quickly change things for your nonprofit and get you on the road to success.

In your brainstorming, you may find a Board member or a loyal donor who will fund the particular opportunity you are looking at.  There are always options.

 

 

Charitytalent Comments: I have participated in fundraising over the course of my life. My first fundraising was for the Ismaili Run for Charity in support of North York Hospital in Ontario, Canada in the early 90s. More recently, in 2010, I participated in the Joints in Motion program fundraising in support of the Arthritis Society. Although I raised about $3, 800.00, I could have been more effective. Read this article to get famiiar with SMART goals that assists with fundraising.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandy_Rees

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2414784

How do you set your fundraising goals? Do you randomly choose something or do you methodically select what you’ll work towards? Have you decided to “raise more money than last year” or “get more donors”? No good. Do yourself a big favor and make your goals SMART.

SMART is an acronym that will help you set yourself up for success. It’s a way to set goals that you can easily create action plans for and later determine if you’ve met them or not.

Here’s what the acronym means:

S=Specific. Set specific goals for your fundraising activities, like “acquire 100 new donors this year” or “write 10 grant proposals in March”. Answer the ‘who’, ‘what’, ‘where’, and ‘why’ questions to make your goals specific.

M=Measurable. Make sure your goals are easily measured. Establishing concrete criteria will help you determine if you are successful or not. Think through questions like ‘how much’ and ‘how many’ to make your goal quantifiable.

A=Attainable. Set goals for yourself that can be reached with the skills and resources you have. Don’t set goals that are unrealistic – you’ll likely get frustrated and stop working on them.

R=Realistic. Set goals that you are willing to work on and that are reachable. Otherwise, it’s just a dream and that won’t move your fundraising program forward.

T=Timely. Create a timeline for reaching your goals. If you plan to double your donor base, by when will you do it?

Good examples of SMART goals:
o Increase our donor base by 10% by June 1, 2009.
o Recruit 2 new sponsors for our Spring Golf Tournament by March 1.
o Find 6 volunteers to help sort donations at the thrift store on Mondays. Orient them and have them in place before April 15.

By setting SMART goals, you’ll be much more likely to be successful in reaching them and raising the money your organization needs.

Want more practical tips and ideas for successful fundraising? Get the twice-monthly “Bright Ideas for Fundraising” at http://www.getfullyfunded.com

Sandy Rees is a nonprofit fundraising coach and speaker who shows small nonprofit organizations how to raise more money, gain more supporters, and strengthen their Boards.

(c) Sandy Rees, CFRE

Charitytalent Comments: Oprah has been one of my idols since 1988 when I was 15 years old.  I have watched her TV Show over the years and have been inspired.  She introduced the BIG Give tv show series a couple of years ago.  Nate Berkus, the host, lost his partner after the Tsunami hit South East Asia in 2004 while vacationing in Thailand.  It’s so inspiring to see him up to great stuff as well!  How Big Can You Give to make a difference in the world?  Let Oprah and Nate be a mentor for you.  Check out this video.

Charitytalent Comments:  Heroes are everywhere around us.  It can be your mom, your teacher, your friend and even someone who helped you in your greatest time of need.  In High School in my geography class, I focused on a project on the “Sex Trade” in third world countries.  I made it a goal in 2010 to visit Nepal someday.  I was totally inspired when I saw the story of CNN Heroe Anurada Koirala and her life work.  It totally touched my heart.  I connected with another local hero in Nepal who runs a Home for Affected and Needy Children of Nepal.  His name is K.B. Shah and his non-profit social organization is http://www.horac.org.  I hope to visit Nepal and his home someday as well.  See this great video on CNN Heroe, Anurada Koirala.

Charitytalent Comments:  I have raised funds over the years and I have also been a donor.  The key to fundraising is being authentic and have an amazing story behind your fundraising efforts.   When I was fundraising for the Arthritis Society in 2010, I created Youtube videos to educate others. Check out some basic tips from a fundraising expert.

Charitytalent Comments:

There are many reward of volunteering. When I was first diagnosed with cancer in 1997 the same week, I went and volunteered with the Rotary Club of Toronto at Camp Enterprise. Rather than have time to feel sorry for myself, I was focused on making a difference in the lives of high school students. That experience put me in a positive mood. Check out this article below:

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenny_Leones

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3249047

Sometimes we come across people who spend their free time volunteering in different organizations and charitable institutions. Sometimes too, we learn of people who volunteer in neighborhood drives; whether it’s a clean-up drive; a fund raising for the community or even spending a few hours helping neighbors take care of their overwhelming chores.

The possibilities of volunteering are endless. But really, Why Is Volunteering Important? Why do people do it; and some don’t? What can we get out of volunteering our time, effort and sometimes even our resources?

THE REWARDS OF VOLUNTEERING

Volunteering not only works for those receiving help but also those who do different kinds of volunteering acts. Truth be told, when faced with the question of Why Is Volunteering Important; there are many reasons why it is beneficial to all concerned.

Firstly, when we volunteer our time for a good cause; the rewards we reap are far greater than any promotion we could get from work; or good grades we get from school.

People who volunteer can’t help but feel just a little bit more positive about life. When we see the dire straits of others; we feel lucky and blessed to have a better life.

Another reason on Why Is Volunteering Important is that we imbibe in others the spirit of generosity – of giving back to others; even strangers, all the good things we have received in life. It’s paying it forward as volunteers would often tell people who ask Why Is Volunteering Important to them?

Still perhaps to others, when asked Why Is Volunteering Important; we say that its importance lies in showing those who need help that the world is still a beautiful place to live in. It’s validating that no matter what kind of tragedy strikes; there would always be a silver lining to every rain cloud.

Volunteering also gives hope to those who may have lost all hope to live; who may have lost their trust on humanity. We may even be instrumental in inspiring others to pick up their lives and start over; and perhaps also inspire others to volunteer their time, talent and resources.

WHERE CAN WE VOLUNTEER?

If we want to volunteer but don’t know where to start; we can always check out different organizations on the internet where they could use all the volunteer help they can get. These could be helping save animals; making the elderly feel loved and happy again; or we can simply check out our own community and see where we can help.

We don’t have to start big when considering Why Is Volunteering Important and where we can share whatever we have to the less fortunate. Volunteering to help a friend; a family member; giving our time to school activities; and even simply helping someone at random are already good acts of volunteering.

There are infinite ways for us to do volunteer work; we need only be open to our surroundings and really observe what goes on around us. Before we know it, we could already be in the middle of fund raisers; or helping those struck with natural calamities rebuild their lives again. Volunteering is a positive chain that goes around making the world a happier place for everyone.