Community foundations are often hindered due to the “community” characteristics. When times are difficult in your local community it can be difficult to increase donations. Recently, many organisations that fall under this category “public or social” have experienced an increase in donations and the amount of donations, but they struggle to retain them.
What requirements do you typically observe in those that ask for your help or money? They could be a chance to help with professional training. This is a type of win-win scenario, where you raise money, and the individuals or organizations gain information or abilities they can use.
We’ve seen a few examples in community settings include:
- Administration or the “business” part of an Unique Fundraising Ideas. For instance, managing employees financials, finances, or even the legal obligations.
- “How-tos” to market or to increase membership. For instance how to make the most of social media effectively.
- Leadership skills. For instance, how do you motivate others and set the organization’s goals.
- Awareness of mental health. For instance Mental health First Aid training can be extremely valuable to people in all types of companies.
Sponsorship based on needs
Have you got a checklist of specific requirements for your business? The need-based approach to sponsorship is an answer to achieving those.
For instance, if you’ve got a listing of your building Unique Fundraising Ideas needs, you can search for local construction. One method to accomplish this is to write down the needs you have and then publish it to let people can see.
If you do not require skilled skills, a plan like a volunteer day might be the best option particularly for issues like painting or cleaning.
Host community fundraising events
Get the community involved and get them to join together to host a fundraiser. Events are usually some effort to put together and so you should create an elaborate plan prior to the event and decide the best ways to get donations and assistance for the event.
Some suggestions for community activities include:
- Community BBQ.
- Park concert (or movies in the Park).
- Pancake breakfast.
- Fun runs. They could be themed in connection with a theme or holiday (such for Turkey Trots at Thanksgiving).
- Any kind that is “a-thon”.
- Festival of community culture.
- A food truck or market festival.
- Community garden event day.
Local businesses may be able to match donations from customers. This could be a win-win situation in which they get Unique Fundraising Ideas as well as goodwill in return for the an organization in the local area as well as the profits.
Many larger companies have programs that will match the donations of their employees It’s worthwhile to look into these programs and whether your company is able to benefit from. For instance, you might have employees who work remotely for a major firm. Certain companies let their employees choose whom they’d like to help and you can put the message out that you’d like to be the recipient!
Take note that for the best chances of getting these kinds of donations, make sure that you’ve got advertising materials that clearly communicate how you can benefit the community and the purpose for which you’re seeking donations for.
Another possibility is that local restaurants could offer dates on which customers can purchase meals, and a portion of the money raised is donated. Restaurants might appreciate the marketing benefits of this, especially if they are able to spread the word all over the world.
Other groups in your community might be able to assist in any way that is required. For example, some groups include a service element in their programs. Girl Scouts are awarded Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards that are based on service. Boy Scouts also have service awards.
There are many groups like Soroptimists Rotary, Soroptimists or even school clubs could be willing to assist out.
Find local volunteers to help at occasions
Local groups are often willing to volunteer for your occasions. Work with organizations like The Moose Lodge, Civil Air Patrol, Girl Scouts, 4H or any other group in your community that encourages the spirit of active participation in the local community.
There are many useful tasks done which are a crucial part of putting on an event for example, cleaning up garbage, directing parking or even providing details.
Search for federal or state grants
There are grants aimed at nearly every category of need, from sports to education and environmental issues. Finding, applying for and fulfilling the criteria of grants can require some time, but it is worthwhile. Grants databases can be helpful in locating opportunities. Some examples include: