How to Raise Money for Your Non-Profit Organization

Starting a non-profit can be a fun way to expand a hobby, help the community and have a socially responsible good time. It's important to understand that even non-profits must survive in the real world and mainly capitalist economy and for that you're going to need capital.

Like a business, a non-profit should have a financial plan. Even though there is no extra income, there are going to be expenditures. Annual state fees can be around $200 and government fees for registering as a 501(c)3 are $500-1000. How can you as an individual raise the money to fund your non-profit dream? Here are a few ideas.

Spread the word and you'll be surprised how many people are willing to contribute to get you going, including local businesses. People and businesses are often willing to donate supplies, match funds or donate space for fundraisers - or all of the above. Determine your start up costs and plan activities that could help you reach them. Then ask for what you want and you just might get it.

You could hold a fundraising tag sale at a local church. Or a silent auction with donated items at a local coffee shop, restaurant or community center. Some local shops might already have an evening set aside for fundraising events throughout the month or year as these constitute a tax write off for them. Even larger chain stores often offer charitable donations of goods and services to local organizations. While working as a director for a non-profit events organization I secured free banners for a promotional parade from Staples. Look around town and inquire. The worst that can happen is people say no.

Set reasonable goals to meet your initial needs and be patient in reaching them. If you are starting a non-profit, you should be thinking long term sustainability. Once you have your start up costs covered and are a registered 501(c)3 there are a whole new world of fundraising options available to sustain your project.

An easy way to keep operating funds rolling in is to register with MissionFish on eBay. Almost everyone has heard of eBay "the world's online marketplace." There are over 100 million users registered with this online auction marketplace. In 2003, eBay enlisted the help of MissionFish to help non-profits tap into the eBay economy.

MissionFish is a highly successful fundraising tool that began in 2000 as an independent online auction site. It provides the technical and administrative infrastructure for eBay's online charity works. Today there are over 8,000 non-profits registered with MissionFish on eBay. These organizations can sell goods for themselves or can be designated recipients of sales profits by any seller for any percentage from 10% and up. If you know any regular sellers ask them to think about donating a percentage of their profit. Or, become a regular seller yourself. A simple ad in the local free paper could be your ticket to success. Offer to pick up unwanted items and tag sale leftovers for fundraising on eBay.

There are also other non-profits that are set up to help non-profits. Donation Line is a charitable service which accepts used cars, sells them and gives the money to designated non-profits. The organization keeps a database available online so people donating cars can choose where they want the money to go. Again, letting people know you are actively looking for donations is the best way to have them come your way. Registering with Donation Line is as easy as with MissionFish and then anytime someone has a junker to get rid of your non-profit can gain operating funds.

Another great organization set up to help non-profits is Idealist.org. Under the "for organizations" tab on the Idealist.org website you can register your non-profit and gain access to nonprofit information and resources. You can create your own web page, post classifieds for jobs, internships, volunteer and events, and program and campaign information. They offer non-profit career fairs and other events nationwide aimed at creating an infrastructure for the industry where organizations can create alliances, gain information and find support.

There are many other resources for non-profits that are just a click away. Start online, do some research and then get out and spread the word about your idealist ideas. If you have the enthusiasm to realize your project other people will too. So have a plan, set reasonable goals, ask for what you want and stick with it!