Question by Nefe: When to do “The Ask” for a non-profit fundraising event?
I’d like to know where I can find any academic information on the psychology of giving at a non-profit fundraising dinner.

During a dinner-style fundraising event, when is the best time to present “The Ask”? When are people more psychologically inclined to donate towards the cause? Before the main course, after the main course, between appetizers? The non profit deals with international development in third world countries.

I’m looking for studies, academic articles, etc., that show a particular time or setting for “The Ask” to be done.

Thanks!
Thank you everyone! The only issue I see with asking after dinner is that often, people will leave immediately after dinner, even before dessert is served, especially if they are coming with young children. We have optioned to keep the raffle prizes until dessert is served ( and that people MUST be present in order to claim their prize). However, while we have very attractive door prizes (flights, cruises), we are doubtful that the majority of people will actually stay, as they may not find their chances of winning quite high (we are expecting over 300) . I also feel that immediately after cocktails is a tad rushed. Some psychological studies have noted a principle of recriprocity: if they are given a service or gift, they are more likely to give. Once they have eaten and socialized to their heart’s content, they are more willing to give as they realize how much they have in comparison to others…thoughts, anyone?

Best answer:

Answer by Piggiepants
In my option, nothing is worse than interupting people at any point during a meal. If everyone’s hands are busy and their mouths are full, they aren’t going to be writing you any checks. At the very least, save the ask until after dinner, but before dessert.

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Question by Chad F: Forming a non-profit: fundraising before getting non-profit status?
Hello!

I am wondering if it is possible (i.e. legal) to start fundraising for a non-profit, before its non-profit status and incorporation go into effect? I ask, as I want to start a non-profit, but just like with any business, it can take a substantial start-up capital. I know I can always reimburse, once I do get money flowing in as administrative costs, but I don’t really have any money right now.

Just looking for some thoughts…
When I say reimburse, I meant pay back (with funding/donations) the costs incurred to get it up and running (applications fees, etc), identifying them as administrative costs for the organization.

Best answer:

Answer by NotSoSweet
You don’t ‘reimburse’ donations. That would be a loan, and it is independent of your status.

As for donations, until you establish/register your organization you won’t be able to get government or foundation money, so there go the two biggest sources of income out the window. You will have to rely on individual donations or corporation sponsorships. And it is hard enough to get people to donate for an established organization.

If this is a labor or love and you have a big group of people willing to donate their time and money to get your organization off the ground, good luck.

In any case, it’s legal to fundraise, but you must disclose the fact that you are not a nonprofit organization, and that donors can not ‘write off’ the value of their donation to your organization.

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by South Carolina State Library

Question by : Fundraising ideas for a Non-Profit and a Football Team?
I’m going to a meeting with the general manager of a minor league football team about fundrasing opportunities. Does anyone have any ideas about different opportunities that would benefit both parties? I would like to get the maximum return possible out of this meeting.

Best answer:

Answer by Jolian Regina
Try by getting a free fundraising kit from various websites. It’s a great way to learn more about the fundraising options they offer. With the right information and the right tools they can help you make your next fundraiser a success.

All fundraising groups are going to have to sell their items to generate money. Everyone starts with selling to mom and dad then moves on to friends. The more successful the campaign means the more people you will actually have to talk to. Here are a collection of sales tips you can use to help you while you are raising funds.

- Have fun and enjoy what you are doing. It is not necessary to have a canned speech and perform it by memory. You can talk to people and have fun with your campaign, the donors will pick up on this and sales will increase.
- Be honest while making the rounds for sales. You are a representative of your school group.
- People do not want to be told what to do. Your job is to make people feel good about donating to your school group.
- When you get a no, don’t take it personally. The donors are not saying they don’t like you; they just may not care for the product or have the money available at the time.
- For people who are nervous about selling a little preparation is key. By practicing your sales talk it will bring confidence. Again the goal is not to recite something word for word but to talk about your fundraising campaign with confidence. It might sound a little funny but try role-playing if selling is an issue with you. Spend time with people rehearsing just talking and getting past an objection or two.
- Avoid hard selling. There is no need to be pushy while fundraising. People like to help out and also enjoy buying. You may even be able to offer them the chance to show up to school to check out the new equipment, or the new uniforms for the baseball team. By being friendly and a good representative you just might pick up new volunteers along the way.
- If possible get a booth or a table in a high traffic area. Places like malls or local events. This will get you lots of traffic and potential donors that you can approach.

These sales tips are good for whatever sales you might find yourself in. You might even consider these tips good advice for talking to people and relating. Remember interacting with people will serve you better than just about any learned skill taught. A little preparation with these tips will insure that your fundraising campaign is both fun and profitable.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

The Mohawk Valley Nonprofit Leaders Group held a program on July 21st that focused on fund development infrastructure. The agenda included an overview of the fund development committee and plan by the NY Council of Nonprofits. A panel discussion followed. Here, the panel discusses different ideas for getting the board engaged in raising money. The panel featured: Judith Reilly, Executive Director, Compeer of the Mohawk Valley; Frank B. DuRoss, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, Mohawk Valley Community College MVCC; Steve Robinson, Director of Programs and Training, The Peacemaker Program, Inc; and Nancy M. Benz, Vice President for Fund Development, Planned Parenthood Mohawk Hudson, Inc.
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When you’re coming up with fundraiser ideas, what comes to mind? www.CrowdfundingSecrets.com If you’re like 99% of the people out there, you’re thinking bake sales, canvassing neighborhoods, and other difficult, low reward strategies… But in the next few years, some new fundraiser ideas will be sweeping the social landscape, and it’s in your best interest to dive in now. www.CrowdfundingSecrets.com One of the most powerful fundraiser ideas I’ve ever come across is something you may have heard of… it’s called crowdfunding, and of all the fundraiser ideas out there, it’s one of the easiest to pull off – plus, it’s got incredible potential for meeting or exceeding your fundraising goals. Here are some examples of fundraiser ideas that have been successfully funded with crowdfunding: www.CrowdfundingSecrets.com Fundraiser ideas example #1: Tellman Knudson, a very successful online business owner (and he’s also my employer, by the way) tested out one of his fundraiser ideas on a crowdfunding site and raised 11.01 to help fund a documentary about his barefoot trek across country for youth homelessness. www.CrowdfundingSecrets.com Fundraiser ideas example #2: Some college aged software designers had some fundraiser ideas for getting enough cash to take time off for the summer to create a new kind of social network… They raised over 0000, which was about 0000 more than they asked for. www.CrowdfundingSecrets.com Fundraiser ideas example #3: Eric Schwabel, a …
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