James H. Young, Ed.D., is a resource development specialist that helps non-profit organizations. You’ve heard the saying, “It takes money to make money.”  Dr. Young develops resource-building axioms. My favorite is “Friendraising precedes fundraising.”

     “Raising money always begins with and perpetually focuses upon establishing and nurturing positive relationships between the soliciting organization and the potential giving public(s),” says Dr. Young.

     The advice applies especially to small non-profit organizations with strained resources, although these days all non-profits feel a big pinch. Non-profit groups with in-house fund-raising and awareness share the mission of helping those they serve while worrying about income to do their jobs. They can always use a highly-personal touch with new and older contributors.

     Fundraising is an on-going effort, and faith is often applied by such organizations. Every volunteer worker for small non-profits knows the wall of difficulty faced by helping organizations like those raising cancer prevention awareness, giving child-to-adult literacy help, or standing by to help and encourage pregnant teens to finish school.

     One way for struggling small non-profits to improve their bottom line is to overcome shyness or fear of failure about building a fundraising model with a schedule and variety to attract and keep donors from the community. The same sincere relationship building is needed to the relativey unknown donors outside the community. Non-profits can get staff together or charge one or two people with the task of finding creative and sincere ways to draw donors in, starting with information, explanation, tours of sites if possible and meeting those who benefit, and showing appreciation for any interest in the work.

    Dr. Young spoke about perpetual fundraising. Never give up, never stop trying, and value every donation, however small. It is vital to make sure the organization gives equal attention to all; share honest information about the non-profit’s clients and assistance; seek to draw other interested people in as supporters.

     Claims of a non-profit’s effectiveness must have data backup. Sharing data with all staff, if they share specifics with family, friends, and fellow worshippers they help spread important information. Feature news articles about the work, staff, and recipients also inspire interest and can help upcoming fundraising events.

     Establish and nurture relationships in your community with ongoing respect. These relationships benefit everyone and inspire a good spirit in the community. Sometimes it takes several nudges of information-sharing for meaningful relationships between donors and non-profits to spark and be ready to grow. Invite the community on-site and into the spirit of the mission regularly, at least once a year as part of the schedule of community outreach.

     Above all,  commitment to the mission with positive and outreaching attitudes are the foundation of non-profit success. Keeping records of every accomplishment and praising those that benefit should join with leadership that maintains balance and good rapport in-house and in the community. Raising friends before raising money is the right start to undergird the organization resources.

More info:  Dr. Young’s fundraising information found through Google images: group of people talking-from ncccs.cc.nc.us.