Sweet Charity: How to Raise Funds for a Good Cause

It’s a common problem amongst all of us who want to help out: we have all the time, all the will, and all the drive – but we don’t have the money. Whether it’s a bid to build low cost houses for the urban poor, or a day at the fair for less privileged children, all good causes need money. All good causes require you to raise funds, but how can you do it?

Raising funds nowadays is growing to be especially difficult, and it’s not because we have fewer problems in society. There are more poor, uneducated people; more endangered species and polluted natural resources; and more buildings and equipment in need of dire repair. There is, however, less money to go around, and your job will be to convince people that their hard-earned cash can find a better place in making someone else happy.

Not that we’re all selfish, but you do need to prod a few hearts before you can get the cash you need. Here are a few pointers to consider:

• Everyone loves an incentive – Sure, we should give without expecting anything in return, but that’s us, the volunteers. What about the funding agency?

It’s a classic case of the Golden Rule: He who has the gold makes the rules. Play on that by giving the gold holder a chance to get prizes. Hold a cake raffle and sell tickets at high prices. Offer to put up the donor’s advertising posters during the big event. Promise to mention the donor’s name a thousand times.

Make the incentive inviting and profitable. Remember, this should be a win-win situation.

• Use Technology Wisely – Yesterday’s posters and flyers will cut down more trees today. Besides, many funding agencies and potential donors don’t have time to read things on paper. Get in touch with them through email. Design a website for your fund raising event. This way, people will get excited about and hear about it even before it happens.

If you have time and resources, make a website for your good cause as well. This will attract more potential donors – and it will show that you do mean business

• Brainstorm on Feasibility – Ten heads will be better than one of yours, so get your colleagues and some outsiders together and brainstorm. Remember: brainstorming is about getting all the ideas out and choosing the best ones later. Don’t block any idea just because it seems too small time, or too expensive.

Whether it’s for the environment or for people, good luck on your fund raising event! The world needs more kind hearts like yours.