Grassroots Fundraising Tips
“You already know all the people you need to know to raise all the money you need to raise”
-Kim Klein, Grassroots Institute for Fundraising Training
Whether you are trying to attend a regional anti-oppression training or raise funds for organizing your own, you should never underestimate the power of your community to effectively fundraise! Did you know that 229.5 billion dollars was donated by individuals to non-profits last year? That’s 75% of all donations given, which means individual donations add up more than any other fundraising method out there. If you can get 20 people to donate to you $10 (approximately the cost they would spend on a night at the movies or a meal out), you can raise $200 in no time! Set realistic goals and let your community know where you are in terms of your goal so you all can celebrate when it has been reached!
Also, remember that fundraising is a great way for you and your community to demonstrate your commitment to anti-oppression work. You should see fundraising as not merely a means to get you a training organized, but rather as an opportunity to open up conversations on this important work! If you are trying to get yourself to Action Camp, make a commitment to your community that you will do a report back on your return and/or start helping to coordinate anti-oppression efforts if they do not already exist.
Here are a few ways to raise funds locally:
1. If you are attending a trainng, give a report back on your experience at the training. Present some of the most useful things you picked up, learned, or took away from the camp and why you think it is important for others to have a similar experience. Ask for donations at the end of the presentation.
2. Find a single person who can make a large contribution. See if they will match whatever else you can on your own. Let folks know this throughout your other fundraising events.
3. Ask your co-op or organization directly for funds. Maybe your house can contribute $25. Maybe your organization can contribute $50. Maybe they can contribute $500! You never know until you ask. Even if it's only $5, it helps move you forward.
4. Ask your housemates individually to help you out. For example, if you live in a place that collects money monthly, ask each person if they'd be willing to pay an extra $5 this month. Make sure it's voluntary. You'd be surprised how many people will be willing to chip in $5 to your travel and registration fees.
5. Hold a benefit show or party at your house. Line up some local bands that are willing to play for free, or just put together a good mix cd. Charge a sliding scale at the door with the middle price being above party costs. Make sure people know it's a benefit, and make sure they know what it's for. Have a couple people passing around a hat/bucket throughout the night for additional donations. Here are some ways to increase your money intake at your party:
a. Buy some cheap beer and sell it for a bit more than you paid for it.
b. Bake cookies, or get some fruit and sell them for a small cost.
c. Hold a silent auction.
d. Have a fundraising goal for the night. Every $25, get someone to perform an amazing feat, or ridiculous stunt. (ie: At $50, Chris will eat a bug. At $75, Nadine will shave off her eyebrows. At $100, Jesse will juggle fire.) You get the idea.
6. Cook a delicious benefit dinner and invite everyone you know. See if your local grocery store, co-op, farmers market, etc will donate some food for the event. Charge people per plate slightly more than the costs of the food. Sell alcoholic beverages for an extra price.
7. Host an anti-oppression movie night watching films such as Crash. Have a discussion about the issues the film raises and ask for donations as a way of pushing the conversations even further.
For more fundraising ideas check out the Grassroots Fundraising Journal at http://www.grassrootsfundraising.org/howto/
Remember: When holding a fundraising event, make sure to always let folks know in advance so there are no surprises.
When raising money, remember what's important: voluntary participation in fundraisers, accurate knowledge of where the money is going, and fun!