Online Class: Fundraising 101

Courses Frequently Bought Together:

Business Writing

Negotiation Skills

How to Write a Grant Proposal

Course Motivation

You have several options in regard to obtaining this special status for fundraising purposes.

• You can go directly to the IRS and begin the procedure yourself.
• You can hire an attorney who specializes in obtaining non-profit status to accomplish this task for you, or
• You can peruse the many Internet sites that walk you through the process or take care of the paperwork for you.

This is the document that you will ultimately be showing to potential donors. It will be a description of your organization that you may leave with others so that they can learn more.

• Don't be afraid to ask family and friends to assist, hey, what are friends for?
• Don't hem people in, take what they can offer. You may have a relative or friend who cannot devote many hours to your cause, but they might be willing to create a flyer or brochure for you during their lunch break.
• Take out an ad in the local paper or post one in a grocery store, (or other high traffic area), calling for like-minded volunteers.
• Build your expanded team from your nucleus. If you have a small group together ask them to call upon their friends and families to help.
• For larger fundraising efforts it may be necessary to pay specialized individuals to assist. Be sure to narrow down those things that absolutely can't be accomplished by the volunteers already on your team.
• Keep the "work" atmosphere fun. High morale is key in keeping your unpaid helpers happy.
• Thank those who do agree to volunteer often and lavishly; let them know that their help is greatly appreciated.
• Celebrate milestones and accomplishments with a pizza party or some other small gesture of festivity, (perhaps even donated by a local business!).

Some other points to help keep your team organized:

• Be forthcoming; do not "selectively" provide information to your team.
• Keep everyone involved.
• Welcome ideas and suggestions.
• Audio record meetings, or, at the very least, assign one person to act as "secretary" and write down decisions made during meetings.
• Set up a regular meeting schedule to ensure that everyone stays current on progress and goals.
• Train new incoming volunteers well. Take the time to get them up-to-date on what has transpired so far and introduce them to the rest of the team.
• Be sure to handle personality conflicts between team members promptly and with care to avoid hurt feelings, or worse, the loss of a helpful volunteer!
• Gently let your volunteers know if they are off track or confused about their particular job.
• A sense of humor goes a long way; don't be too stringent with your "rules."

Once you have a meeting place designated and secured, be sure to provide your volunteers with provisions that they will need to accomplish their tasks. The most obvious and simple are notepads and pens, refreshments, and use of bathroom facilities. However, depending on how involved the fundraising campaign or group is you may also want to consider some of the following:

• Access to telephones with multiple lines
• Computers with Internet access and printers
• Copy and fax machines
• Basic office supplies, such as: file folders, paper clips, pens, paper, staplers, printer ink, postage, envelopes and the like
• Software such as Microsoft Office, MS Publisher or Adobe Acrobat

Make a list of the equipment and technology items you think you will need. This list may become more extensive as your development plan (Lesson Two) becomes more defined. As a basic reference use the list above. Browse your local Office Supply store and Internet supply stores to get the best prices on larger items.

Are you tired of hearing, "I gave at the office," instead of, "Sure, I can donate"?

• A non-profit group
• A worthwhile charity
• A political or religious organization
• Your local school
• Specific needs in your community

• Start an effective campaign correctly
• Write winning grant proposals
• Use the media, direct mail, and phones
• Master available technology (web site, email, software, and database)
• Organize events and deliver lectures
• Cultivate donors (prospecting, researching, meeting, thanking)
• Sell without selling

There is no reason for fundraising to confuse, overwhelm, or frustrate you. Best of all, because enrollment is open 24/7, there’s no reason to put off starting. Register today.

• Define your fundraising mission
• Build and organize an effective fundraising team
• Set realistic goals
• Evaluate assets and strategize
• Make your organization stand apart from the pack and appear truly worthy of support
• Write winning grant proposals
• Utilize to best advantage the media and direct mail
• Work the phones
• Utilize available technology – web site, email, software applications, and build your own donor database
• Make the most of giveaways
• Sell without selling
• Organize special events
• Prospect effectively – identifying, researching, verifying, and meeting potential donors
• Cultivate donors
• Handle planned gifts
• Thank supporters
• Encourage stewardship

The course consists of seven self-paced, self-contained lessons: 

Lesson 1: Fundraising Start-Up Essentials

Lesson 2: Developing Your Fundraising Plan

Lesson 3: Marketing Strategies for Fundraisers

Lesson 4: Using the Internet and Technology

Lesson 5: Fundraising Events

Lesson 6: Attracting and Winning Major Donors

Lesson 7: Strategies to Keep the Givers Giving

• You'll learn organizational skills applicable in many areas and endeavors
• You'll increase self-confidence
• You'll develop an ability to influence people to accomplish good
• You'll do something good for your community
• And you might even find a new career!

Best of all, you control the learning. You can register today and get started learning techniques that will ensure fundraising success. Sign up now!