Basically, we know that fundraising is
supposed to help a non-profit organization (NPO) financially. But
nowadays these activities do not serve that specific purpose alone.
Traditionally, fundraising comes in a form of donations and wills. It is
also important to show these contributors and donors where money goes
by showing them everything they bought and built out of the money they
have collected. This way, they prove that these funds were not used for
personal profits for any of the NPO’s staff. Fundraising now can be used
not only to help NPO’s, but also to gain a little profit out of it.
Although many NPO’s still depend on the traditional donation type
fundraising, many of them now find it more effective to seek the help of
professional fundraisers. It has been proven to be more effective and
it provides a more consistent and regular funding.
People
find it more rational if they get something back for the money they are
willing to give for a foundation. That is why it is important to think
of new fundraising ideas
in where the fundraisers could give something in return for the kind
efforts. As we see it, it has become more like a business process. But
it is paramount to remember that this was not primarily done to gain
profits. NPO’s have no owners and thus, any funds received by the
organization are not meant to benefit any specific people but only for
the operations of the organization itself. Any business or company that
sells products to help a good cause is not considered a non-profit
organization, but instead, a fundraiser. A common mistake that some
people think is that these business companies and some NPO’s are
correlated. It is more appropriate to see it as a voluntary contribution
rather than a profitable way to sell their goods.
How
does a business gain profit if it gives part of the money to NPO’s?
Even though businesses receive less profit from this process, it does a
more profitable result in quantity over time. If a vendor offers discount coupons
to customers, and part of the sales will be given to an NPO, it builds
an uplifting feeling both to the seller and the buyer. With the discount
offered, and the thought of their money going to a deserving NPO, it
has a very good possibility to extend the target market. With the
business receiving a slightly smaller profit, overall, it gains a wider
range of customers and not to mention an upstanding reputation. It is
always important to build a good business to market relationship, plus
helping a good cause in the process.
NPO
most rely on external funding to maintain their operations, employ
staff, create programs, or maintain facilities. This is why fundraising
is vital, may it be traditional through donations, or a give and take
type of raising funds. Either through professional fundraisers who gain
profit or people who just want to help through fundraising, as long as
the organization is constantly funded, it doesn’t matter who takes
advantage of which. The more important thing is to never forget the
purpose in the process. Some people conduct fundraising events to feel
good, some people are involved in a non-profit orgs, some just doesn’t
have anything to do, and some wants to gain some and give some. In
whichever group we may belong, helping a good cause will always feel
heartwarming as long as we put our sincerity into it.
