Non-Profit Fundraising

[jor133d]

Hello-

I recently started a non-profit organization. It is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization but when complete will be primary an online organization.

Personally, I have bills starting to accumulate and need to doing some fundraising to get the organization started financially on the right foot.

Does anyone have any unique ideas for fundraising? I am a college student so I don't have the personal income many others may have access to.

I am going to a mailing to local businesses as well. Any suggestions on how to make the mailer more effective?

Any money at this point could help the organization.

Thanks!

[jasaunders]

Hire a professional. Get someone who does it for a living and who already has contacts in the civic community.
When running a nonprofit, many people discount hiring professional fundraisers because they are too expensive, but they will ultimately raise a lot more money than a nonprofessional will and be worth it.
The problem is that in most cases, you can pay them a commission, so the salary needs to be high. But if you find someone who has successfully done fundraising for other nonprofits, that will be your best bet.

[amg2000]

I am going to a mailing to local businesses as well. Any suggestions on how to make the mailer more effective?

I recommend using this company for your mailing... http://www.postcards-direct.com/

Brian

[IAAM]

You didn’t mention the purpose of your business, but people usually like to help worthwhile causes. You could have a theme dance once a month either on campus or off and charge an entrance fee. If you have pizza/coke/drinks/ charge for that also. If you know someone who can cook good desserts, you could sell those around campus.

You could also do auctions. If you found a professor who believed in your business maybe they would work with you and put not taking one of their tests up for auction. Also if you knew someone who was getting rid of a car, that could be an auction item. Little dollars add up.