How do we raise money for our cause?

In our experience, your first focus needs to be on raising awareness, the money will follow. It’s about communicating to the right people in a way that resonates.

North America is land of generous, affluent people; most of them are looking for ways to give to our communities and support those in need. If you are part of a non-profit or corporate fundraising initiative, it’s your job to craft a message and deliver it in a way that makes it easy for people to support your good cause.

Once you have the right focus and message, you will be surprised at how people will provide funds and sponsorships to support you. Once you’ve been able to focus on your awareness strategy, you implement the most suitable product and/or event to create funds for this campaign.

What are my best options for fundraising?

Most organizations try to create revenue and awareness by handing out flyers, offering free promotional information, events, building web sites and selling product that has their logo/brand on it.

You can save a lot by using a co-sponsor (s) to support your cause and help with the promotional expenses, print material, free advertising and committed volunteers. Co-sponsors see a huge benefit for in-kind donations; they get to put their name with a cause that is meaningful by doing little more than their normal business activity. While they promote your cause, your cause promotes their business.

I’ve done fundraising in the past and it’s discouraging. How can I break through that?

We have been there. When you are new to fundraising, or an old hand who’s run out of ideas, it can be tough. In our experience, there are two major difference makers in fixing a flagging campaign or building one from scratch. Difference maker number one is a bit of outside-the-box thinking; number two is people… new people, more people, diverse people. People are like energy particles, reacting to their environments and other particles; this is the kind of generative energy that breathes life into a campaign and shores up a good cause.

If you have a cause that no one knows or cares about, fear not… almost every organization or event has been there. You will be surprised at the hidden resources that are available.

Where do I start?

Plan. Write. Talk.
Start simple, and then plan some more. Decides who, what, why, where and when; and most importantly: do it all with a pen in hand. Start by writing down and prioritizing your needs and your goals. Take it to the next level by talking about it with others in your organization, talk to other professionals, and partner with those who have done similar campaigns.

What kind of campaign matches my cause?

Whether you use a branded product and/or event will be determined by the budget, time-frame and volunteer base available. You can do both, but first you have to get clear on available resources. You probably have more than you think…

How do I ensure we make money?

If this is your first campaign, we’ve found that it’s best to start small and iron the bugs out before launching a major campaign. For instance, try to get sponsors involved in helping with the initial outlay of the awareness campaign. Common methods include Bar-B-Q’s, Car Washes, Auctions, Donation tins, direct donation collections, sponsored walks, branded product campaigns.

Look at what similar organizations to yours are doing to raise funds. There may be a way to improve on their methods or, you might take their cue to try an approach all your own instead of doing Me-too campaigning.

Where do I focus my awareness building campaign?

Utilize every possible contact and lead that you have accessible to you to help promote your cause. Co-sponsors, media, kiosks in malls, directly to the public, public service announcements. However, there is a one key to success in creating awareness: build a network of people who share your values. Select co-sponsors, board members, partner organizations and volunteers that truly believe in your cause. Shared goals create an exponential impact…

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead

To learn more about the United Awareness Group, email us or call 1.877.673.2111