2. Fundraising Terminology

What is a Non-Profit Organization?

When  people  first begin fundraising they may  not always know what a non-profit is, and many assume that it doesn't matter whether their organization is a non-profit or not.  However, how you are classified can affect how much money you make and how you can use it. A non-profit organization is one that is designed for a charitable purpose. ie no individuals gain from it.

A non-profit group uses its earnings to further its goals.  For example, the United Way and such groups as the Girl Guides,  and most universities are non-profit groups.  There are also many smaller non-profit groups such as animal shelters, human rights organizations, and women's shelters.  In most cases, these groups trying to improve the world in some way or another

Of course, you need to be classed as non-profit by your local government, so contact them to se about registering so that you can then advertise the fact that you are a non-profit organization. The qualifications for non-profit do vary from area to area, but basically you need to prove that you will be bettering society, and that no individual will be making money from your organization. Remember that groups that are non-profit are often eligible for funds that other groups cannot  access.

What is Fundraising?

Fundraising is simply  the raising of funds or money.  For many non-profit groups, fund raising is often the only way to get the money to pay for the facilities and programs that the group wishes to organize.  The fundraising can take many forms, from the sales of products to directly asking for money to organizing events or lotteries for which people will pay. 

Why is Fundraising Important?

The anwswer to this is fairly obvious. Without fundraising, many activities and events would not happen. Fundraising is often the only way to help pay for the rental space, and fundraising can help raise awareness through newspapers or newsletters, or it  can help a group establish an Internet site, and it can help the people that the group is hoping to help.  For example, a women's shelter will need money for a shelter space, money for food and board for abused women, and money for programs such as education and job training for the women who visit the center. 

Why do I need to learn about Fundraising?

Now fundraising can be as simple as holding a bake sale, and if you only need to raise a small amount this may be all you need, but for many groups more funds are needed, and regularly too so events have to be ongoing.  Read on to find out

• How to find enough money to keep your programs going and your group expanding 
• How to find ever new sources of money in order to ensure that you have enough consistently 
• How to continue to run the group's programs and fulfill the group's mandate even while taking the time to fundraise 
• How to stay organized and keep group morale and interest high - even after many years of fundraising 

Next page: 3. Fundraising - Money

Practical Fundraising Ebook - Table Of Contents

1. Fundraising - The Basics 
2. Fundraising - Terminology 
3. Fundraising - Money 
4. Fundraising - Where to Find Donors and How to Reach Them 
5. Fundraising - Targeting Your Donors 
6. Fundraising - Research 
7. Fundraising - Your Donors' Needs 
8. Fundraising - Ideas 
9. Fundraising - Donated Products 
10. Fundraising - Bought Products 
11. Fundraising - Marathons 
12. Fundraising - Lotteries, raffles and more 
13. Fundraising - Fairs, Auctions and Bazaars 
14. Fundraising - Fun Events 
15. Fundraising - Drives  
16. Fundraising - Services 
17. Fundraising - Tips for Choosing a Fundraising Idea 
18. Fundraising - Your Plan 
19. Fundraising - Your Team 
20. Fundraising - Staying Organized 
21. Fundraising - Communicating With Your Donors 
22. Fundraising - Advertising 
23. Fundraising - Letters 
24. Fundraising - Emails and more 
25. Fundraising - Person to Person 
26. Fundraising - Thank You Notes 
27. Fundraising - Grant Proposals 
28. Fundraising - Press Releases 
29. Fundraising - With Computers 
30. Fundraising - Secrets to Success 
31. Fundraising - Problems 
32. Fundraising - Conclusions