Fundraising

Information about Fundraising

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This section is to show readers the different types of fundraising that can be utilised to raise funds and awareness for your favourite cause or charity.

The best way to raise money for your chosen cause will often depend on the resources available and the supporter base. It’s helpful to think about the different options available and how they could benefit your chosen organisation. Some things to think about might be:

• How much money is needed?
• Is the purpose just to raise money or is it also to raise awareness?
• What resources are available to support the fundraising?
• What is the timescale?

For further information on a range of fundraising issues and techniques see below.

Auctions

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Selling items to the highest bidder

Auctions, often held at one-off fundraising events, can be a great way to increase revenue.

Unlike raffles and lotteries, auctions have the benefit of not falling under gambling law. However, you still need to be aware of consumer legislation in each state.

Fundraising auctions are great for a range of occasions, including:

§  Awards Ceremonies

§  Black Tie Galas

§  Sporting Events & Fundraisers

§  Charity Events

 

Example: Celebrity Collars for Dogs

Robin Williams topped list of celebrities donating their dog's used collars for a "Celebrity Collars for Dollars" fundraising auction for Dogs Deserve Better, a nonprofit working to bring dogs into the home & family. 

Williams donated collars from family pets Gabby & Mable-Mae signed with each dog's name.

Australian Nonprofit Auction Sites:

www.fundraisingauctionsaustralia.com.au and http://helpinghand.com.au

Beneficiary Gifts
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Engaging donors in a creative and fun way

Beneficiary or virtual gifts, involve donors 'buying' a gift for a recipient from a catalogue or website but instead of the recipient receiving a gift, the donor's money is spent on a charitable activity or product. They can provide a fun and altruistic way in which to engage donors by:

• offering supporters a new way to engage with the charity
• capitalising on the public's desire to shop ethically via catalogues and online
• offering donors a new way of donating
• creating a new revenue stream
• acquiring new supporters
• testing catalogue products and direct mail asks
• raising awareness of the charity among recipients

Before starting a beneficiary gifts scheme, careful planning is needed. What will you offer? How many items are needed? Does the catalogue reflect beneficiaries' needs?

Example: Oxfam Unwrapped!

What do you give to someone who has everything? How about a goat, chicken or pig? Oxfam unwrapped offers a range of gift ideas that will also help transform the life of a person living in poverty.

 

www.oxfamunwrapped.com.au

Bequests

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You can help create a better world by including a charity in your will. Bequests are:

§  biggest gifts received by charities from individuals

§  largest source of voluntary income to charities

§  made by people from all walks of life not just the wealthy

Research shows that 3 out of 4 Australians are generous and support charities, but due to lack of awareness, less than 7.5% of Australians leave a gift or bequest to charity in their Will. If 12% of Australians made a bequest to charity an additional $440 million would be raised for charities. Bequests are:

• Essential in providing much-needed funds to charities
• Effective and easy to include in your Will
• A generous way to leave a legacy that honours causes close to your heart

There are many ways that you can continue to help your favourite charity or cause by either including a bequest to the nonprofit in a new will, by executing a codicil to an existing will which includes a bequest to the organisation or by nominating the organisation as a beneficiary of a policy of insurance payable on death. You could also leave:

• The residue of your estate (i.e. remainder of your estate after specific gifts have been disbursed)
• Percentage of the residue of your estate or % of your entire estate
• A pecuniary gift (i.e. a specific gift of cash)
• An asset (e.g. real estate, shares, bonds or other articles of value)
• An alternative or conditional bequest in case your beneficiaries don't survive you, you may leave your Estate to your chosen charity or cause

You should discuss your wishes with your family and solicitor. If you choose to leave a gift in your Will to a particular charity contact them and see if they have a suggested form of wording that may be useful to you, your solicitor or trustee company.

Include a Charity www.includeacharity.com.au 

Include a Charity is designed to raise awareness of the ease and effectiveness of leaving a gift in your will. It encourages people to consider leaving a gift to charities after considering family and friends. 

Include a Charity is the result of over 130 of Australia's favourite charities working together to do what no single charity has ever been able to achieve on its own - change the way Australians think about including charities in their will.

Successful Bequest Campaign: The Dogs Trust www.dogstrust.org.uk

The Dogs Trust welcomes legacies (bequests) and wants to care for dogs whose owners can’t do it themselves or are no longer around.

Objective

Persuade pet owners to carry the Canine Care Card. This fulfilled two main objectives for the Dogs Trust.

1. Encouraged people who might be elderly and living alone to notify them of their pets and their needs. 
2.  Created a great platform for bequest fundraising.

Bequest Pitch – ‘I want my dog to keep on smiling’

This is really clever fundraising. The Dogs Trust offers its supporters the chance to join their Canine Care Scheme which ensures that if they die before their beloved pet dog,  they will look after the dog for rest of its life. This idea is going to appeal to an elderly dog-loving donor. So, which charity is a dog-loving donor likely to leave a Bequest to?

Result - The Dogs Trust raised millions from this proposition…

And finally...leaving a bequest can help to provide the life changing gift of freedom & independence.

Guide Dogs Victoria

Blogs

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Anyone can start a blog to promote your favourite charity or cause - it’s simple and free!

Blogger - www.blogger.com   

You +1'd this publicly. Undo

Free weblog publishing tool from Google, for sharing text, photos and video.

Wordpress - http://wordpress.com 

Causes - www.causes.com/causes 

There are over 500,000 causes. Find yours. Or Start a Cause 

Campaigns

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Anyone can start a campaign

Example: Emergency Pet Oxygen Masks

Few fire stations have a pet oxygen mask to use during emergencies to save pets’ life. 100,000+ animals p.a. die from inhaling poisonous gases in fires, according to US Fire Administration.

A young entrepreneur started Pet Mask - a fabulous initiative to help save the lives of pets across the country. Her goal is to raise funds in order for all fire stations across the US to have these life-saving masks. Becoming a sponsor or donate to your local fire department or become a sponsor by contacting Monica at sponsorship@petmask.com

Example: RSPCA Campaign 

A picture paints a thousand words! Say no more in this clever campaign against tail docking.


Example: Campaign against Puppy Mills

Puppies from ‘puppy farms’ are predominantly sold through classified ads online and in newspapers, and to some extent through pet shops. If you buy a dog from a puppy farm through a classified ad there is no means of comeback if the dog becomes ill or even dies. 

These deals are often carried out in a car park, with a disposable mobile phone number as the only means of contacting the seller. 

This is another clever campaign photo which packs a punch!

Cash or Gift

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You don’t have to use cash to make a gift!

You can give your chosen charity or favourite cause stocks, bonds, mutual funds. You charitable deduction will be the full, fair market value of the securities, with no capital gains on their appreciation.

You can also give other non-cash gifts such as paintings, personal collections, buildings, vehicles, etc. You will need to check the financial and legal side of your gift to maximise your gift.

Challenges facing Charities
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The challenge most often reported by charities as their major and ongoing one is that of attracting Donors and Supporters.

As well as constantly finding new ways to raise funds, charities are also being asked - by both donors and the various regulations under which their operations fall (e.g. the introduction of new arrangements relating to the GST) - to operate effectively and in business-like ways. However this responsibility carries with it administrative and operating challenges of various kinds - especially costs.

Donors & funders often seek 100% return on their donation (directly to charities recipients); however this unrealistic as there are real overheads and operating costs that must be met. No charity runs on fresh air! 

Charities
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How to find Australian Charities and Nonprofits

The Australian Not-for-Profit sector is made up of 600,000+ organisations - animal welfare organisations, overseas aid organisations, medical research groups, disability advocacy organisations, human rights – there is a Not-for-Profit organisation for almost every cause you can think of.

The Not for Profit Sector, sometimes referred to as the Nonprofit, Community, Voluntary, Social or Third Sector, is the social fabric that holds society together.

These organisations (also known as charities) rely on donations from individuals, corporates, trusts and foundations to continue to work towards making the world a better place to be. You can find Australian Charities and Nonprofits online.

These organisations (also known as charities) rely on donations from individuals, corporates, trusts & foundations to continue to work towards making the world a better place to be.

There is no comprehensive list of all charities in Australia, but there are several websites which provide lists of charities. In some cases charities must pay to be listed, and in other cases the listing is free. None of these listings is comprehensive but there is generally a good representation of charities.

Philanthropy Australia www.philanthropy.org.au/involved/charities.html

Philanthropy Australia is the national peak body for philanthropy and is a Not-for-Profit membership organisation.

Ourcommunity.com www.ourcommunity.com.au                                                  Online Directory of Nonprofit Groups and Charities

Pro Bono Australia www.probonoaustralia.com.au 

Pro Bono Australia publishes the Australian Directory of Not for Profit Organisations

'Pro Bono's 'Guideto Giving' is a Directory of Australia’s Not-for-Profit organisations. The print copy is distributed annually to 56,000 Donors and Funding Advisors across Australia, or you can find listed charities online. 

Australian Charities is a portal for major Australian Charities and the publication The Charities Book www.auscharity.org

Remember Me - Australian Charity Listing Directory www.rememberme.com.au 

Australian Charity Guide www.australiancharityguide.com 

Charitable Collections

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How to remain open, accountable and legal during your fundraising collections

Fundraising Collections are a common method of raising money for charity, particularly amongst volunteers. There are many different forms of charitable collections, and all have different rules associated with them. Some of the most common are:

• Street Collections - If you are holding a collection in the street, you will need to obtain a licence, either from your local or state authority.
• Private Collections - If your collection is still open to the public, but being held on private property such as within a shopping centre, rail station or airport, you must obtain permission from the landowner or manager.
• Static Collection Boxes - Boxes must be secure and tamper proof. You do not need a licence to place these in a shop or business, just permission from the business owner.
• House-to-House Collections - Licences must be obtained from the relevant local authority.

Charity e-cards                                                                                                                     _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Good for you and for your favourite Charity www.charityecards.com.au

20% of every dollar goes to your nominated charity so the more people who view your card the more $’s get donated. Charity e-cards support local & national charities, large & small, so you’re certain to find a worthy cause to support.

Sending e-cards is a great idea as they are:

1.    Extremely Cost Effective

2.    Speed and Ease of Delivery

3.    Environmentally friendly and kind on the Earth's resources

4.    20% of each sale supports your chosen Charity; and, your clients will know that your company is supporting Charity through your e-card.

Charitable Trusts

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Establishing a Charitable Fund Account

Example: Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation - www.lmcf.org.au/trust 

Anyone can establish a charitable trust account within the Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation. This simple and cost-effective charitable trust account will continue to support your community, in your name, forever!

• All contributions are tax deductible.
• No establishment fees.
• You choose the name of the account.
• Establish Trust from $2000.
• Management fee 1% p.a.
• Complete transparency

Charities Working with Businesses/Corporates

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Check best practise & legal guidelines for charities engaging with the commercial sector

Corporate Partnerships can bring many benefits. They can provide much needed funds from marketing or community budgets, good PR, brand awareness, awareness of corporate social responsibility, volunteers and gifts-in-kind.

However they have the potential to bring with them problems and conflicts without correct preparation. Much will depend on how the relationship is set up and the preparation undertaken right at the beginning.

Example: Kleenex & Guide Dog Puppies

Each year Kleenex Cottenelle raises money for Guide Dogs Australia and promotes awareness to help train more puppies to become Guide Dogs, ultimately enriching the lives of people with vision impairment.

New Kleenex Cottonelle TV commercial called "When Nature Calls" features the Kleenex Puppy and a baby orangutan in his natural environment.  Kleenex Cottonelle is FSC Certified and supported by WWF. This advert covers puppies, baby wildlife, nature and environmental issues…what a clever promotional video!

Example: RSPCA Corporate Partnerships

RSPCA Australia has worked for the welfare of animals since 1871. It is the only national animal welfare charity and one of the most well-known and respected. RSPCA's core values of Caring, Educating, Protecting and Improving Welfare Standards resonate strongly with the community.

As a trusted charity the RSPCA offers many benefits to corporate partners and has built a family of sponsors with similar values whose association with the RSPCA strengthens respective positions in the community. RSPCA works hard to preserve the integrity of the RSPCA's name and will only partner with organisations that are closely aligned to its ideals and Mission.

Licensing

RSPCA has a number of products manufactured under the RSPCA brand.

Product Endorsement

RSPCA endorses a limited number of products in the market and will only endorse products that offer positive alignment with the RSPCA's core values and assist it in achieving its Mission. This may be achieved via a number of avenues including products that aid in education, promote animal welfare or raise income.

Companies seeking RSPCA endorsement of a product should contact the RSPCA  www.rspca.org.au 

Credit Cards

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‘Save lives every time you shop’

The RSPCA joined forces with Bendigo Bank and VISA International to create an exciting range of credit cards that offer Australians a way to help one of the nation’s favourite charities.

Every time you use a Bendigo RSPCA Rescue VISA card to make a purchase or pay a bill, you’ll help the RSPCA save lives.

Each card features the image of a real animal the RSPCA has rescued - true stories that are a reminder of why your support is so important.

Taco & Bella

Two tiny Chihuahua cross puppies were found by a member of the public, brought to the RSPCA, treated and adopted out to a happy new home.

Result: Over $1,000,000 has been raised so far by RSPCA supporters shopping with the RSPCA Rescue Visa card which helps fund the RSPCA's national Adopt-A-Pet Program.

Data Protection

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Regulations that cut across many fundraising techniques

Data protection legislation affects many areas of fundraising. Fundraisers need to ensure they comply with the regulations.

• ensure you have the necessary permissions to contact supporters
• do not retain any information on a supporter or prospect that you would not be comfortable sharing with them
• do not use information in a manner that the supporter would not wish
• do not share data in a manner that a supporter would not wish

Direct Mail

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Best practice considerations when embarking upon a direct mail campaign

Direct Mail is a popular and traditional fundraising technique that can generate significant income for fundraising organisations. It can be used to inform potential supporters about a cause, ask for financial support or to help build a relationship with supporters. Direct Mail:

• Campaigns should be targeted and effective to help maximise returns and minimise annoyance with unwanted mailings.
• Should be decent, honest and transparent, providing potential supporters with the tools to make an informed decision about whether to support a cause.

Example: The Dogs Trust - UK's largest Dog Welfare Charity

Dogs Trust looks after around 15,000 abandoned dogs each year. The Trust aims to find new homes for all dogs and no healthy dog is ever destroyed.

Dogs Trust Campaign - Sponsor A Dog!

Premise: For a regular gift of $1 each week, you can sponsor one of The Dogs Trust long-term residents.

Goal: To build strong relationships with its donors. All promotional materials were heavily anthropomorphic - dogs asking donors directly, ‘will you be my best friend?’ proved irresistible.

Campaign: Letters to sponsors were written as if they had come directly from the dog. Sponsors responded warmly to this & often replied to ‘their’ dog. The ‘sponsored dog’ formed a relationship directly with the donor, through letters & cards.

Handwritten envelopes, postage stamps and cards were used to make these communications more personal. All materials were bright and cheerful with no harrowing images, so donors could open the mail without fear.

Result: Dogs Trust generates over £15mil p.a. from Dog Sponsorship (200,000 sponsors). 

This is the classic ‘sponsor an animal’ fundraising product which led to extraordinary fundraising success for Dogs Trust.

In 1999, The Dogs Trust received a bequest of £7.5mil. The person who made this amazing gift was a ‘dog sponsor’. 

Source: Sofii - Showcase of Fundraising Innovation and Inspiration

Donations

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Nonprofits rely on the generous support of individuals to carry out their vital work in the community. There are lots of ways that you can help your favourite cause. 

Making a donation is the quickest and easiest way to help others. Donation methods include:

Credit Card, Direct Debit, BPay, Cheque or Money Order, Phone, In-person and through Face-to Face Collections (House or Street)

NB: Every page of charities website should have a prominent Donate Now button!

 

Example: Assistance Dogs Australia 

Assistance Dogs Australia train and place their dogs with recipients ‘free of charge’. 

Each dog is supplied with items of standard equipment (e.g. a service dog coat). This coat is specially designed and made to help identify Assistance Dog in the community.

A donation can be made for the amount it costs us them to supply a service dog coat ($120.00). Every donation helps train more dogs to help more people.

Emergency Appeals

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Raising money in response to an urgent disaster

Lots of people feel compelled to help others in response to an emergency. In most cases, the best way to help is through donations and fundraising. Established fundraising organisations will often already have operations in the disaster area, so channelling money through those organisations can be an efficient way to help those in need.

Example: RSPCA Victorian Bushfire Appeal

The 2009 bushfires in rural Victoria resulted in a devastating loss of human life and property. Over 1,000,000 animals also fell victim to the bushfire tragedy and thousands of native, livestock and domestic animals faced the threat of starvation and loss of habitat.

RSPCA shelters and inspectors worked around the clock to provide emergency assistance to animals affected by the bushfires. Financial donations were required to support RSPCA’s emergency relief work. 

Result: $4.1mil+ was raised for the RSPCA’s Victorian Bushfire Appeal

Sam the Koala - Firefighter gives Koala a drink (2009 Australian Bushfires) 

Event Fundraising

Best practice for organising fundraising events

Organising events as a means of fundraising can be a great way to involve an array of different people and the community as a whole. It can raise awareness for your cause in a fun way, reaching new audiences and a wider new supporter base.

RSPCA Cupcake Day - www.rspcacupcakeday.com.au 

RSPCA Cupcake Day is the biggest bake-off in the Southern Hemisphere. It involves people around Australia baking cupcakes and hosting a Cupcake Party to raise vital funds for the RSPCA.

Result: $650,796 raised in 2011 RSPCA Cupcake Day

RSPCA Million Paws Walk

The Million Paws Walk is the RSPCA's major national fundraiser. Every year over 60,000 people and 25,000 pets hit the pavement to raise much needed funds for the RSPCA.

Result: $333.500+ raised in 2011 RSPCA Million Paws Walk

Face-to-Face Activity

On the street and house-to-house

Face-to-Face activity incorporates traditional face-to-face fundraising (soliciting direct debit donations) and what is commonly termed 'prospecting'. Prospecting is where members of the public are asked to sign-up to a cause which may or may not be followed by a fundraising ‘ask’ at a later date.

Face-to-face activity can occur on the street, from house-to-house or on public and private property such as shopping malls and railway stations.

Before embarking on a face-to-face activity in a public place, it is important to check the access management requirements with the relevant authority.

Different governing bodies have statutory and non-statutory requirements throughout Australia. Check with each state’s legislation and any federal legislation.

Example: Wood Green, UK Animals Charity

Wood Green carries out ‘face-to-face’ fundraising campaigns. Fundraisers knock on doors to talk to people about the work of Wood Green and ask people to support them by making a regular donation.

Face-to-face fundraisers wear a uniform clearly branded with the Wood Green logo. All face-to-face fundraisers have a photo ID and carry up-to-date branded literature. The fundraisers only ask for regular gifts via direct debit and do not accept any other means of payments in the way of a donation (e.g cash, cheque).

Fundraising

Best practise and sources of information about fundraising 

Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) - AFP represents 30,000+ members in 200 chapters throughout the world, working to advance philanthropy & fundraising through advocacy, research, education & certification programs www.afpnet.org  

  

Fundraising Institute of Australia (FIA) - FIA is the national peak body representing professional fundraising in Australia www.fia.org.au   

Institute of Fundraising (IoF) UK - IoF is the professional membership body for UK fundraising. It supports fundraisers, through leadership, representation, standards-setting & education www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk 

International Fundraising www.resource-alliance.org  

Resource Alliance works with civil society organisations around the world to help them build their financial sustainability.

Showcase of Fundraising Innovation & Inspiration (SOFII) - SOFII provides fundraisers with an online archive of fundraising best practice and creativity. It covers all areas of fundraising from all corners of the globe www.sofii.org  

Finding Funding
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How to apply for funding and where to look

Many fundraising organisations receive much of their funding from statutory sources and grant making Foundations &Trusts. There are numerous sources of funding available but it's important to know where to look and how best to approach funders. Useful sources for accessing information about grants in Australia include:

ourcommunity.com www.ourcommunity.com.au  'Easy Grants Newsletter & Database' – Fundraising bible for nonprofits

Pro Bono Australia www.probonoaustralia.com.au 

Philanthropy Australia www.philanthropy.org.au - The Australian Directory of Philanthropy lists over 350 Australian Trusts & Foundations with their contact details and funding preferences. The Directory is intended to assist you to locate foundations which may be able to fund your organisation.

Government Websites

communitybuilders.nsw has links to funding sources for community groups and projects from federal, state and local government as well as some philanthropic funds and companies. www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au 

Individual Foundation & Trusts
Also check out individual Foundation & Trusts own websites (e.g. Myer Foundation, Ian Potter Foundation)

Finding Guides
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There is plenty of free downloadable fundraising information on the Internet

Please find below some useful 'How to Guides' to assist with your fundraising. Download for free www.resource-alliance.org/pages/en/how-to-guides.html 

• 20 top corporate fundraising tips  
• How to write a fundraising proposal    
• Tips on how to get started in local fundraising   
• How to organise events to raise money by Michael Norton   
• How to find funders   

Getting Started in Fundraising

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How to begin raising money for the causes you support

There are many different ways that you can raise money for your chosen cause. Such causes do not have to be registered charities in order for you to fundraise for them. For example, you may wish to raise money for an individual in need, and you would not be able to register that as a charity, as it is for a private cause, rather than having a public benefit.

However, no matter how you fundraise, you need to make sure you are open and honest about what it is you are raising money for.

Choosing a Cause

If you don't know who to fundraise for, you could start by searching for existing charities online.

Letting Them Know
Contact the organisation you are fundraising for. They may be able to provide you with advice and materials that could help you.

Going it Alone

If you cannot find an organisation that already supports your chosen cause, you could establish a new fundraising organisation. There are many different options that you can consider in terms of the organisation's structure. To register as a charity you will need to be able to demonstrate public benefit and meet certain charitable tests.

TIP 1: Know who you are fundraising for

Before you start, it is best to decide for whom and for what you are fundraising, because the law says that the funds you raise must be spent on the cause you say you are raising funds for. If you know which charity you would like to help, go to their website or give them a ring.

TIP 2: Think about what type of fundraising you would like to do

You may already know what you would like to do - organise a sponsored walk or a pub quiz, sell raffle tickets, hold an auction of promises - the list of possibilities is limited only by your imagination.

TIP 3: Contact the charity’s fundraising department

Most volunteer fundraisers choose to organise or participate in events such as sponsored races or walks, cake sales, gala evenings or auctions, or they decide to hold a collection for a local charity.

Once you have decided which organisation you wish to raise funds for and what you would like to do, you are ready to start!

Giving

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Donating money, goods and time 

Donate Money

If you would like to donate some money but have no favourite charity there are a number of databases of charities which will enable you to search by geographic area or field of charitable benefit. 

You can also do your own fundraising by becoming a charity hero or volunteer fundraiser.

Donate Goods

Goods can be donated through charity shops, through collection banks or through door-to-door collections. In addition to helping your favourite cause, goods are recycled which is good for the environment.

 

 

Adopt a Pet

Every year thousands of loving pets are neglected, dumped and abandoned. The lucky ones end up at animal shelters that provide them with the food, love and veterinary attention they need to get back on their feet. Adopting an abandoned pet or farm animal is a wonderful way to give that animal a new life in a loving family.

Donate Time

If you would like to offer your services as a volunteer, contact the charity of your choice, or visit your local volunteer centre. There are a growing no of volunteer schemes you can sign up for.

Example: Volunteering Australia

GoVolunteer is a national volunteer matching website which lists over 11,000 volunteer positions throughout Australia per month. GoVolunteer is an initiative of Volunteering Australia.

Giving Circles

A Giving Circle is a group of people who get together to make positive change. The Giving Circle approach inspires, educates and encourages group members to become philanthropists.

Giving circles vary in size, structure and focus. Some  are small and very informal, almost like a book group that meet in each other’s homes, share ideas and take it in turns to decide where their combined funds should be invested. Others are much more formal with detailed investment criteria, due diligence processes, site visits and their own nonprofit status.

• Australian Women Donors Network http://womendonors.com.au
• Giving Circles Network www.givingcircles.org
•  Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers www.givingforum.org 

GiveNow.com.au aims to transform Giving in Australia. It provides a range of free resources and giving tools – a commission free website listing thousands of good causes and creative ways to give, a personalised donations tracking service, and a free giving newsletter.

Results: $21,330,666 raised to-date

Don’t want to give yet another unwanted, unnecessary gift? This year, give a good gift! Use the Good Gifts Guide to help create more meaningful gift giving this Christmas. This Guide has been produced as part of Give Now Week  www.givingweek.com.au  

Honesty in Fundraising

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Understanding the overarching principle of fundraising

No matter who you are or what you are fundraising for, you need to be as upfront and honest with donors. The more transparent the sector is with the public, the more trust and confidence the public will have in the sector.

Money must be used as intended by donors. If you raise money for a specific purpose, you have to use the money for this purpose. It’s often helpful to include a secondary purpose when asking for money to allow more flexibility in spending the money. This can be particularly useful if you raise too much or too little money, or if circumstances change.

Grants

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Sourcing and applying for grants – there are lots of places to find grants you just need to look, for example:

Volunteer Grants - Department of Families, Housing, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) 

GrantsLINK – Directory which has information about federal, state & local government funding programs where you find funding for individuals, businesses and communities.

www.grantslink.gov.au

Guide to Community Grants provides:

• Links to selected sources of Commonwealth, State & Territory financial assistance to community groups.
• A selection of links to non-government organisations which provide community grants.
• Links to commercial services providing grant information via subscription.

Tips for Successful Grant Applications:

• Submit a good application for funding will improve your chances of success.
• Refer to the guidelines provided by the funding body.
• Check the final date of application
• Apply within parameters of the funding guidelines (e.g. under $500 don’t apply for more)
• Matched funding - demonstrate evidence of other organisations contributions
• Demonstrate evidence of volunteer & organisational contributions

Help with Grant Applications:

 For additional guidance on writing applications:

• Visit Community Builders NSW, Philanthropy Australia and Our Community websites.
• Bill Somerville's Proposal Writing Kit: Tips & Techniques on Philanthropic Ventures Foundation's website provides useful guidance on preparing funding applications. 
• Granted is a not-for-profit organisation that provides advice to community sector organisations that are developing funding applications.
• The publication Good Practices and Pitfalls in Community-Based Capacity Building and Early Intervention Projects: A Toolkit is also provided on the FaHCSIA website.

Useful TIPS when Applying for Funding

Follow all the instructions available in the application pack or information on the website. Read all documents pertaining to the application carefully. When completing an grant application form:

1. Check whether you are eligible before applying.
   Read the Application Pack for eligibility criteria carefully before applying for funding.
2. Check if applications are hard copy, electronic or both.
   Read the instructions in the Application Pack carefully to ensure that your application is submitted in the required format.
3. Complete full details and bank account details of the organisation applying for funding.
   Make sure you complete the details of the organisation and bank account details of the organisation as requested in the Application Form.
4. Attach requested supporting documents.
   Attach any supporting documents to the application specified in the Application Pack.
5. Respond to all the selection criteria.
   Make sure you answer all the selection criteria within the word/page limits specified in the Application Form. All selection criteria are equally important.
6. Provide evidence to support your claims against the criteria.
7. Read and complete the declaration.
   Read and complete the declaration part of the Application Form carefully. You must sign the application if sending a hard copy.
8. Prepare application in advance of closing date.
   Allow a deadline for yourself that is at least two weeks prior to the closing date. Use this period to collate all relevant material and to proof read your application before the closing date. Use the Application Checklist if provided in the Application Pack to ensure that you have completed all parts of the application. Provide a 'not applicable' response to questions that do not apply to your application.
9. Keep a record of your application.
   Before sending the application, make a copy of the entire package and keep it on file for your own records.
10. Use the questions and answers facility.
    An online FAQ facility is usually available on the funder’s webpage or call the hotline number given in the Application pack for any questions not addressed.

In Kind Donations

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Many nonprofit organisations welcome all types of in-kind donations. For example:

Wish List for Dog Charities:

• Crates
• Dog Brushes & Clippers
•  Durable Puppy & Dog Toys
• Halties & Leads
• Wooden Baby Gates

Donate a Puppy

Some dog organisations have breeding programs in place (Guide Dogs); many cannot afford it (Assistance Dogs).

Assistance Dogs of America, Inc. receives puppies donated between the ages of 8 weeks and 6 mths old. They count on the generosity of breeders to donate puppies to our program.

Innovation Zone

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Showcasing new fundraising ideas, products and services

Example: Tap to Donate: Are Mobile Wallets the Next New Thing in Fundraising?

The latest advance in mobile technology in the form of ‘mobile wallets’ has barely touched down in Australia, but experts suggest they will dramatically transform how consumers purchase goods and services and make instant donations.

Mobile Wallet or NFC (near-field communication) technology allows a consumer, usually through a mobile phone app, to tap their mobile phone or wave it in front of a computer screen to instantly pay bills, make donations or pay for other goods and services. Source: Pro Bono 2011

Major Donor Fundraising

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Best practice and considerations around major donor fundraising

To maximise the benefit of major donor relationships, charities must not only have a comprehensive approach to major donor fundraising but also an awareness of many other aspects of fundraising. For example, major donors may wish to support charities through private trusts and fundraisers need also an awareness of any tax-reliefs that might apply.

Excellent donor care can lead to long and beneficial relationships with donors. Donors may then choose to support the charity in other ways such as through leaving a bequest or giving through business.

To secure a major gift you don’t need a slick presentation or smart proposal. You just need three things in place:

1. The donor knows your organisation and its cause. 
2. He or she has wealth.
3. He/she has a passion that matches your funding need.

Get those three in place and any donor will be delighted to help....

Matched Funding or Matched Gifts

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Matched Funding or Matched Gifts

Example: Birds Australia’s partnership with The Nature Conservancy

Birds Australia is eligible to receive matched funding for the Great Western Woodlands (GWW) Project from The David Thomas Challenge. Donations for the GWW Project which meet the criteria will be matched on a 1:1 basis.

What gifts qualify for a Thomas match?

• Outright gifts or pledges from individuals. Gifts or pledge payments may be in the form of cash and/or shares and may be made through an individual giving vehicle such as an individual’s associated foundation or trust.
• Gifts or pledges from living Australians (no bequests).
• Gifts of at least $10,000 and no more than $1,000,000 annually for up to 3 years. $10,000 minimum gift must be paid in a single year.
• Gifts from donors who have not previously had their gifts matched by the Thomas Challenge Fund.

Employers Matched funding Programs

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Many employers have a match funding program, where they’ll match dollar for dollar the amount raised by you or your team. Even if your employer doesn’t have such a program, they might still be willing to make a donation - all you have to do is ask!

Even if you’re participating as an individual or with another team, and not representing your employer, you may still be eligible for match funding from your employer.

The following companies have Match Funding Programs in place:
3M, AMP, Accenture, Australand, Barclays, Bloomberg, Credit Suisse, CA Technologies, Clayton Utz, Deloitte, Deutsche Bank, Ebay, Freehills, Fosters Group, Google, Greenwoods & Freehills, Investec Bank, Johnson & Johnson Pacific, Macquarie Bank, Macquarie Group, Mallesons Stephen Jaques, Miele Australia, Origin Energy, MLC, NAB, Russell Investments, Sun Microsystems, SP AusNet, Symantec, Stockland, Thomson Reuters, UBS, Upstream Print Solutions, Unilever, Vodafone, Wellington Management, Westpac & Woolworths.

If you don’t see your employer here - ask them to consider a match funding program!

Other ways to involve your workplace - As well as matched funding, your workplace can support nonprofits in a variety of ways, including payroll giving, tied donations, volunteering, and staff fundraising events.

Merchandising

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Best practice and considerations around Merchandising

There's all kind of merchandising opportunities for charities to utilise to help raise funds and at the same time raise awareness of their organisation's great work. And people like to buy into a trusted brand. 

But charities need to ensure that their product is good quality and brand related, for example RSPCA...

Mobile Fundraising

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Mobile Fundraising is easy, affordable, far reaching and fast!

Example: Mobile Fundraising Kicks in for Japan Catastrophe

Nonprofit organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army, wireless carriers and a range of celebrities have stepped up to issue mobile calls-to-action to raise funds to support victims of the tragedy in Japan.

The “Text REDCROSS to 90999” initiative, which was set-up following the record-shattering “Text HAITI” campaign, is available for the public to use as an outlet for their compassion and a way to support the Red Cross mission.

To date, the American public has already donated more than $1.1mil via ‘Text REDCROSS to 90999’ in support of the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami.

“Mobile provides a powerful way for people to respond to a global need, even in a developed nation like Japan. It mobilizes people who are compelled to give small and large amounts alike”. Jenifer Snyder Executive Director mGive Foundation

The 2010 Mobile Donation Campaigns for Haiti highlighted the powerful potential of mobile technology to help relieve human suffering. The text-message Campaigns for Haiti conducted by charitable organizations and facilitated through the mGive Foundation raised more than $41mil.

Online Fundraising

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Making the most of online communications

The internet is an amazingly useful tool available to nonprofits. Online communications can be used for a variety of means, including campaigning, donor care and fundraising.

Rise of Social Giving - Facebook predicted to drive 50% of online fundraising donations by 2015

Twitter users are the most generous charitable givers on social media but Facebook users are more frequently persuaded to give, according to research by UK’s JustGiving.

According to JustGiving’s data, the value of a donation made by a donor coming from Twitter is on average £30.26, followed by YouTube (£28.77), Linked-In (£25.21), Facebook (£18.33), with Google+ at £17.77.

Donations driven from Facebook made up over ¼ of all donations made on JustGiving in Sept 2011 - a rise of 130% over the past year, compared to Twitter driving less than 1%. The online charitable giving platform has predicted that by 2015, half of donations will be driven through Facebook. Source: The Drum co.uk.news 2011 

Example: RSPCA Million Paws Walk 

RSPCA joined forces with Everyday Hero so that people could create their very own Million Paws Walk 2011 online fundraising page to raise vital funds for the RSPCA. People were able to:

• Create their own RSPCA Million Paws Walk Online Fundraising Page to raise funds through them, their pets, personal or corporate teams walk’!
• Create an ‘in-lieu’ RSPCA Million Paws Walk online fundraising page for those pets who couldn’t make it on the day, but would still love to raise funds (older dogs and pets who had recently passed away)

Online Giving

There are also online organisations who provide opportunities for online giving

JustGive USA

JustGive is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase charitable giving by connecting people with the charities and causes they care most about. 
The JustGive Guide compiles 1,000 nationally recognized charities and categorizes them into 19 cause areas for easy-to-use navigation.

A JustGive "Donate Now" button on a nonprofit’s website lets people know the nonprofit is partnered with a recognised Online Charitable Giving® website. JustGive provides donors with:

• automatic monthly recurring donations
• immediate tax receipts via email
• easy-to-print year-end tax summary
• no set-up costs or monthly fees

JustGive deducts 4.5% of donations to cover transaction costs to nonprofits - automated online donations handled with minimal hassle sent directly to nominated nonprofits.

Nonprofits can include a “Donate Now” button or link in all correspondence (e.g. Web sites, blogs, newsletters and even email campaigns!).

JustGiving UK - JustGiving was started in 2000 with a simple vision:

'To use the power of the internet to enable people to raise far more for charities, easily and cost-effectively.' 

This was the UK's first online fundraising business. JustGiving has changed the face of charitable giving in the UK:

• charities raise more through JustGiving than other sites (£770m+)
• more charities use JustGiving than other fundraising services
• 12,000 charities have benefited
• 220 new charities join up each month
• 42,000 people create a new fundraising page on JustGiving each month

Every penny of every pound that a person donates through JustGiving goes straight to their chosen charity (if it's eligible for Gift Aid). For this service, JustGiving charges a 5% fee that comes out of the Gift Aid that we reclaim for charities, and a £15-a-month membership fee.

On average, charities in the UK spend between 15p and 25p to raise every new £1 by traditional means such as direct mail and street fundraising. Reclaiming Gift Aid is also costly, and many charities do not even try. 

The Charities Aid Foundation estimates that over £700m in Gift Aid continues to lie unclaimed every year. JustGiving reduces costs on both fronts, which is why charities find it such good value for money.

Online Selling

There are now online organisations who provide opportunities for online selling to help raise funds for your favourite charity

Example: Going Once, Going Twice, Guide Dogs Launch eBay Shop!

This is an eBay for Charity listing. 100% of final sale price supports Guide Dogs 

Guide Dogs is the working name of The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (UK)

Guide Dogs provide mobility and freedom to blind and partially sighted people. They have been expertly breeding and training guide dogs for 80 years, providing many thousands of dogs to blind and partially-sighted people of all ages, from all walks of life.

Payroll Giving

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Payroll Giving (also referred to as Workplace Giving) allows employees to make regular donations from their pay to charities that have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status. Employees can also match their employee’s contributions.

Example: RSPCA www.rspca.org.au

As a workplace giving partner, you will be sent an e-newsletter quarterly to update everyone in your organisation about how your contributions are helping animals in Australia. You will also have the opportunity to get involved in RSPCA events and activities.

Purchasing Power

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Explore new ideas for online fundraising

Example: Use Your Purchasing Power to Help Delta Society

What if a percentage of every purchase you made online was donated to Delta Society?  What if Delta Society earned a penny every time you searched the Internet?  Use one of the services below, and you can make it happen!

GoodSearch.com is a Yahoo-powered search engine that donates half its advertising revenue, about a penny per search.  Indicate Delta Society as your designated beneficiary charity the first time you use it.   Use it just as you would any search engine, get quality search results from Yahoo, and watch the donations add up!

GoodShop.com is an online tool that will donate up to 37% of each purchase you make to Delta Society! Hundreds of great stores including Amazon, Target, Gap, Best Buy, ebay, Macy's and Barnes & Noble have teamed up with GoodShop.  Every time you place an order, you’ll be supporting Delta Society.

You can support Delta Society and its mission by ordering books, tapes, videos, and other items for your education and enjoyment (and the enjoyment of your pet!) by shopping at Amazon.com and Dogwise.com.

"Amazon.com is pleased to have Delta Society in the family of Amazon.com Associates. We will ship products and provide customer service for orders we receive through special links on Delta Society's web site".  Jeff Bezos, Founder & CEO

Social Media

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Nonprofits can connect online with their supporters/donors through a wide range of social networks.

Social Technology

Social networks and blogs are reported to have overtaken email in terms of popularity. It is therefore inevitable that they are increasingly used by fundraisers and campaigners to engage supporters.

The world of blogging and widgets can seem daunting to those unfamiliar with the latest web tools. Read the IFA briefing paper to introduce you to some of the options available. Read the Social Technology: A Starting Point Briefing

Online Shopping

Fundraising via online shopping can be a free and easy way for your supporters to raise money.

By asking your supporters to buy online via specific websites, you can receive cash donations at no cost to you or your supporters. There are a variety of websites that offer this facility but there are a variety of issues to consider before you enter such a relationship.

The Institute of Fundraising's 'Online shopping' briefing highlights some of these issues and includes some top tips to help ensure fundraising success. 

Collecting Money Online

There are a variety of websites which enable you to collect money online. Some of these sites will incur different costs so it is important to do some research.

You will need to think about whether you want (and have the capability) to facilitate donations on your own website or whether you want to use another website's online giving page.

Security is of upmost importance when processing financial transactions. Your bank should be able to provide further information. 

Social Media for Social Good: A How-To Guide for Nonprofits 

Comprehensive book packed with 100+ best practices covering Web 1.0, Web 2.0, and Web 3.0 nonprofit communications & fundraising. 

From building your e-newsletter list to finding your “Twitter voice” to launching a mobile website and texting campaign on a small budget, this guide presents a step-by-step strategic plan for launching & maintaining successful social media & mobile marketing campaigns. 

149 Tools & Resources Covered

Innovation

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Explore new ideas for online fundraising

The number of low-cost or free, web-based resources & tools available to nonprofits today are astounding. So much so that many nonprofit professionals are overwhelmed by the all choices – and as the Mobile Web and related start-ups continue to grow, prepare to be mind-boggled by all the new technology options available to your nonprofit in coming years. Here are just a few examples:

Facebook is most popular social network for all ages. Of all the social networks, Facebook is the only one that knows no generational limits.

www.facebook.com/nonprofitorgs

Example: Visit Eukanuba's Facebook page and CCI gets a $1 up to $75,000 for each ‘Like’ www.facebook.com/Eukanuba

Twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service that allows users to send instant “updates” (text-based posts, up to 140 characters long) via SMS, instant messaging, email, to the Twitter website. http://twitter.com/#!/nonprofitorgs, @nonprofitorgs

Linkedin is an online networking community for business people. Launched in 2003, it now has over 90 million users. It’s fast becoming a central marketing and networking tool for any tech-savvy business & nonprofit organisation www.linkedin.com/groups and http://learn.linkedin.com/nonprofits/

         

What’s the difference between SMS and MMS?

- SMS only allows you to send text.

- MMS allows you to send pictures, sounds, videos, text or any combination of the four. MMS message can carry more content.

Click Here to Subscribe via RSS Feed keep yourself up to date with RSS feed – get the latest news, views and initiatives sent straight to you every day.

Flicker @NonprofitOrgs Mobile's photo-stream www.flickr.com/good

MySpace - portal to all nonprofit organizations on MySpace www.myspace.com/nonprofitorganization

 

A portal to nonprofit organizations on Google+ www.google.com/nonprofits

You Tube has designated nonprofit sites to serve as a portal for nonprofit sites www.youtube.com/nonprofitorgs

Blogs are online journals which can be used to promote your favourite charity or cause. Good blogs are current and relevant.

Blog Examples:

Dog Star Daily www.dogstardaily.com/blogger/4

Extraordinary Dogs www.extraordinarydogs.org

QR Codes QR Codes

Quick Response Codes (QR Codes) are bar codes that can be scanned by a smartphone and used as a marketing tool. QR Codes are ideal for Fundraising Campaigns.

To best utilize QR Codes you will need to link to web pages designed for mobile browsing, especially “Donate Now” and “Text-to-Give Now” pages and petition pages optimized for mobile use. There are infinite possibilities of what a nonprofit can link to in QR Codes - just make sure the pages can easily be read on mobile devices.

SwipeGood: swipegood.com

A fundraising tool that allows donors to automatically round up their debit or credit card purchases to the nearest dollar and donate the difference to the nonprofit of their choice. 

It’s built on the simple concept of donating your loose change to charity and thus far almost 400 nonprofits have signed up and been approved.

Raffles and Lotteries

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Best practice for use of raffles and lotteries in fundraising

Lotteries are games where people buy a chance to win a prize. Raffles are a form of lottery and are widely used by fundraising organisations of all sizes, whether organised internally or by volunteers. The legislation surrounding lotteries can be far-reaching and it is important to be confident that you fully understand and comply by the regulations.

Research Awards

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There are research awards available for nonprofit sector

ISAZ Waltham Collaborative Research Award

ISAZ and Waltham have partnered to create a collaborative grant program, with the goal of stimulating new research in the area of human-animal interactions, with particular interest in the role of pets in the lives of elders, pets enhancing healthy longevity, and the role of pets in the community.

The application deadline is 15 Jan 2012 - application materials:  Overview/Guidelines and Application Form

Past recipients are:

2009 Dr. Rebecca Johnson
"Seniors’ fostering shelter dogs:  Improving health and well-being together"

2010 Dr. Erika Friedmann 
"Pet assisted living (PAL) study"

2011 Drs. Linda Lord and Larry Hill   
"The Effect of Adopting a Shelter Cat on Loneliness, Depression and Perceived Physical Health of the Elderly"

Scholarships/Internships

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There are an increasing number of scholarships/internships available for people from the nonprofit sector.

 

Australian Scholarships Foundation (ASF)

The ASF is the only Australian organisation solely focused on funding and facilitating scholarships for Australian Not for Profits (NFP) directors and staff to undertake education, training and mentoring programs that improve their ability to lead and manage their organisations. 

Visit: www.scholarships.org.au

Cambridge Australia Trust

The Cambridge Australia Trust sends about 14 outstanding Australian graduates to Cambridge University annually to undertake PhD research, and provides four one-half Masters Scholarships. 

Cambridge University is the world’s number one University. By doing research at Cambridge University, Australian graduates earn their credentials in an internationally recognised academic environment. 

Visit: www.cambridgeaustraliatrust.org.au

Churchill Fellows

The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust provides an opportunity for Australians to travel overseas to conduct research in their chosen field that is not readily available in Australia. 

It also aims to reward proven achievement of talented and deserving Australians with further opportunity in their pursuit of excellence for the enrichment of Australian society. Applications close 29 Feb 2012. 

Visit www.churchilltrust.com.au

Fulbright Scholarship inNonprofit Leadership 

This scholarship will enable emerging leaders in the Australian NFP sector to undertake a program of research and professional development which would otherwise not be available to them. 

Recipients will have the opportunity to improve their academic skills and knowledge, exchange information with peers and join the prestigious alumni of Fulbright Scholars worldwide. 

Visit: www.scholarships.org.au

Rotary Club Ambassadorial Scholarships 

The Rotary Club Ambassadorial Scholarships program aims to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries and geographical areas. The program sponsors academic year scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students as well as for qualified professionals pursuing vocational studies. 

While abroad, scholars serve as goodwill ambassadors to the host country and give presentations about their homelands to Rotary clubs and other groups. Upon returning home, scholars share with Rotarians and others the experiences that led to a greater understanding of their host country.

Visit: www.rotary.org

Vodafone's World of Difference 

Each year Vodafone, with support from the Vodafone Foundation, gives 5 Australians the incredible opportunity to change their lives and the lives of others by spending 12 months working for a charity of their choice!

What's involved?

The Vodafone Foundation will cover your annual salary (up to $60,000) and expenses (up to $15,000), as well as support you with initial planning and regular workshops to assist you in making the most impact in one year with your chosen charity. All applicants must be 18+ years, an Australian resident, living in Australia.

Applications are now open and close 4pm EDST Fri 17 Feb 2012, to apply click here

Sponsorship

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Different Types of Sponsorship

Sponsor a Puppy

Individuals & businesses can sponsor a therapy or service dog or part of the training costs for dogs

Example: Assistance Dogs Australia

For less than the cost of your daily cup of coffee you can fully support an Assistance Dog puppy to be trained to help provide someone with a physical disability achieve greater freedom and independence.

All ‘sponsor a puppy’ contributions are tax deductible.

Example: Purina® Walk for Dog Guides

The Purina® Walk for Dog Guides raises money to help train Dog Guides for Canadians with visual, hearing, medical or physical disabilities

• Walk has raised $9mil+ for Dog Guides.
• 100% of funds raised from 200+ participating communities across Canada go directly toward raising, training and providing Dog Guides to Canadians at no cost.
• National Walk Day is Sunday 27 May 2012  
• All ages, fitness levels, with or without a dog are welcome to participate.

To register, find a Walk near you or donate to: http://dogguides.com/purinawalk.html

Example: Medical Detection Dogs

By sponsoring our puppies you make a real difference by helping to support their care & training which enables them to save lives.

Dogs are donated to us from breeders, rescue and welfare charities or just because they need a new home. Dogs are chosen for their ability which allows us to work with a variety of breeds. They live with volunteer foster families during their training which, can take up to 18mths.

As a sponsor you will receive a certificate, charity band, car sticker and regular updates on all the puppies in training. During your sponsorship you will be invited to meet some of the dogs.

Example: Guide Dogs UK 

Surprises

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There will always be times when nonprofits are completely surprised by unexpected donations or giving

Example: Frugal Couple leave their Life Savings to Animal Charities

Gordon Hardy and his wife Jean didn't spend their earnings on big houses and fancy dinners - or anything for that matter. Hardy wore the same suit everyday, which was one of the only items of clothing he owned. The loving couple lived their lives very modestly and had such a deep love for animals that when they died, they left their entire fortune to animal charities.

The couple never had any kids but left their £1.4 mil ($2.2 mil) fortune to the PDSA, the Blue Cross and the Donkey Sanctuary.

Example: Hairy Wombat Sanctuary ACT

Subscriptions

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Anyone who subscribes to a chosen nonprofit causes electronic newsletters or mailing list should:

• Receive regular information on organisation’s campaigns and events 
• Have an unsubscribe link on every email sent to you
• Never sell, trade or otherwise pass on your details to third parties

Example: The Fundraising Authority Newsletter

 

Sign up for The Fundraising Authority Newsletter and get your free copy of ‘How to Hold Great Fundraising Events: A Step by Step Guide’. 

This 10 page special report will guide you through the entire process of running a profitable fundraising event for your organisation.

Click here to get you free copy today. 

Tax Effective Giving

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Making the most of tax relief opportunities

Tax-effective giving allows charities and donors to make the most of voluntary donations.

It is a simple message but can make a big difference to an organisation’s fundraising capacity. There are a number of different ways to benefit from tax relief, including:

• Bequest/Legacy Giving: individuals can reduce their inheritance tax liability by leaving a gift to charity in their will.
•  Payroll Giving: employees can donate straight from their gross salary; giving immediate tax relief and making gifts go further.
• Share Giving: donors can get substantial relief on their income tax bill when making donations of shares. 

There are also other tax-effective giving options, for more information visit Australian Tax Office (ATO) at: www.ato.gov.au/nonprofit  

Telephone Fundraising

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Telephone fundraising

Example: Cold List Sponsor a Puppy Recruitment 2010 Campaign 

After successful tests in 2009 Guide Dogs (UK) scaled up this acquisition activity to recruit 6,500 brand new regular givers with an average annual value of £79 to strengthen the Sponsor a Puppy Scheme.

 

Data was sourced from telephone and internet lifestyle surveys using a sponsored question approach. Lifestyle survey responders are potential donors are causal responsive and therefore highly targeted and every record comes with a callable number. Those who refused the Sponsor a Puppy proposition could be asked for other forms of regular giving or for one-off donations, maximising all ask opportunities.

Telephone is a very interactive way to introduce a new donor to a charity.

Results:

• 7,364 new regular givers were recruited with an average annual value of £81.75.
• 386 people elected to give regularly outside the Sponsor a Puppy Program
• 262 supporters gave a one-off credit card donation averaging £27.93.
• Total income generated by the campaign (including Gift Aid) was £755,014 - giving a near positive Year 1 ROI - almost unheard of in cold recruitment!

 This campaign was shortlisted for Institute of Fundraising (UK) National Awards 2011

Text Giving

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Anyone can start a text campaign to promote your favourite charity or cause - it’s simple & free

JustTextGiving is a new service that allows any charity in the UK, big or small, to receive donations via text message. Thanks to our partners Vodafone, it’s completely free to set up and run, and 100% of the donation, plus Gift Aid, goes to charity.

With JustTextGiving, charities and fundraisers can receive donations with a simple text message

• Create your free JustTextGiving code
• Promote it
• Receive text donations to your JustGiving page

Trading and GST

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An introduction to some of the issues arising around Trading and GST and signposting to further information

Australian Tax Office www.ato.gov.au/nonprofit   

Trusts & Foundation

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Information about Trusts & Foundations

A Grantseeker's Guide to Trusts & Foundations – Philanthropy Australia

The manual provides guidance on:

• What is philanthropy, language and terms used by grantmakers
• How Trusts & Foundations operate
• What things will and won’t attract funds from Trusts & Foundations
• What grantmakers look for in grant applications
• What information to provide to Trusts & Foundations
• What to include in your application for funding, what to leave out
• How to maintain a good relationship with Trusts & Foundations to enhance your chance of future success

Free Download: Download A Grantseeker's Guide to Trusts & Foundations via the PhilanthropyWiki

Australian Directory of Philanthropy

Australian Directory of Philanthropy Lists over 350 Trusts & Foundations. 

A key resource for those seeking funding. It includes tips on how to apply for grants, write submissions, and important tax information to help grantseekers understand what needs to be supplied to foundations in any application for funding. The Directory is an essential resource for not-for-profit organisations, charities and community groups.

NB: This Directory requires an online subscription but worth every penny. Highly recommended

Trustees

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Information and signposting for Trustees and organisations around the role and obligations of trustees

Trustee Handbook: Roles & Duties of Trustees of Charitable Trusts & Foundations

Created in consultation with Philanthropy Australia's Members, this PAF Trustee Handbook is an essential document for PAFs / PPFs, Community Foundations, Family Foundations, Private Charitable Funds and Ancillary Funds.

Free Download: Trustee Handbook via the PhilanthropyWiki

Private Ancillary Funds (PAF) Trustee Handbook

From 1 Oct 2009 philanthropic trusts previously called Prescribed Private Funds (PPFs) became Private Ancillary Funds (PAFs). The legislative changes included the introduction of detailed Guidelines (Guidelines for Private Ancillary Funds, 2009).

This Handbook comments on what is required of the trustee, and directors thereof, of PAFs under the Guidelines and at law. This is a "plain English" introductory guide to the role and duties of trustees & directors.

Free Download: PAF Trustee Handbook via the PhilanthropyWiki

Secretary's Handbook - Centre of Philanthropy & Nonprofit Studies (CPNS) QUT

Free Download: www.cdba.org.au/secretary_handbook.pdf 

The Complete Guide to Australia’s Private Ancillary Funds™  www.globalphilanthropic.com  Australia's Private Ancillary Funds 900+ PAFs with $2 Billion invested

Useful Websites

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Useful links to help you with your fundraising & information on nonprofit sector

CAF Australia www.cafaustralia.org.au

CAF Australia has developed a range of specialised services and programs to assist the not-for-profit sector in developing their fundraising income in an effective and efficient manner. 

Cavill + Co www.cavill.com.au

Cavill & Co find and secure charity/community partners for corporates that deliver tangible, social and commercial outcomes. Cavill & Co provide training tools for charity/community groups to prepare for and successfully secure corporate partners that will deliver extraordinary benefits.

Result: Cavill & Co Partnership Model ‘HeartSmart®’ has created 39 Corporate-Cause Partnerships worth $25mil.

Example: Guide Dogs Australia

• Client: Guide Dogs Australia
• Duration: 10 years commencing 2001
• Goals - Kleenex: Reinforce puppy brand icon, build customer loyalty
• Goals - GDA: Train at least 4 Guide Dogs each year
• Commitment: $1.5m over 10 years
• Key activity: On pack promotion, TV Ads
• Achievement: Trained over 36 Guide Dogs

FIA (Fundraising Institute of Australia) www.fia.org.au

Fundraising Institute Australia advances philanthropy through encouraging and supporting people and organisations to ethically practise excellence in fundraising.

PRO Bono www.probonoaustralia.com.au

Australia's number #1 Not For Profit news and jobs site. Get the latest news, jobs, opinion, research, features and reports from conferences around Australia.

Our Community.com ourcommunity.com

Our Community provides advice, tools and training for Australia's 600,000 community groups & schools, and practical linkages between the community sector and the general public, business & government. Easy Grants Newsletter is the fundraising bible for Australian nonprofits.

Trusts & Foundations - Philanthropy Australia www.philanthropy.org.au 

Philanthropy Australia is the national peak body for philanthropy and is a Not-for-Profit membership organisation. Its Members are Trusts and Foundations, families and individuals who want to make a difference through their own philanthropy and to encourage others to become philanthropists.

 

Givewell www.givewell.com.au

Givewell plays a key role in fostering a better culture of Giving in Australia. It conducts research on charities and generates ideas on better ways to give and believes that more informed and generous giving will lead to a more accountable, efficient and effective charitable sector. 

 

Givewell's Project Spotlight - each month Givewell highlights a project for which a charity is currently seeking funds. It also provides details on how to give directly for this project. http://www.givewell.com.au/project_spotlight.asp

Australian Tax Office www.ato.gov.au/nonprofit  

 

Office for Australian Not for Profit Sector www.notforprofit.gov.au       

Network for Good www1.networkforgood.org  

Mission of Network for Good is to make it as easy to donate and volunteer online as it is to shop online; make it simple and affordable for all nonprofits, of any size, to recruit donors and volunteers via the Internet.

Result: $575mil donations distributed to date!

Volunteering

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Information on becoming a volunteer

Some nonprofits have paid staff but many rely solely on volunteers. Few nonprofit organisations would be able to function without the vital assistance of volunteers.

Example: Delta Society www.deltasociety.org

Become a Delta Pet Partners Team to visit people in hospitals or assisted living centres, help children learn to read, and more. 

If you would like more information about becoming a volunteer contact your local non-profit organisation or register with one of a number of organisations:

Volunteering Australia www.volunteeringaustralia.org

Source: ABS Australian Social Trends 2002 www.abs.gov.au

GoVolunteer is an initiative of Volunteering Australia. 

GoVolunteer is a national volunteer matching website which lists over 11,000 volunteer positions throughout Australia per month. 

GoVolunteer provides you with all you need to find out about volunteer opportunities, and helps you make the best match possible between your personal requirements and choice of volunteer work. For more information visit: www.govolunteer.com.au

Pro Bono - VolunteerMatch

VolunteerMatch is a free service provided by Pro Bono Australia that enables Not for Profit organisations to advertise for assistance from skilled volunteers. Not for Profit organisations post volunteer opportunities on its website (for free!), which are then able to be viewed by potential volunteers. Volunteers can then apply via the website and be linked directly with the organisation-in-need.

VolunteerMatch is also a resource centre for information about volunteering in Australia. For  more information visit: www.probonoaustralia.com.au/about-volunteermatch-skilled-volunteers

Goodcompany www.goodcompany.com.au

Goodcompany has worked with 850+ registered nonprofits who have benefited from $12mil+ worth of pro bono services since its inception in 2001.

Utlising skilled volunteers can save nonprofits significant amount of monies, build their capacity and help them achieve their social objectives. 

For more information visit www.goodcompany.com.au/Volunteers

Corporate Volunteering

Corporate Volunteering opens up opportunities for nonprofit organisations to access teams of volunteers and volunteers with professional expertise.

Most large companies that have employee volunteering schemes will promote this on their website under headings such as ‘Community Partnerships’ or ‘Corporate Responsibility’.

Example: ACF’s Community Partnerships   

ACF's community partnerships are committed to being part of the movement to grow funds and other support for the third sector, from which all charities can benefit.

ACF is dedicated to promoting engaged employee giving as the most effective way to drive social impact in the workplace. 

Workplace (Payroll) Giving is the most efficient and low-cost fundraising channel for community organisations. 

Together with fundraising and volunteering, Workplace Giving provides sustainable support and grows capacity for community organisations 
www.australiancharitiesfund.org.au/workplace-giving

ACF partners with the following charities that embrace and encourage workplace giving:

Animal Welfare League NSW Animal Welfare League NSW

Assistance Dogs Australia 

Guide Dogs Australia

Lort Smith

RSPCA

Result: $50mil+ donated to nonprofits through programs facilitated by ACF 

Volunteer Fundraisers

Information and best practice on finding and managing volunteer fundraisers

Many volunteers help out with special events, fundraising & promotions throughout the year. Using volunteer fundraising is vastly different than using paid staff or consultants. Volunteers have lots of enthusiasm and a wide network to tap into, but they may not have as much understanding of fundraising techniques as paid staff.

Train Volunteers

Train your volunteers - teach them how to fundraise for your organization, show them the steps, let them practice and ask questions.  The time you take with your team will pay off later with higher revenues and happier volunteers.

Provide Materials & Support

Give your team copies of your training materials, supplies of items they will need to fundraise - brochures, envelopes, forms - whatever your fundraising campaign requires and provide support when needed.

Don’t Stifle Enthusiasm or Creativity

Many small charities make the mistake of being so rigid in their guidelines that they miss real opportunities, and turn off their volunteers. 

Track Progress

Tracking is Key to the success of a volunteer fundraising campaign.

Don’t Forget to Praise & Thank Your Volunteers - a Lot!

Remember, volunteers could be doing any number of things with their time, but instead have chosen to work - for free - as part of your volunteer fundraising effort. Give them the recognition they deserve.

Workplace Giving

Workplace Giving is an Australian Government endorsed, simple and effective way for employees to regularly donate to charities through automated payroll deductions.

An employee can pledge to their nominated charity a pre-tax amount on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis. The charity receives this donation at minimal cost so that the charity is able to increase its return on their fundraising activities with more money going directly to its cause.

Seeing Eye Dog 

The deduction is taken from an employee’s pre-tax earnings. Income tax is calculated on the reduced gross salary, giving the benefit of an immediate tax deduction. Deduction details are recorded on employee’s pay slip, so there is no need to keep donation receipts for taxation purposes. 

By participating in a workplace giving program employees have the opportunity to:

• Receive an immediate tax benefit for their salaries
• Make a regular donation without pressure
• Receive a tax deduction without the need to keep receipts
• Make an invaluable contribution to their chosen charity

Example: Workplace Giving Seeing Eye Dogs Australia

Research from Australian Charities Fund shows that over 75% of people who join ‘Workplace Giving Programs’ increase the total amount they donate to charity, and nearly 30% are thinking about further increasing the amount they give.

Result: $20mil is contributed to charity each year through Workplace Giving Programs.  (ACF 2009 Report: Cutting to the Heart of Workplace Giving)

Source: www.australiancharitiesfund.org.au/workplace-giving

Wealthy Individuals

Several global wealthy individuals have become prominent Philanthropists 

Chuck Feeny

Chuck Feeney strongly believes in and promotes the Giving While Living philosophy. He transferred virtually all of his and his family’s asset over 25 years ago into Atlantic Philanthropies.

In Feb 2011 he became a signatory of the Giving Pledge in an effort to inspire the wealthiest individuals & families in America to commit to giving the majority of their wealth to the philanthropic causes & charitable organisations of their choice either during their lifetime or after their death. 

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation was created by Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his wife Melinda. 

The Foundation has an asset trust endowment of approximately US$37.3 billion and has made a total of US$16.5 billion in grant commitments since inception in 2000. The Foundation's endowment includes ongoing annual gifts from Warren Buffett.

Richard Branson

Virgin founder pledges to give away 10% of wealth

Billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson has joined a handful of UK's richest in pledging to bequeath 10% of his wealth to charity when he dies. 

This new trend on giving in UK is a result of Legacy 10, an initiative aimed at convincing 10% of UK population to give 10% of their wealth to charity in return for an inheritance tax break.

50 most generous Philanthropists - Business Week Report 

And Finally

If you think that Social Giving is just a fad - think again! 
[Source: JustGiving The Rise of Social Giving]