Fundraising can encompass a wide range of possibilities, from raising several million dollars for a new hospital wing to raising a few hundred dollars for new costumes for a high school performance. The idea of fundraising, however, offers a community, school, or organization more than just a means of raising money. It can also help your team develop cohesiveness, provide a place for individuals to use skills and talents they may not use in their everyday lives, and create a sense of community.

Your fundraiser may be the starting point for members of your neighborhood to meet other likeminded individuals and start discussing various community issues. It may also be a way of generating support for a cause you believe in.

Today, it is common to find schools encouraging students from grade school through college to engage in fundraising activities. While the parents could raise substantial amounts of money without the help of their children, these activities provide young people with a sense of teamwork and civic responsibility. Of course, there is also the personal satisfaction you get from involvement with a cause that you want to help.

Support and Involvement

When a group or organization, whether fraternal, charitable, or political, holds a fundraiser, they take some of the burden of financial support off of their membership and gain the support of a wider audience. This can help spur public involvement and promote public awareness.

For example, when individuals pledge money to PBS, they are becoming involved, in a small way, in the work of that organization. At the same time, they demonstrate their support by donating money to help the organization. Not unlike showing up at a stockholders meeting, they can become a small part of something larger, something they find meaningful. Many people are involved in fundraising for the dual purposes of helping others and socializing. Helping to organize and run the annual book fair at your son's middle school not only raises money to help the school, it's also a great way to meet other parents and get to know more people in the community.

Good Public Relations

While raising money for a specific goal is the primary objective, fundraising objectives also highlight and promote the work of your group or organization. Often, while promoting a specific fundraising effort, you will also distribute literature and tell others by word of mouth about the goals and mission of your group and the cause behind your fundraiser.

For example, representatives from the American Lung Association collecting money at a street fair will probably distribute fliers and data so the public can learn more about what they do, as well as provide health-related news and information. Fundraising often provides a means of educating the public by providing pertinent information gathered by your organization.