German School Chicago – Web Presence

2009-06-07T20:20:00.001-07:00

We are growing - also on the internet ! Check it out !

Information on Fundraising

2009-04-06T05:00:00.001-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

A recent decision by the National Association of Attorneys General requires nonprofits to register their online fundraising (Link to IL). Check with your state, county and city to see what their fundraising registration requirements are (Link). Neglecting to file the proper paperwork can result in fines or even revocation of your rights to raise funds.
I'm starting a nonprofit. When can I start accepting donations? It is best to wait until you are incorporated as a nonprofit in your state and have your letter of nonprofit status from the IRS before you try to raise money through contributions. Incorporation will protect your personal assets in case you are later sued. Before incorporation you are personally responsible for how you handle donated money. Also, you cannot tell donors that their contributions are tax-deductible until you are officially declared a tax-exempt nonprofit by the IRS.
What Are Donor Expectations?
- That they be able to donate easily and securely;
- that they be able to dictate when and how often they will be contacted; and
- that the nonprofit make it easy to find crucial information about the charity on its web site.
- a tax summary at the end of each year.
- a report on how their donation was put to good use.
- a renewal notice.
- 'Relationship Seekers' and 'Casual Connectors' like action alerts and find success stories to be very valuable.
- Do NOT find a donor's email address by using commercial databases. This was considered very inappropriate. These donors want to opt in, not be forced onto an email list.
- Create special versions of their email newsletters and other communications for high dollar donors.
- charity web sites need to be 'inspiring,' make them feel personally connected to the cause.
- Listen. Keep up with the evolving nature of online communications and philanthropy by checking on your donors' preferences frequently. Set up a donor advisory panel and survey them once a month about tactics, campaign ideas, etc.; and encourage feedback about your newsletters.
Credit card processing is no longer an option for nonprofits that need to raise funds from individuals. It is just a question of how to set up the credit card processing and manage it.
According to an article in ComputerWorld, online giving by individuals in the U.S. was estimated at $10.4 billion in 2007, and early reports for 2008 show an increase in electronic donations to nonprofits despite the economic downturn. "...nonprofits that concentrate their efforts on their existing donor base and leverage integrated marketing efforts will do a better job of weathering the storm."
Online Auctions, cMarket, which operates BiddingForGood, reports that funds raised from auctions in 2008 were up 26% in 2008. Auctions booked for the first quarter of 2009 are up 58% over the same period last year. Besides being fun, an auction is a double win for donors since they can receive something of value while still providing a donation. In addition, the donation of in-kind goods from retailers, manufacturers, and vendors is high due to the build-up of excess inventory resulting from the recession.
Mobile Fundraising. Fundraising through mobile phones is very new and still small, but it is growing rapidly. According to Stephen Joos, Marketing Director of mGive, mobile giving in its first year, 2008, did better than online giving did in its first year back in 1997. Mobile giving raised half a million dollars in $5 donations, representing more than 100,000 new donors.
Use badgets like:
Use http://www.givemeaning.com/ for fee-free processing of credit cards or http://www.groundspring.org/index_gs.cfm or http://www.razoo.com/landings