Fundraising Program Options

Nancy Fariss

BUSI 409_B05

Group Research Project

Fund Raising Program Options

In 2011 $298.4 billion dollars was given to charitable organizations in the United States of which 73% was given by individuals. Everyday nonprofit organizations create and develop new ways to raise funds, but what remains unchanging is where the money comes from. (Fritz n.d.). The author of our textbook names the following predominate methods for organizations to raise money. (Smith 2000, 102-104).

* Membership Solicitations – Good source to help cover general operating expenses. Memberships are generally renewed and solicited via direct mail or dedicated Web sites.

* Contributions above dues – These funds are used to cover the gap between operating expenses and income from dues.

* Special Appeals – Fund raising programs that are used to reach donors that are considered special gifts in which the funds are used for an urgent project or a program which requires funding.

* Acquisition Mailings - These programs are designed to attract new members or donors.

* Special Events – These events require a large amount of labor and can be the least effective in fund raising. However, it does provide visibility and recognition for an organization.

* Capital Campaigns – The campaigns are generally undertaken by large institutions with a proven track record. Their primary function is centered on multiyear commitments and is labor intensive.

* Planned Giving – These donations are labeled as gifts and originate from wills and bequests; pooled income funds; life insurance or wealth replacement funds.

* Income From Programs or Services – These funds are raised through sales of products, publications, descriptive credit cards honoring the specific cause.

Nancy Fariss

BUSI 409_B05

Group Research Project

According to research conducted by Cygnus Applied Research who surveyed 15,000 donors showed that 76% of donors are more apt to support organizations...