Mission Based Fundraising: Making More Than Money

Staying true to your mission extends to fundraising. Should a homeless organization hold a formal gala to raise money? Should a fitness group sell candy bars? It raises money but does it advance the mission? With a little creativity, an open mind and some planning you can create a fundraising plan that accomplishes more than raising money.

It’s not just about making money.
In the long run, you will gain much more by doing fundraising that advances your mission. You’ll make money and grow in other ways at the same time. This is important! Once you get the hang of running everything through the “mission filter” you will begin to grow in leaps and bounds.

So, how to get started?

1. Grab your mission statement and your list of goals. You aren’t ready to start until you have these!

2. Review the guidelines for brainstorming.

3. Gather your team.

4. Determine what you want your fundraiser to accomplish: how much money do you want to raise (be as specific as possible: $15,000 to cover the cost of a new playground) AND how else this will help you reach your goals (again be specific: get publicity for our school that will lead to increased enrollment). You should have a list of two or three objectives for your fundraising event or sale.

5. Now, with those objectives posted – for all to see – begin your brainstorming. Do it one at a time, making a separate list for each objective. Have fun! Be wild!

6. Get your list down to a few winners and use the Mission Meter to make comparisons. The Meter will help make a good choice.