Nonprofit Association Finances & Fundraising Everett Ison 7 th District Commander

Objectives Develop a customized fundraising plan that meets your Post program ’ s needs Gain an in-depth understanding of major fundraising strategies that best fit your needs Acquire the tools to develop a fundraising plan

Who’s ready to plan a fundraiser?

Fundraising at a glance What do we already know? Major Gifts Individual giving Corporate, foundation, and government giving, including grants Scholarships

Fundraising at a glance Event-based fundraising Carefully set goals and choose your fundraising plan Be creative Be enthusiastic & confident when approaching donors and potential participants Raise money for something specific & communicate this to donors Tell your story! Planning is key!

Fundraising Plan Comprehensive document that: overall fundraising picture  Clearly spells out the overall fundraising picture of your Post / group  Lays out action steps to raise money from a variety of sources how muchwhat sources how  States how much you need to raise, from what sources, and how you will do it ives a direction  Gives your fundraising efforts a direction and a clear process to follow

Fundraising Plan Benefits Maximizes all resources, overlooks nothing Prioritizes opportunities, events and actions Adapts and takes advantage of new opportunities Avoids repeating the same old strategies or mistakes Delegate, monitor actions and secure funding

What you need to know before developing your fundraising plan?

How to Come Up with a Fundraiser that Works for YOUR Area? Think of a creative solution to a problem people in your community face Center your fundraising around activities people will already be doing and they will be more likely to participate in during an economic slowdown

Discussion Point Identify a couple of fundraisers that has been held in your community. List some services specific to your Post Identify a major need in your community, a group at risk, or a critical situation you want to address Identify what other non profit organizations are doing? The “ competition” – are they addressing the problem? How about their fundraising efforts? What are they successful at? Factor in all these aspects. Gain a better understanding of how you can address the need, secure funding and be successful?

Your Fundraising Cause Why is your cause important? Why people should care? Be able to concisely communicate WHY you are a an American Legion Member and why you got involved with this particular project Tell your story and paint the BIG PICTURE!

Your Fundraising Cause Identifying your cause: Be able to briefly communicate what this specific project or service is and why it is needed What are you raising money for? Be specific. What other organizations provide the services you’re raising money for? What are some of the downstream effects of not having this service?

Your Fundraising Cause What makes The American Legion a credible organization? What are some past accomplishments? How long has The American Legion or Post been in existence? How many members do you have? (Nationally, Deapartment, and Locally

Elements of a Fundraising Plan Summary Brief identification and mission The American Legion or Program The purpose and anticipated end result of this proposal The type and amount of support requested The total anticipated budget Other information you deem pertinent

Elements of a Fundraising Plan I. Introduction The document should cover: The purpose of your Post / program Key activities and services Target population Past major accomplishments

Elements of a Fundraising Plan II. Fundraising Needs Where does your money currently go? What projects do you currently spend money on?

Elements of a Fundraising Plan II. Fundraising Needs What additional service projects would you like to do this year and what are some of the costs involved with those projects? Consider the services The American Legion mission mandates How can you help your post fill in the gaps? What money/resources do you need to raise in order to help fill in the gaps and help provide that service?

Elements of a Fundraising Plan II. Fundraising Needs Are there specific tools or items that would make your program more efficient? Would you like to consider raising the money to buy that item? Can you justify this expense and quantify the benefits that would come from the purchase?

Elements of a Fundraising Plan II. Fundraising Needs Would you like to raise money for a specific service as a project? Would your program benefit from an endowment?

Elements of a Fundraising Plan III. Fundraising Resources –What unique talents are represented in your program? Technology skills? Craft skills? Cooking skills? –Chili Cook-off –BBQ’s Musical ability?

Elements of a Fundraising Plan III. Fundraising Resources Identify your stakeholders –A stakeholder is someone who has an interest in or is affected by a project Who are stakeholders in your program?

Possible Stakeholders

Elements of a Fundraising Plan III. Fundraising Resources What other resources do you have?  Time?  Number of members?  Ties to the school system?  Current budget  Your age! What resources are available through your Post? –National and Department?

Finally SAY THANK YOU!!!