Determine how much time, space, transportation, and other resources you can devote to your campaign. Remember: You want to maximize your returns and minimize your investment! Choose fundraising methods that are most compatible to your particular situation. Should you be approaching a local business, asking for money from individuals, and/or hosting a special event? (See next page for tips.)
Here are some tried-and-true strategies for fundraising and food drives that Coalition Against Hunger members have used with success. You may not be able to try all of them, but choose the ones that are most appropriate to your community. •
Ask for money as well as (or instead of) food. You can do more with it.
•
If you do ask for food, be specific: ask for the things people really need, like baby formula, canned meat, etc.
•
Ask spiritual leaders, local politicians, and other leaders to mention your drive in their sermons, speeches, and other public forms of communication.
•
Designate the funds from your con- gregtion’s collection plate for your drive.
Plan how to thank and acknowledge your potential donors.
•
Include a blurb, article, or letter about your drive in your organization’s newsletter or congregation’s bulletin.
This is a crucial step that should not be ignored. Businesses, for example, will be more willing to give if they know they will receive public acknowledgment. Letters, cards, and certificates all work well. You can also list donors in your
•
Collect donations outside of a local supermarket, either in person or by having a designated bin or box available.
newsletters and other publications
•
Staff a table with your employees and/or volunteers at a local fair or event.
•
Write a letter asking for donations and send it to members of your organiza- tion, local congregation, and other groups and individuals.
•
Organize a phone-a-thon staffed by volunteers and/or employees. Call all your contacts.
•
Go door-to-door and ask local businesses for contributions. (Local food vendors may give you unsold goods!)
Draw up a list of who you will request funds and/or food from. Start with all your possible contacts. Every single person you know is a potential donor. Your “donor prospects” include: board members, family, friends, neighbors, members of your congregation or other organizations you belong to, professional contacts, etc. Decide how you will promote your program and drive. Will you, for instance, write letters, publish an article in your newsletter, and/or call people? Have a mission statement and description of your goals that you can quickly adapt to any situation.
Follow up with thank-yous and continued contact. If you are planning on using your fundraising campaign to develop an individual donor base, it is important that you record donors’ names and contact information. Thank your donors and maintain contact with them, letting them know how your program is doing. Donors that you maintain steady contact with and thank often will be more likely to give to your cause on a regular basis. Evaluate your efforts and plan for your next campaign! Did you raise as much as you had hoped for? What can you do differently next time? What are the next steps you should be taking to improve your program?
38
Grassroots Methods for Raising Funds and Food
Section 6
Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry Best Practices Guide