1. member-led fundraising MONEY FOR OUR MOVEMENTS CONFERENCE 2010

2. GOALS Discuss benefits and challenges of member- led fundraising Discuss key steps to ensure your programs are successful (avoid conflict) Discuss ideal fundraising strategies that members can lead

3. EXPECTATIONS SHARE. If you have experience, we want to hear from you. Because there is no right or wrong answer. LEARN. What do you hope to get out of this workshop? BEST PRACTICES. What worked and what challenges were faced?

4. ICEBREAKER (20 MIN) ICEBREAKER Membership Committee Fundraising Accomplishments  15-20 members leading key fundraising strategies raising almost 20K (Holiday Dinner, Membership Drive, Movie Nights, Talent Show)  Weekly meetings  Received trainings in grassroots fundraising  Membership pitch at every meeting and event  Greater ownership over the organization  Had annual Goals Membership Committee Challenges  Not diverse and resistant to expanding  Rivalries & cliques  Two members shouted at each other during a meeting  Constant mistrust about where the money was being spent  Politics were lost in the mist of fundraising/social events

5. BACKGROUND Fundraising for 7 years for $2.4 million organization. Raising unrestricted funds, major donor acquisition & some grant writing. Led annual gala dinner that grew from $110K to $400K from sponsorships, silent auction, program book ads, and ticket sales Trained and led staff & Board to increase raising & giving. Board from $5,000 to $70,00 and staff from $2,000 to $180,000. Successfully established and led a committee of 15 members to raise over $20K annually from an annual holiday dinner, grassroots fundraising events, and membership drives (by far the most stressful)

6. BENEFITS & CHALLENGES OF MEMBER-LED FUNDRAISING Breakout into 3 groups and brainstorm Report back & Discuss

7. IDEAL FUNDRAISING STRATEGIES TO INVOLVE MEMBERS Membership Drives Organization-wide events (bowl-a-thons, holiday dinners, house parties, etc.)

8. KEY AREAS OF SUPPORT Capacity- Organizations should provide proper staff time and training to lead committee and support fundraising strategies. ID needed support including proper space, logistics, transportation, childcare, etc. Budget- How much will you invest in developing members, supporting events, managing funds raised, and growing strategies. Give members the flexibility to ID how they will use the money raised. Politics- Ensure that there is a connection between role of fundraising events and the organization’s mission. Conflict of interest with organization and events, sources of funding (i.e. alcohol, tobacco, gambling). Events should be fun but appropriate! Conflict Mediation/Problem Solving- Develop agreements and rules for all aspects of work to avoid confusion or miscommunication. This helps hold committee and staff accountable. Ideal Committee- Members who are passionate about the mission of your group, committed to raising funds for your work, and preferably with years of involvement. Training- Provide training to support member development & growth of committee. Roles- Develop roles for members to feel formality of committee. Define roles and responsibilities (i.e. secretary, outreach, treasurer, general member)

9. RECOMMENDATIONS Member-led fundraising is a great asset to any organization but requires proper management Staff should be accountable for member-led activities, expenses, results Groups should measure capacity and ONLY initiate member-led fundraising IF you can provide the necessary support (budget, communication, logistics) Fundraising should be strategic and cost effective If it’s too much to manage DON’T DO IT! If proven successful, allow members the flexibility and freedom to GROW.