Frequently Asked Questions: Church Fundraising
Q. What should we do first when starting to fundraise?
A. First start by developing or updating your mission and vision statements. Using 25 words or less, define your image of the organization. How is the organization positioned in relation to others offering similar services? Why is the organization a community asset? Answering these questions will prepare you for going into the public and explaining why your organization is necessary to donate to.
Q. What types of organization informational material should we have on hand?
A. Any and everything you have, this could include:
- Brochure about your organization’s mission and service
- Fact Sheets and FAQ’s about your organization
- Direct mail letters
- Special event invitations
- Print & website newsletter
- Press releases
- Donor recognition program
- Grant & Corporate Sponsorship
- Video or Audio PSA’s about your organization
- Slide show presentation about your organization
- Case studies about your organization’s success stories
Q. How should I go about networking within the community?
A. List your organization's key constituents, audiences, VIP, movers & shakers, key community leaders, media contacts and more. These should include current and potential donors, volunteers, funders, clients, vendors, and local government officials. These people are key in helping you to organize, promote, implement or provide funding in future fundraising events.
Strive to keep all of those “key players” involved in your fundraising events. They will be your life-line should you ever come to face with a crisis.
Q. How can I make my organization more visible?
A. First do your research on each community you will be fundraising in. You should be able to answer key questions about your potential donors and your community outreach efforts l, such as:
- What percentage of the community you serve knows about your organization?
- What percentage of that community really understands your mission?
- Is the media aware of your organization, its events, mission etc.?
- Have you created a media list for the geographic regions that you serve? Are you aware of local reporters beats and preferred method of contact?
- Do you write and send press releases out to your community newspapers, news stations and other industry outlets?
- Do you invite members of the local media to attend your events?