The Cornerstones of Successful Fundraising: Marketing & Communications

By: Ed Lewis, MPA, CFRE

It is extremely important for Nonprofit Organizations to understand the principles of marketing and communications and how they can dramatically improve their fundraising efforts. In this article I will discuss some key elements of both and how these important factors should ultimately result in a written marketing plan for the organization.

Additional Fundraising Databases

A list of online fundraising databases for grantseekers and grantmakers.

Additional Fundraising Resources

A list of books, websites and other resources found useful by grantseekers.

The Grant Seeker's Handbook: Introduction

Written by Harvey Chess, Edited by Lauren Kay, Edited & Updated by the Center for Nonprofit Management, August 2004

The Grant Seeker's Handbook: Chapter 1

IN THE BEGINNING: THE NONPROFIT SECTOR CONSIDERED

By any reasonable standard, tax-exempt nonprofit organizations are plentiful in our midst. One 2002 publication entitled The State of Nonprofit America estimates that there are 670,000 tax-exempt nonprofit organizations designated under Section 501(c)(3) of current Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations. (The IRS, for better or for worse, is responsible for federal oversight of charitable organizations in the United States.)

The Grant Seeker's Handbook: Chapter 2

IS A NONPROFIT NECESSARY FOR YOU AND YOUR GROUP?

If you currently represent a nonprofit organization eligible to receive grants and gifts — as a staff member, consultant, board member or other volunteer — you already know the answer to this question.

The Grant Seeker's Handbook: Chapter 3

FINANCIAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT: SOME IDEAS ABOUT BEING REALISTIC ABOUT WHAT YOU’RE GETTING INTO

If you decide that raising money and/or developing other resources such as non-cash or in-kind goods and services is for you, or expected of you by others, we’d like to share some notions about the nature of the business based on long experience with both grantmakers and grantseekers. Whether for your nonprofit or yourself, think of what follows as some of the requisite qualities for successful resource development...

The Grant Seeker's Handbook: Chapter 4

SOME IDEAS ABOUT THE RESEARCH YOU’RE GOING TO HAVE TO DO IF YOU WANT TO GO AFTER THEIR BUCKS WITH ANY HOPE OF SUCCESS

The purpose of the research process is to target potential funding sources that appear to most appropriately fit your specific needs. This can be thought of as a process of elimination, in which you start big and focus down to those prospective funders with whom you can establish common ground.