Make fundraising through individual donors simpler and more straightforward. Explore the effectiveness of different tactics (i.e. direct mail, door-to-door, events, phone solicitation) of dealing with donors, and learn who to ask, how to ask, and how to follow up.

Individual Donors

1. Set a goal and work backwards. Figure out your final budget is so you know how much you need to raise. Then start working towards raising that amount.
2. Create a specific fundraising plan. Then stick to it. Staying organized can often save you tons of time.
3. ASK! You won't get what you don't ask for. They know you are coming to ask for money, have a specific goal and ask for it.
4. Research every donor. Know exactly what you are walking into with that meeting. Who have they given to? What do they care about? And how much are they giving?
5. Ask for money one on one, in person. Set up the meeting with the donor so that you are face to face and can ask them directly.
6. Make the ask, pause and wait for the response. Make the ask, pause and wait for the response. John, can I count on you for 8 billion dollars….YES, Great.
7. Always follow up with a thank you immediately. Do this immediately and preferably in writing. Make sure to thank them a couple of times over the following months before you ask for money again.
8. Don't reach out by hosting events. Events are generally not worth the time or overhead costs. Time is much better spent at asking donors one on one.
9. Use a host committee. If you are going to host an event, delegate fund raising responsibilities that will help you bring people in and raise even more money.
10. Show what money means to your project. Does $100 help you rescue an abused animal? Does $500 provide after-school tutoring for 10 kids? Demonstrate the value of your work with examples.
11. Utilize sustainable giving. ___$ per month automatically charged to credit card is a better way to keep money coming in. Get people to commit to having a specific amount deducted monthly or yearly.