Community foundations are often hindered due to the “community” characteristics. If the times are hard within your community it may be challenging to increase donations. Recently, some organisations that fall under those categories of “public or social” have seen an increase in donors as well as donations, however they struggle to retain them.
What requirements do you typically encounter with those who seek your assistance or money? They could be a chance to provide professional growth. This is a type of win-win scenario, where you are able to raise funds and the individuals or organizations gain information or abilities they can use.
A few of the examples we’ve seen in community settings include:
- The administration or “business” part of an organisation. For instance, managing people financials, finances, or even the legal regulations.
- “How-tos” to help you market your business or promoting membership. For instance how to use social media effectively.
- Leadership skills. For instance, how do you influence others and create the organization’s goals.
- Awareness of mental health. For instance Mental health First Aid training can be extremely valuable to the leaders of all kinds of organisations.
Sponsorship based on needs
Are you able to identify Unique Fundraising Ideas requirements for your company? The need-based approach to sponsorship is an answer to achieving those.
For instance, if you’ve got a listing of your building maintenance requirements, you can seek out local construction. Another way to achieve this is to list clearly all your requirements and make it public so that people can see.
If you don’t require highly specific skills, a program like a volunteer day could be an option particularly for issues like painting or cleaning.
Host community fundraising events
Gather the community and gather them to host a fundraiser. Events are usually an enormous amount of effort to pull off therefore, you must create an elaborate plan prior to the event and determine how you can secure sponsors and help with the event.
A few ideas for community-based activities include:
- Community BBQ.
- Park concert (or movies in the Park).
- Pancake breakfast.
- Fun runs. They can be based in Unique Fundraising Ideas with a theme or holiday (such such as Turkey Trots at Thanksgiving).
- Any type or “a-thon”.
- Cultural festival for the Unique Fundraising Ideas.
- A food truck or a market festival.
- Community garden event day.
Local businesses may be able to match donations made by their customers. It could be a win-win in which they get customers as well as goodwill in return for the supporting local organizations as well as the money.
Certain larger companies offer programs that match the donations of their employees It’s worth investigating whether your business can benefit from it. For instance, you might have employees who work remotely for a major firm. Some let their employees choose whom they’d like to help and you can put the announcement that you’d like to be the recipient!
For the best chances of getting these kinds of donations ensure you have marketing materials that clearly explain how you can benefit the community and what you require donations to support.
Another possibility is that local restaurants could offer dates on which customers can purchase meals, and a portion of the profits are donated. Restaurants might like the opportunity to promote their business for free through this, especially if they are able to spread the word all over the world.
Other organizations in your area might be able to lend a hand when required. For instance, certain organizations offer a service component in their programs. Girl Scouts are awarded Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards that are based on service. Boy Scouts also have service awards.
You’ll see that organizations like Soroptimists and rotary clubs or even school clubs might be willing to help out.
Find local volunteers to help at local events
Local groups are often willing to help you with your event. Join forces with organizations like The Moose Lodge, Civil Air Patrol, Girl Scouts, 4H or other group in your community that encourages the spirit of active participation within the community.
There are many practical tasks completed that are essential to the success of putting on an event for example, cleaning up the trash, controlling parking or giving out details.
Search for federal or state grants
There are grants aimed at nearly every category of needs, from sports to education, environmental and more. Finding, submitting to and completing the requirements for grants will require some time, but it is worthwhile. Grants databases can be helpful to find opportunities that are relevant. Some examples include: