Why is Fundraising Important?
Since not-for-profit groups are by their definition groups that do not wish to profit, many people wonder why fundraising is important at all. In fact, fundraising is sometimes the only way that not-for-profits can raise the money needed to deliver the programs and services set out in their mandate.
Fundraising can help raise awareness through newspapers or newsletters, it can help a group establish a website, and it can directly help people that the group is hoping to help. For example, a women’s shelter will need money for a shelter space, money for food and board for women and children in need, and money for programs such as education and job training for the women who visit the centre.
The costs of even a small women’s centre can be enormous. All not-for-profit groups, even small ones, need money in order to really do good. This is where fundraising comes in.
Other Benefits
Did you know fundraising also provides benefits greater than simply providing money for a cause?
Funds raised through fundraising efforts are then used to deliver programs or services to those in need. In many cases, it allows the person in need, such as a woman in a shelter, the opportunity to improve their life. Often this doesn't feel like charity - but real assistance in a time of need.
Some of the most successful fundraisers are people who have experienced and recovered from illness or hardship. Their personal experience motivates them to help others in the same situation as they once were, or with prevention programs to stop people suffering in the first place.
Fundraising Can Make a Big Impact
As the cost of living rises, more expensive resources such as food and fuel impact not just household budgets, but the budgets of not for profits too. In order to continue to operate within their budget, not for profits such as schools, child care centres and animal shelters will start to cut out programs and services that they deem to be non essential.
In a school setting, children may miss out on excursions, or programs such as sport, cooking, art, theatre or music. These elective subjects are often the first areas where spending cuts are made.
The reduction in programs has a greater impact on society than realised.
Community Awareness: Learning to Help Others
Fundraising is a way to teach children about helping others from a young age. It teaches our children that they are part of a community; a community that needs our support. It makes children aware of the issues that our community faces, and how they can make a difference by volunteering their time or skills. It teaches them to help others.
Children who participate in volunteering from a young ago are more likely to carry on helping and volunteering into adulthood. Sometimes children are affected by illness or hardship. This experience motivates them to help others who are affected in the same way.
While fundraising can be hard work, it also has the unexpected benefit of impacting future generations.
Happy Fundraising!