Pitfalls in Creating a Fundraising Program

A fundraising program is an event or campaign you can hold to raise funds. This is often done by an organization for a certain cause or purpose. Since holding a fundraising program can take a lot of work, you may overlook some important things when planning and implementing it. Here are some common pitfalls in holding a fundraising program:

* Failure to inform donors. -One of the most important responsibilities you have as a fundraiser is informing the donors about your organization. It is not enough to tell them the name of your organization and the people behind it. You must tell them your purpose or cause for holding a fundraising program.

* Failure to motivate donors - Part of enticing donors to shell out money is to motivate them to do so. This may be difficult considering that the money comes from them. You may motivate donors by informing them about the benefits past donors gained from your fundraising programs. You may also encourage them to donate or participate by telling them about prizes that you may give out.

* A typical idea - Sales, fairs, concerts and raffles have been done for hundreds of times. You may try combining two or more of these to create a greater idea for your fundraising program. You may combine them with the current trends or by reviving hot stuff in the past. The best ideas are those which you have invented yourself. Just try putting yourself in the participants' and donors' place. If you feel thrilled participating in the kind of fundraising program you crafted, then that means it is a good idea.

* Lack of research - As a fundraiser, it is your responsibility to research about each of your donors. This gives you an idea of their culture and interests. You also have to research about their income/sales and history. This helps you in formulating the best way to approach them and even in selecting the best tokens for them.

* Incomplete records - Make sure to delegate the right people in documenting your files for your fundraising program. This includes fundraising letters, prospect files, income sheets, and receipts. Failing to document them well may cost problems even for your other fundraising program.

* Taking individual donors for granted - Never make the mistake of disregarding individual donors for corporations or organizations. Keep in mind that statistics show that individual donors usually contribute more than 80% of donations to fundraising programs.

Most of these tips are very basic yet a lot of fundraising organizations fail to remember them. As you go along planning and launching your fundraising programs, go back to these tips from time to time to serve as a good reminder.

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