Fundraising: First Step to NGO’s Campaign Success
Money is everything. Stepping out for a good cause is extremely important and valuable, but at the same time, it is essential to check the budget for it. Whether you plan on backing a little one’s education or are heading to help build a hospital or an animal shelter, money is where it all begins. Fundraising is the beginning of NGO activities, no matter the cause. It allows you to set a budget for how much money you have or need to start with.Â
Spreading the word about what you plan to do, connecting with the community and sponsors, and filtering the willing volunteers are all part of fundraising. These funds raised go to organisations like Bal Raksha Bharat, a child protection NGO (also known as Save the Children India), which has a history of working for the good of those in need. Their transparency and rigorous monitoring of activities and funds make them trustworthy for all to support the cause. That is what all working for the movement should head for. Now, let us understand the various methods of fundraising to boost an NGO’s campaign success.
What Can Be Done for NGO Fundraising?
NGO activities in India proceed with the motivation of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, a.k.a. the world is one family. This motto encourages all to be there for each other, look after each other’s needs, and create a community that works forward. Therefore, those looking to help others should speak with those with the same mindset. Here are a few ways to do that:
Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
Look for supporters and share your plans with them. Door-to-door diffusion of the idea is the most traditional way of raising funds for a welfare cause. Nowadays, due to the online approach, outreach has been made a lot easier. However, speaking personally can be a lot more helpful. Indulging with the supporters in the real world rather than virtual is always more touching, but may require additional effort.Â
Crowdfunding
Next up is the most popular method, crowdfunding, where you choose large platforms to spread awareness about the campaign. People may consider this the most effective measure of fundraising as compared to any other. There are many online platforms where you can post the details of the project and collect small amounts from a large number of people, instead of a large amount from a few, to serve the purpose.Â
Storytelling
The sharing of stories and mass communication has always connected people since the ancient days. If you add a narrative to your crowdfunding, it can lead supporters to react faster and encourage them to be more supporting. NGO activities require patience, but this method can greatly accelerate the process.Â
Events
Raising money can be fun, too. Organise fun events that promote the cause and watch people turn up for the cause without much ado. Auctions, galas, and fun competitions can help gather people in large numbers. This is one of the common NGO activities for students. It can be exciting as well as promote warmth amongst those who come together in harmony for the cause.Â
Partnerships
Joint ventures with thriving industries, ready to associate themselves with cause can significantly increase your chances of getting maximum donations. You can learn and come across more supporters with a wider network. Collaborations can lead to new connections and healthier growth of the campaigns.Â
Online Challenges
Social media challenges, wherein people create a particular video or post asking others to perform certain tasks promoting a cause, are trendy these days. These tasks include certain challenges, dance hook steps, or simply an act of standing up for something. If you are lucky, your hashtags can go viral and promote greater awareness of the campaign.
Recurring Giving Programmes
Once these methods have worked and a recognisable number of supporters have joined the cause, you can offer them a periodic funding system. This acts as an income stream for NGO activities in India, wherein supporters pay a quarterly, monthly, or annual sum. Such recurring giving programmes are beneficial because NGOs can have a predictable inflow of funds.Â
Steps to Follow Before the Appeal
Knowing the ‘what’ is not enough. You must also know the ‘how’ and ‘when’. Understanding the flow of events is essential for the success of any project. Follow these steps to proceed better.Â
- If your organisation is heading towards NGO activities for students, you must plan what, when, where, and how before the fundraising. Assessing the needs is essential. Fix a budget.
- Knowing your target audience reduces your efforts. Consider the demographic, people’s interests, and the scope of the cause.Â
- Do not skip to a particular technique. Look for several options. The world is moving to digital, so choose your platforms wisely. Try Instagram and Twitter, for instance.Â
- Have a dedicated team of fundraisers. Make sure the members are serious about it and spread the word.
- Being transparent about the financial aspect is also essential.Â
Wrapping Up!
Before proceeding with the fundraising for the NGO activities, ensure there is transparency and accountability in the organisation. A successful campaign is one where everybody knows where the funds are going. It creates trust between the donor and the organisation, as well as the receiver. Make sure to mix all the above-mentioned top fundraising techniques and not fixate on one. The efforts must come from all fronts! If you want to make an impact, try collaborating with NGOs like Bal Raksha Bharat, who have been working on such campaigns for a long while. You can visit their website to learn more about their programmes.Â