You
do not need to fundraise to begin organizing your neighbourhood. However,
you will need money to organize large numbers of people, or launch a
large action program. If you decide to fundraise, be careful. You can
lose money, and divert time and resources away from your objectives.
If you must raise money, here are some suggestions.
Individual
contributions
Asking for contributions from local people turns fundraising into community
building. People become more attached to groups, projects, and places
they feel they own. Money can come from memberships, voluntary subscriptions
to newsletters, collections at meetings, door-to-door canvassing, planned
giving, memorial giving and direct mail. Lots of books cover these approaches.
Some groups make donations tax deductible by registering as a charity
with the federal government. In Canada call 1-800-267-2384.
In-kind
donations
Seek in-kind or non-monetary contributions. This includes donations
of printing, equipment, furniture, space, services, food, and time.
Local businesses respond well to requests for in-kind donations.
Auctions
Consider a dream auction. Elizabeth Amer writes in Taking Action, "Neighbours
can donate overnight babysitting for two children, a local landmark
embroidered on your jacket, cheese cake for eight, four hours of house
repairs. At a big community party your auctioneer sells every treasure
to the highest bidder."
Grants
from governments & foundations
With so many potential sources of assistance, half the battle is figuring
out who supports what. After identifying a possibility, find out about
application procedures. Getting a grant usually requires writing up
a good proposal. Look for matching grants. In many cases governments
will contribute a dollar for every dollar raised by citizens.
Charging
fees
Consider the possibility of charging fees for services, or products.
Time
tithing
Ivan Sheier, an expert on volunteerism, dislikes the time and energy
spent on grant writing and big fundraising events. Instead, he recommends
time tithing as a way of producing a steady flow of cash. It is a system
that relies on supporters contributing high quality services. A group
might advertise such services as conducting a workshop, painting signs,
or providing professional assistance. When a supporter performs a service,
they do not keep the money they are paid; but have the amount, minus
expenses, sent directly to their group.
Organize!
->
Community
Organizing
The
Citizen's Handbook:
A Guide to Building Community in Vancouver
© Charles Dobson / Vancouver Citizen's Committee
