Nonprofits include groups and organizations such as childcare centers, schools, churches, museums, political organizations, community centers and food banks for the homeless. These organizations are set up to provide services or products that serve the public. While funding for nonprofit organizations can come from a variety of sources, these organizations have to come up with strategies for increasing their funding to further develop the programs and initiatives they currently offer or plan to offer.
Apply for Grants
Grant writing is a traditional approach many nonprofit groups and organizations use to increase their funding. Determine the amount of funds you need to raise before you start searching for grants and ensure that you know exactly how the money will be used, as that information is a requirement for most grant opportunities. Search for private, local, state and federal grant programs that match the values, mission and purpose of your nonprofit organization and then work with a grant writer to apply for these programs. Check the grants.gov website (see Resources); you can also find out about grants at the local library, using the Foundation Directory Online, and by working with the librarian to find grant-related resource books.
Host a Fund-raising Event
Fund-raising events come in many varieties and can be formal, such as a banquet or art auction, or informal, such as an oyster roast or spring carnival. Depending on the type of nonprofit you run and the amount of funding you're trying to raise, you can tailor your event to meet your organizations' needs. Spread the word about your fund-raising event to past donors, local businesses and organizations as well as national ones that share your values, community members and individuals whom your nonprofit may have helped in the past. You can raise funds by charging for tickets to the event and by offering businesses, organizations and individuals different levels of event sponsorships.
Offer Mobile Giving Options
People are on the go and many of them have their cell phones by their sides day and night. Nonprofit organizations that are trying to increase their funding can offer past and potential donors mobile giving options that fit their active schedules. Set up an account with a company such as Mobile Giving, Mobile Cause or mGive, which allow nonprofit organizations to collect donations from individuals and groups directly from their mobile phones through text messaging services.
Connect Through Social Media
Individuals of all ages flock to social media sites such as Twitter, Linked In and Facebook, so it's advantageous for nonprofit organizations to establish presences on these sites. Armed with a social media presence, nonprofits can increase their visibility and funding by informing their social media followers about their upcoming events and fund-raising campaigns. Applications like "Causes" and "Social Vibe" are available for Facebook, while Twitter offers nonprofits applications such as "TwitPay" and "Pay With a Tweet."
Utilize Your Website
Nonprofits can use their websites to increase their funding in a variety of ways. Sponsorship opportunities are often reserved for fund-raising events but you can also offer paid sponsorships on your nonprofit's website or in your email newsletter. Build an email marketing list by including an email sign-up box on your website home page that allows visitors to opt-in if they want to receive information from your organization. You can share updates on programs and services, new staff, client testimonials, upcoming events and set up an online giving campaign. Since many potential donors check your organization's website to find out more information about the programs and services you offer, add a "donate" button to your website that allows visitors to donate instantly.
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