Involving the Whole Community
Not everyone you ask is in a position to donate money or volunteer time, but if your community-based nonprofit group studies the issues affecting your community and researches how to effect change, you can inspire much of the community to get involved in your efforts and your results have the potential to impact everyone.
Start by doing your homework. Research the issues affecting your community and look for the source of each issue. Is there a lack of funding? Has redevelopment changed the face of the neighborhood? Is there a need for more police or a community watch?
Focus on everyone, not only high-end, big-money donors. Studies show 80 percent of individual donations come from households with incomes of just $50,000 or more. Therefore, it is worthwhile to look to the middle and working class when developing your fundraising campaign.
Look at the map and determine the community boundaries. Then explore the demographics of the community. What cultural groups are represented? What are their needs and concerns? Are there abandoned buildings and boarded-up stores? Are local merchants losing business to a nearby mall in a neighboring community?
Get a feel for what retailers and business owners want and need. You may be able to help them while they, in turn, help you solve community issues and problems.
