At Tamarack we believe
that fundraising is an important stage in a community engagement
process.
Raising funds brings us into conversation
with leaders who, over time, come to believe deeply in our
work. When people give money to a cause they make a concrete
commitment to the work being proposed.
We see fundraising as building the leadership
commitment, as well as the funding, required to realize bold
community visions.
When we raise funds we are engaging key leadership
for our work. These leaders can help us to engage key influencers
in a community who, in turn, assist in bringing our idea to
reality.
Some things to consider when you are embarking
on a campaign to raise funds and friends:
- Raising funds for bold community ideas is different
than raising funds for the ongoing operation of an organization.
We're not talking about an annual giving program or a
planned giving program. This is about raising funds and
friends for a bold idea and vision. It is quite like a
capital campaign but rather than raising funds for bricks
and mortar you are raising funds to realize a vision.
- A bold vision speaks to some type of transformation
with a plan for achieving it.
- Look for people who are passionate for your cause and
who have a willingness to communicate that passion.
- “Friend raising” mean engaging supporters
as you would friends that you are asking for help. When
you approach campaigns in this way, fundraising can become
an important community engagement strategy.
- A stranger asking a stranger for money most often leads
to small gifts and most often one time. A new acquaintance
asking for a gift leads to a few more gifts of slightly
larger size but likely one time and strains the relationship.
A good friend asks for help and almost always receives
it – both parties feel very positive.
- Ask for involvement, not just money. Involvement is
the very best kind of stewardship
The Friendraising
- Raising Funds, Finding Friends to Realize Bold Community
Visions workbook is available as a free download here.
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