Community Fundraising The American Legion Children Youth Conference

Introduction Americans contribute more than $200 billion dollars a year to charitable purposes of

Grassroots Fundraising MYTHS • Fundraising is begging • Worthy Cause = Big Bucks •

ANSWER • Because they are asked • Belief in an organization’s goals • Intense

Constituency Circle • Major donors, Board Members & Management • Members, General Donors, Employees

Methods • Face-to-face • Personal phone call • Personal letters • Door-to-door / phone-athons

Plan, Commit & Communicate • 3 primary reasons for fundraisers • Planning & commitment

Final Points to Consider • Transparency • Sell the benefits • Personal contact •

Community Fundraising “You represent an organization whose mission is to improve the quality of

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Community Fundraising The American Legion Children & Youth Conference 2007

Introduction 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

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.

QUESTION Why do people make donations?

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

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

Methods • Face-to-face • Personal phone call • Personal letters • Door-to-door / phone-athons • Direct mail • Special events

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

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

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. ”