Your initial plan will take shape as you research the need for fundraising in greater detail. However, your idea won't become a full-fledged plan until you have gained support from your own organization, membership, student body, or association. Unless you can pull off a fundraising activity on your own, you will need to convince others to come on board with you and listen to their input and suggestions.

Your idea needs to tell a short story. Remember, you need to rally internal support for the basic fundraising plan before you can start talking about details and fleshing out the plan. It is essential that your cohorts feel the same sense of passion for your cause as you do on a practical and emotional level.

Sometimes this is very easy. For example, if your organization is already dedicated to a specific cause, such as a foundation to fight diabetes.

First, be ready to present your plan. This can be an informal pitch to a small group of fellow students or a prepared statement in front of the board of a long-standing, 5,000-member nonprofit organization.

Second, be prepared to answer questions. How much money will we need to raise to build a new roof? Do we have a liaison to help us distribute the funds and any donated items to the local homeless population? Who will we hit up for funds? Your answers should be based on your research.

After you've presented the problem that exists, present your specific plan to solve it. Show the group what your organization will be able to do specifically to make a difference. Here's where you'll tell them what your project is — replacing old textbooks or funding a soup kitchen.

You may need a show of hands to let you know how many people are with you, or a vote by the board to move forward to the next step, which would likely answer the question, “What type of fundraiser did you have in mind?” We explore some of the answers to that question in Chapter 2.