luni, 1 februarie 2016

How Worthwhile Causes Survive Through Fund Raise Efforts

By Helen Parker


Millions of people are passionate about one cause or another. Some feel strongly about the homeless, others about abused children, yet others about the desecration of the environment or about animal welfare. These causes, and many others besides, have given birth to numerous charitable organizations that aim to make a change. This is not a new trend. Charitable organizations have been part of society for aeons. But they need funding to achieve their aims. To this end, fund raise campaigns are necessary.

Those days when fundraising meant shaking tins in the streets and organizing jumble sales are long gone. Today, fundraising is an extremely organized and formal activity. Efforts to raise money and to get goods donated are conducted by individuals specializing in this field and vast sums are often involved. Organizers utilize the media and advanced technology to achieve their aims and to gain the attention of their intended target groups.

There is an astonishing number of societies, political movements, non profit organizations and even individuals clamouring for charitable support. This has created an extremely competitive environment. Fundraisers have to convince potential donors that their causes are truly worthwhile. That is why most charities employ specialists specially tasked with the responsibility to raise support from donors. They need to be innovative and they need to have excellent communication skills.

Fundraisers are challenged by the fact that donors have become wary and fatigued. They are overwhelmed by appeals for help and they have limited resources for charitable donations. In many cases they are approached by various charities that have the same cause and they do not always know which of them perform best in achieving their aims. Larger donors are also starting to expect some form of tangible benefit in exchange for their help.

There is another major challenge that must be overcome by fundraisers. Donors, both corporate and private, have become discontent with the way their donations is used. There have been numerous cases where charities have been caught using donations for private enrichment. In many cases an inordinate percentage of donations are employed for administrative costs. Donors have become careful and even suspicious.

Successful fundraisers obtain donations from the same donors time and time again. This is only possible, however, if they are honest and if they can show the donor exactly where and how the donation has been used. A transparent fundraising agency that makes its financial statements readily available are also more likely to succeed. Successful fundraisers establish long term relationships with their supporters and they make sure that they provide regular feedback.

There are some sensible guidelines about picking a charity to support. It needs to properly registered and it needs to be able to present audited financial statements. It needs to be able to show that it is achieving its aims and that it is indeed making a difference within its field of operations. Of course, it is also advisable to choose a charity that is active in a field that appeals to the donor.

Billions are raised each year by fundraising efforts. In the majority of cases the causes represented by fundraisers are worthwhile and very necessary. It is impossible for the government to fund every cause, however worthwhile. Every individual or organization that can afford it should support charitable organizations.




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