1. Community Fundraising
The American Legion
Children & Youth Conference
2007

2. Introduction Grassroots Fundraising
Americans contribute more than $200 billion dollars a year to charitable purposes of great diversity.
Fundraising not only provides money for your programs, they help educate the community about The American Legion and your Post.
Grassroots Fundraising
Myths
Methods
Management

3. Grassroots Fundraising
MYTHS
Fundraising is begging
Worthy Cause = Big Bucks
Corporations/Foundations contribute most of the $$
Economy Up = Increased Giving
Three Important Things to Know
People give when asked, and rarely give when they are not.
Donors are not ATMs.
You can’t raise all the money your Post needs by yourself.

4. Why do people make donations?
QUESTION
Why do people make donations?

5. #1 – Belief in Organization
ANSWER
Because they are asked
Belief in an organization’s goals
Intense interest in a specific program
Family tradition
Leadership role
Improve the quality of community life
Recognition
Tax deduction
Good business
#1 – Belief in Organization

6. Constituency Circle Major donors, Board Members & Management
Members, General Donors, Employees
Former members
Mutual interest / concern
Universe (geographic reach & impact)

7. Methods Face-to-face Personal phone call Personal letters
Door-to-door / phone-a- thons
Direct mail
Special events

8. Plan, Commit & Communicate
3 primary reasons for fundraisers
Planning & commitment
Communication
What you don’t know can hurt you
Training
Sponsorships

9. Final Points to Consider
Transparency
Sell the benefits
Personal contact
Golden Rule
Do not fear rejection
Set Goals
Positive public opinion

10. Community Fundraising
“You represent an organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for our nation’s veterans and young people. Inviting a person or a family to support these purposes financially gives them and future generations the opportunity to assist.”