How Worthwhile Causes Survive Through Fund Raise Efforts

By Helen Parker


There is simply not enough funds available to allow the authorities to fund every worthwhile cause, of which there is a bewildering variety. That is why charities and other organizations, such as churches and schools are forced to raise their own funds. This is done by appealing directly to potential sponsors, by organizing special fundraising events and by applying for grants. For many organizations, fund raise efforts are the only means of continued survival.

Those days when fundraising meant shaking tins in the streets and organizing jumble sales are long gone. Today, fundraising is an extremely organized and formal activity. Efforts to raise money and to get goods donated are conducted by individuals specializing in this field and vast sums are often involved. Organizers utilize the media and advanced technology to achieve their aims and to gain the attention of their intended target groups.

The fundraising field is amazingly competitive. There are numerous organizations that appeal for donations of one kind or the other. Obviously, potential donors cannot support every fundraising effort. This forces fundraisers to become more creative and to do more to motivate the worthiness of their causes. Some larger organizations even employ professionals that focus solely on fundraising and many larger potential donors have full time employees to evaluate appeals for support.

The pleas for help have become so numerous that a new term was coined. There is now talk about donor fatigue. Donors have become tired and bewildered by the sheer number of appeals for help. They cannot respond positively to every appeal and it is often stressful to say no. It is also often difficult to establish the bona fides of appellants. In addition, many donors feel that they should enjoy some benefits in exchange for their patronage.

Another serious challenge facing fundraisers is the fact that so many charities have been implicated in fraud. Millions have been syphoned into private pockets and many charities spend a major part of their income obtained through donations on matters not related to their primary purpose. This has caused donors to view appeals for assistance with suspicion and fundraisers need to work harder on convincing such donors that their efforts are all above board.

Successful fundraisers obtain donations from the same donors time and time again. This is only possible, however, if they are honest and if they can show the donor exactly where and how the donation has been used. A transparent fundraising agency that makes its financial statements readily available are also more likely to succeed. Successful fundraisers establish long term relationships with their supporters and they make sure that they provide regular feedback.

Individuals and organizations often feel that it is their duty to make a difference by supporting at least one worthwhile course. Choosing a cause to support can be difficult, however. Care should be taken to make sure that the charity is properly licensed and that it enjoys a good reputation for achieving results and for actually making a difference in the fields with which they are involved.

Billions are raised each year by fundraising efforts. In the majority of cases the causes represented by fundraisers are worthwhile and very necessary. It is impossible for the government to fund every cause, however worthwhile. Every individual or organization that can afford it should support charitable organizations.




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