developing a fundraising strategy

Developing a Fundraising Strategy
Deciding which funders to approach about specific projects and programs involves developing a fundraising strategy, assessing funding opportunities, and finding the right fit for your group’s needs. Holly Korda opened the call with tools to develop your strategy. Then, we heard from Danforth Livable Communities and Age-Friendly Saco about the approaches they have taken. 

Our panelists were:  

• • Tara Mozdziez - Member, Danforth Livable Communities

  • Jean Saunders - Chair, Age-Friendly Saco

These are some of the materials shared (or referenced) during the session:

Hints and Tips 

• • Keep your work organized for easy reference and tracking. Holly uses this Funding Strategy Tracker. It is easily adaptable to any funding need. 

  • Fundraisers

    • Fundraisers are a great source for operational income such as heating and internet (hard to fund through grants). 

    • Fundraisers are also friend raisers. Find the fundraiser that will entice your community to participate in the fun and will engage them in the work you are doing. Add a creative twist to what you do to make it unique to your community. What works in one community won't work in all communities. 

    • Develop a few fundraisers that keep on providing funds (such as a cookbook or community calendar). Another suggestion was to put a "Qgiv" widget on your website to solicit donations. 

    • Ask and people will give.

    • Develop an annual appeal with specifics of the impact people will make by donating a suggested amount (e.g., 25 dollars will fund installation of a grab bar). 

  • Grants

    • Tell your story. Communication with funders starts when you reach out to them and explain what you are hoping to achieve, continues with your application, and goes even further after you earn the grant funding when you share regular updates about the impact the funder's investment is having in your community. 

    • It builds trust with funders when you show that you have the capacity to deliver what you promise (so don't over-promise).

    • Combine age-friendly goals with other local projects. 

    • Carefully follow grant submission deadlines and instructions.

    • Don't be discouraged. Even if one funder isn't the right one for your project, you will find another one that is. 

More information about the projects that were highlighted

• • Holly mentioned the video, From Faded to Fabulous about a project related to the basketball court transformation. 

  • Tara referenced a video created by Danforth Livable Communities about the history of the community that was featured on MPBN (click here to watch)

  • The first Challenge Grant won by Age-Friendly Saco was to install an accessible beach mat. (To watch the video, click here). She also mentioned their Tech Handy Helper Program (click here to watch a video about it). You may also enjoy checking out their newly revamped website for AgeFriendly Sao: https://agefriendlysaco.org/. 

  • A question was asked about assigning an hourly rate to in-kind volunteer work. The Independent Sector report suggests a valuation of $28.89 for volunteer time given in Maine. Maine State government uses that guideline when it offer guidance to value in-kind, volunteer time so it is a good guideline. Click here to see the Independent Sector guidelines.