"Believe you can and you're half way there". Teddy Roosevelt

Fundraising. For some, it's the most painful part of running a nonprofit, a real thorn in the side. However, it doesn't have to be that way. 

Based on what we have seen over the years, here are some effective ways to start: 

1. Start small. Set a goal that is easily reached. 

2. When approaching donors, emphasize the need and then emphasize the impact that the donors' contribution will have. 

3. Approach potential donors in person, one-on-one. 

4. Have a brief, clear presentation that tells the potential donor who you are, the need your organization addresses and how their donation will have an impact. 

5. Once donation is made, ask donor who else you should approach. 

6. Call on your board of directors to help brainstorm ideas and be actively involved. 

7. Grantors want to see what you have done, what you have accomplished, how much you've raised before applying for grant money. 

One of my favorite fund raising ideas we've seen is the woman who wanted to run for office in her state. She already had relationships with her neighbors so she stated there. She knocked on doors and invited her neighbors to her home for a simple spaghetti dinner. At the end of the dinner, she told them what she was doing, asked attendees to donate to her campaign, emphasizing what she wants to accomplish and they gave. From there, she reached beyond her immediate neighborhood and hosted more spaghetti dinners. She won her election and served many years in the state legislature. 

As a nonprofit, you have an easier task than someone running for office. You have a cause, a problem to solve, a need to fill. Donors like that. They want to help but they need you to explain the need and the impact. 

There are some tried and true ideas like garage sales, bake sales or homemade candy sales, auctions, raffles that still work. Again, let potential donors know the impact that their contribution will have and ask them to help you do more. How can they get their family and friends to contribute?

Starting small will also allow you to learn as you go, to understand how to improve your efforts and maximize each donation. 

Don't allow fundraising to intimidate you. By starting small, you can and will accomplish much!