"You've got to spend money to make money"
That old saying is the most annoying saying I've ever heard, but it's true. many nonprofits struggle to find funding, and instead of waiting around for it, they need to find their own ways to provide funding. But how do they do it?
Spend Money to Create Programs
That's right, spend money. Grant givers and donors don't like to give money unless it has a value. If you have a nonprofit that offers little to no programming, yet want money to start new programs or fix your facility, donors are going to short change you.
Sure, they might give you a little money, but the likelihood that they fund you the way you want is slim to none. Why is that? Ask yourself this question. "Would you fund an organization that didn't do anything?" I surely wouldn't.
So you or your organization needs to take what money it has and create something beneficial. Not just beneficial to you either, but to everyone. Think after-school tutoring or education based. It's low entry (a facility, pencils, calculators, paper, tables, and chairs). If you already have a facility it's even cheaper to start. You don't need a computer or a computer center, you need hard work and good volunteers. Promote it, share it with the local schools, and find former teachers or current teachers who are willing to donate their time and you're set.
This could cost you as much as $1,000 and as little as $100-200. If you're a youth based organization then you're set on generating new funding. You could charge as little as $5 a week or whatever you desire. With enough participants you'll pay for the program and start turning profit. Now this is a slow method to the madness, but it's an appeal method to donors. Remember, donors want to give to something that looks good for the community and feels good for them.
Why You Need to Appeal to Donors
This whole process is to appeal to donors. Donors can be very picky, but you want your organization to be donation friendly. The biggest appeal is a child benefit program. Throw the words Kid or Children in your organizations name and you'll have donors lining up.
However, you don't have to do it that way. You can keep your name the way you want it. Let's say you're name is Palo Alto's Outdoor Initiative. This name isn't super donor friendly and for several reasons.
1. It doesn't tell a donor what you do.
2. It's very vague.
Are you a recreation group, do you want to save the trees, or are you just trying to get people outdoors? I can ask a million questions, but I still won't know what you're about. Sure your mission and vision helps your organization find donors, but some people aren't going to take their time to do the research. They want it to be thrown in their face.
So, you have a bad name and think you should change it. Well, don't change your name, you can easily fix this problem by creating programs and activities that show exactly what it is you're doing.
Let's say your organization was about saving the trees. Do a tree planting even, a major one, and align yourself with the local parks. Organize hearings for community members to meet with individuals who can help preserve the current trees in town and how they can save dying ones. Do anything a long these lines and invite donors into the events.
Once you show donors what it is you're doing, you'll begin to appeal to those who support it. That's when your money will begin to flow in.
You can't just start a group and expect people to support it. You have to make them support it.
Colby Martin is a Business Consultant and blog writer. For consulting opportunities and services, visit: CAM Consulting. This blog is paid for through affiliates and donations. If you'd like to support Colby, contact him at cmartin2829@ymail.com or click the DONATE button on the side of the page.
That old saying is the most annoying saying I've ever heard, but it's true. many nonprofits struggle to find funding, and instead of waiting around for it, they need to find their own ways to provide funding. But how do they do it?
Spend Money to Create Programs
That's right, spend money. Grant givers and donors don't like to give money unless it has a value. If you have a nonprofit that offers little to no programming, yet want money to start new programs or fix your facility, donors are going to short change you.
Sure, they might give you a little money, but the likelihood that they fund you the way you want is slim to none. Why is that? Ask yourself this question. "Would you fund an organization that didn't do anything?" I surely wouldn't.
So you or your organization needs to take what money it has and create something beneficial. Not just beneficial to you either, but to everyone. Think after-school tutoring or education based. It's low entry (a facility, pencils, calculators, paper, tables, and chairs). If you already have a facility it's even cheaper to start. You don't need a computer or a computer center, you need hard work and good volunteers. Promote it, share it with the local schools, and find former teachers or current teachers who are willing to donate their time and you're set.
This could cost you as much as $1,000 and as little as $100-200. If you're a youth based organization then you're set on generating new funding. You could charge as little as $5 a week or whatever you desire. With enough participants you'll pay for the program and start turning profit. Now this is a slow method to the madness, but it's an appeal method to donors. Remember, donors want to give to something that looks good for the community and feels good for them.
Why You Need to Appeal to Donors
This whole process is to appeal to donors. Donors can be very picky, but you want your organization to be donation friendly. The biggest appeal is a child benefit program. Throw the words Kid or Children in your organizations name and you'll have donors lining up.
However, you don't have to do it that way. You can keep your name the way you want it. Let's say you're name is Palo Alto's Outdoor Initiative. This name isn't super donor friendly and for several reasons.
1. It doesn't tell a donor what you do.
2. It's very vague.
Are you a recreation group, do you want to save the trees, or are you just trying to get people outdoors? I can ask a million questions, but I still won't know what you're about. Sure your mission and vision helps your organization find donors, but some people aren't going to take their time to do the research. They want it to be thrown in their face.
So, you have a bad name and think you should change it. Well, don't change your name, you can easily fix this problem by creating programs and activities that show exactly what it is you're doing.
Let's say your organization was about saving the trees. Do a tree planting even, a major one, and align yourself with the local parks. Organize hearings for community members to meet with individuals who can help preserve the current trees in town and how they can save dying ones. Do anything a long these lines and invite donors into the events.
Once you show donors what it is you're doing, you'll begin to appeal to those who support it. That's when your money will begin to flow in.
You can't just start a group and expect people to support it. You have to make them support it.
Colby Martin is a Business Consultant and blog writer. For consulting opportunities and services, visit: CAM Consulting. This blog is paid for through affiliates and donations. If you'd like to support Colby, contact him at cmartin2829@ymail.com or click the DONATE button on the side of the page.
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