Stay Focused on Need For Funding

Fundraising is to nonprofits what sales is to business. It’s where the money comes from. In business the sales team secures revenue to cover expenses and generate a profit for shareholders. In nonprofits it is the fundraising team that raises the money you need to deliver on your mission.

For example, increasing the number of local residents qualified to fill current, local job openings requires resources – including money. Partnerships with government agencies and businesses can provide resources needed to fulfill this mission, but money is also needed. The question for nonprofit leaders – both staff and board members – becomes “where will the money come from?”

Staying focused on why funds are needed is one way to change your relationship to fundraising. It is not about begging. It’s about making a clear case for why an individual, foundation or corporation should give to your organization. You need to know how much money your organization is seeking to raise, how it will be used and what the impact will be...

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