Fundraising for Non-Profit- Need Help

Dear Gil,

I  have been task by my Church's 501 c 3 to put on a event to raise $700,000 for a Community Project  we have partial funding for. Where do I begin when I don't know donors personally. I have work on a project before and I know the type of people I need to contact. But through that experience I know that people will give to people they already have relationships with. And we as black people don't really give back to our community.  Also I only have a month to plan this event. I realize that this is not the best time of the year to do a project like this and its really not enough time. But because of the funding we have now we need this fundraiser before the end of this year. Please help.

Well Servant,

 

I would have to agree with you that people tend to deal with organization with whom they already have a relationship.  As far as fund raising goes, it would really depend what type of event it is.  In my experience, I have found that a few companies will consider your request with minimal contributions, such as the charitable arm of local utility companies (gas, electric, and telephone).  Also, I've found that beverage companies tend to offer contributions, usually with a banner in exchange. 

 

I know you have short time, but if you can get a few of these under your belt, it could help catapult you into the offices of some other local charitable givers.  There's an organization called the Foundation Center.  http://www.foundationcenter.org They have a vast number of resources regarding donors and organizes them by type, amount, and donee preference.  This might help you locate some donors in your area after you've secured some donations from notable contributors.  A lot of companies tend to piggy back on the fact that other companies found your organization worthy of their charitable dollars. 

 

I sincerely wish you the best of luck.