SEATTLE, Dec. 14, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- It's not about the best gimmick or gala but rather knowing when to ask for money.
An estimated 220 nonprofit groups raised $35.2 million in gifts and pledges from individual donors in 2004, according to figures recently released by Raising More Money, a Seattle organization that trained these nonprofits in individual fundraising systems. That's an average of $160,000 in gifts and pledges per group. Raising More Money said its groups are on track to break $40 million by January, 2005. In 2003, 142 groups trained by Raising More Money raised $20.7 million.
One of the big fundraising stars in 2004 was Big Brothers Big Sisters, which has raised $7 million in gifts and pledges so far from 36 local agencies.
"Our groups that have invested in this system of fundraising have done extremely well," said Debbie Everitt, director of agency fund development for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. "It's been a big cultural change."
Many nonprofits are focused on the next golf tournament or gala and their message is getting lost. Raising More Money provides nonprofits with a four-step system to powerfully connect individual donors to the mission of the organization.
At its fundraising event, The Community Free Clinic in Concord, N.C., had a patient tell a story that brought everyone to tears. The Southwest Mental Health Center in San Antonio let go of balloons, one for every mentally challenged child it could not help.
The Children's Center in Detroit had table decorations made by abused and mentally disabled children.
Because the groups had cultivated donors before these events, the money flowed in.
"Most of the people at our events had never donated to the organization before, yet they saw the value in making a multi-year commitment to our cause," said Joan Rizzo, development director at United Cerebral Palsy Foundation of South Florida, whose fundraiser was just days after a hurricane. "Individuals who couldn't be in their own homes or businesses during this time still came out and supported our events."
Most of the groups' donations (60-80 percent) were from new donors.
"Our system is showing that even in a tough economy it's possible to raise money if you inspire donors," said Terry Axelrod, CEO and founder of Raising More Money. "People will give generously to things they really understand and believe in."
Raising More Money has trained more than 2,000 nonprofits in a mission-based fundraising system, including offices of The Salvation Army, Arthritis Foundation, Junior Achievement and Volunteers of America. This system ends the suffering about fundraising and builds passionate and committed lifelong donors.
For more information about Raising More Money, contact Bobbi Nodell at 206-709-9400 ext. 140 or at bobbin@raisingmoremoney.com, or visit www.raisingmoremoney.com.
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