Free Articles

Here you'll find a number of free articles, courtesy of GIFT. You can also download our other articles right away on the fundraising topics most important to you, for just $3 each.

You can get more free resources by reading our Dear Kim Klein column or by subscribing to our e-newsletter.

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For starters, here are three key things to know about fundraising:

1. People give when they are asked, and rarely give when they are not. Even when people are asked, they don't always give. So, you need to ask for more gifts than the number you need to bring in, and you need to be comfortable with people saying "No."
2. Donors are not ATMs. You need to thank them and keep them posted on what your organization is doing with their money if you want them to give more than once.
3. You can't raise all the money your group needs by yourself. Spend some time building a team of people to help you.

We recommend the following articles. The ones that are links are free PDF downloads. The others can be purchased for just $3 each. (Please read our reprint policy before sharing with others.

GIFT's PHILOSOPHY

Why Good Fundraisers are Never Paid on Commission by Kim Klein. Five important reasons you should hire fundraising staff or consultants for a salary or fee, and not on commission.

Why People of Color Need to Be Good Fundraisers by Mike Roque

Caring for Each Other: Philanthropy in Communities of Color by Lisa Durán Most writing about giving away money focuses on affluent, white donors. This article explores the often unrecognized forms philanthropy has taken in communities of color in the United States.

BOARDS OF DIRECTORS

How Does Your Board Measure Up? by Stephanie Roth. A simple tool that enables a board to evaluate itself and decide how they may want to change.

Ten Quick Ways to Improve Board Meetings by Jan Masaoka. The former Executive Director of CompassPoint NonProfit Services identifies effective actions to make board meetings smoother and more productive.

53 Ways for Board Members to Raise $1000 (originally 55 Ways for Boards Members to Raise $500) by Kim Klein. Culled from dozens of suggestions and experiences sent in by board members over the years. Even terribly shy people will find something in this list they can do!

GETTING MAJOR GIFTS

Getting Major Gifts: The Basics by Kim Klein

More Askers, More Money: An All-Staff Approach to Major Gifts by Andy Robinson Although we encourage nonprofits to engage their board members in soliciting major gifts, mixed results on that front have led some organizations to try a different approach. Andy Robinson describes how one group trains and supports staff members to make an intensive annual push for these larger donations, and how you can use their approach.

The Fine Art of Asking for the Gift by Kim Klein. An all-time favorite. How to ask a prospect for money and what you can expect from your efforts.

The Correct Use of Special Events by Kim Klein

A Step-by-Step Guide to Organizing a Fundraising Dinner by Mimi Ho. Plan carefully, pay attention to detail, and involve a group of enthusiastic volunteers and you can find success - building community and raising money - from this ever popular fundraising strategy.

A Fresh Approach to a House Party Pays Off by Susan Studer King. The Ohio Environmental Council made a bundle on its most recent house party by updating their old formula-and having very generous hosts.

Sobrepasando el Temor a Pedir por Kim Klein

Todo lo que Sé Acerca de Dar, Lo Aprendí de una Canasta de Vegetales por Pilar Gonzáles

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