Foundations that are part of the community are often challenged because of the “community” characteristics. When times are difficult in your local community it can be difficult to increase donations. Recently, many organisations that fall under those categories of “public or social” have experienced an increase in donations and the amount of donations, but they struggle to retain them.
What are the most common needs you observe in those that ask for your help or money? This could be a chance to provide some professional growth. This is a type of win-win situation, in which you raise money, while the people or organisations gain expertise or knowledge they can use.
We’ve seen a few examples within communities include:
- Administration or the “business” part of an organisation. For instance, managing people financials, finances, or even the legal obligations.
- “How-tos” to help you market your business or to increase membership. For instance how to use Unique Fundraising Ideas media effectively.
- Leadership skills. For example, how can you influence others and create objectives for the company.
- Awareness of mental health. For instance mental health first aid training can be extremely valuable for leaders in all kinds of organisations.
A need-based sponsoring
Have you got a checklist of specific requirements for your company? The need-based approach to sponsorship is an solution to meet those needs.
For instance, if there is a checklist of your building maintenance requirements, you can search for local construction. One method to accomplish this is to write down your requirements and make it public so that people can see.
If you don’t require highly specific skills, an approach like a community help day might be the best option to meet needs like painting or cleaning.
Host community fundraising events
Get the community involved and gather them to host a fundraiser. Events can take some effort to put together therefore, you must create an elaborate plan prior to the event and decide how you can secure sponsors and help with the event.
A few ideas for community-based activities include:
- Community BBQ.
- Park concert (or films in the parks).
- Pancake breakfast.
- Fun runs. These can be based in Unique Fundraising Ideas with a theme or holiday (such for Turkey Trots at Thanksgiving).
- Any kind or “a-thon”.
- Cultural festival for the community.
- A food truck or market festival.
- Community garden event day.
Local businesses might be able to match donations from customers. It could be a win-win that will result in increased customers as well as goodwill in return for the an organization in the local area as well as the money.
Certain larger companies have programs that will match donations from employees It’s worthwhile to look into these programs and whether your company can benefit from it. For instance, you might employ remote workers for a major firm. Some let their employees choose the people they’d like to donate to So you could spread the message out that you’d like to be the recipient!
Take note that for the best chances of getting these kinds of donations, ensure that you’ve got advertising materials that clearly communicate how you can benefit the community and what you require donations for.
Another possibility is that local eateries could be willing to set up dates on which customers can purchase meals and a percentage of the profits are donated. Restaurants may appreciate the opportunity to promote their business for free through this, particularly if you are able to spread the word across the globe.
Other groups in your community could be willing to assist with the need. For instance, some organisations have a component of service of their program. Girl Scouts receive Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards that are based around service. Boy Scouts also have service awards.
You’ll see that organizations like Soroptimists Rotary, Soroptimists or even school clubs might be willing to help out.
Get local volunteers involved in local events
Local groups are often Unique Fundraising Ideas to help you with your event. Work with organizations like The Moose Lodge, Civil Air Patrol, Girl Scouts, 4H or other groups in the community that promote the spirit of active participation in the local community.
There are many useful tasks done which are a crucial part of organising an event for example, cleaning up garbage, directing parking or distributing details.
Find federal or state grants
There are grants that target nearly every category of needs, from sports to environmental and education. Finding, applying for and completing the criteria of grants can require some time, but it is worth the effort. Grants databases are useful to find opportunities that are relevant. Some examples include: