What Is a Nonprofit Organization?

People are often frustrated that this important aspect of everyday life is named by what it is not. Not for profit. Not part of government. Various substitutes have been proposed, but none have come into general usage. Among the proposed replacements perhaps the clearest is "community benefit organization," focusing on the purpose, not on corporate or tax exempt based form.

The Center for Civil Society Studies at Johns Hopkins University has conducted careful research on the scope of "nonprofit" and similarly sponsored activities in many parts of the world. In their studies, "nonprofits" are defined as:

Organizations, that is, institutionalized to some extent;

Private, that is, institutionally separate from government;

Non-profit-distributing, that is, not returning profits generated to their owners or directors;

Self-governing, that is, able to control their own activities; and

Voluntary, that is, non-compulsory and involving some meaningful degree of voluntary participation.

In some parts of the world there are specific laws, regulations and customs that create a policy framework within which identifiable nonprofit organizations operate. Such organizations may be formally recognized by the government; usually, there specific limitations, privileges and exemptions that apply to these recognized groups concerning taxes, political activities, the employment of volunteers, and so forth.

At the same time, it is certainly true that people have joined together in groups to achieve common purposes throughout human history and that frequently they have worked without any external coercion and without the goal of making money. Such activities continue to this day, of course, in places where a fully developed "nonprofit sector" exists, such as the United States or Australia.

Let Sunset Coupons help your "not-for-profit" meet its fundraising goals.

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History of Fundraising

Fundraising has existed for many thousands of years. Beginning in classical Greece and Rome, citizens raised money to build huge amphitheaters, provide feasts for all citizens, and have Olympic-style games. Religious fund raising can be seen in all religions. In Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, and Confucianism money was raised to build places of worship and care for the poor. 

In America, fundraising is seen throughout history. During wars, Americans promoted campaigns, events designed to raise a specific amount of money to be used towards an immediate problem. These campaigns raised money for war veterans, for orphans of soldiers, and to provide relief to families without food and shelter. 

Importance

Fundraising provides money to improve the quality of life for many people. It also allows organizations to operate that otherwise would not be able to afford to. Fundraising ensures that not-for-profit organizations will continue to exist in the United States and make it a more diversified and humanitarian place to live.

Fundraisers are one factor that instigate the large amount of annual giving. If people are so generous in their giving, why do we need fundraisers? The reason why fundraisers are necessary stems from the reason why people give. The number one reason people give is because they were asked to give. With adult donors, fundraisers are often those who ask for the gift. Without fundraisers asking people to donate money to worthy causes, many social service, arts, humanities, and educational agencies would not be able to provide their services and support. 

Function  

Asking someone for money seems simple enough. However, fundraising can be complicated. Fundraisers are not simply asking for money. They are asking people to support a mission that the potential donor feels is important. 

Fundraisers must utilize many different methods of fundraising, such as: asking individuals to give, seeking foundation and corporate grants, hosting special events, and applying for government grants. Fundraisers must also be able to assure the donor that his or her money will be spent well and for the cause intended. Good fundraisers work at nonprofit organizations that they truly believe in and make personal contributions to, as well as asking others to do the same. 

How can a fundraiser do all these things? Fundraisers must begin by creating a plan or strategy. They must forecast how much money needs to be raised (based on what they are raising the money for), who they can anticipate will give, and how they will approach people to raise money for their cause. Fundraisers must have a concise plan that shows donors how (on what) the money will be spent. Donors expect fundraisers to be accountable for the money that is raised.

Let Sunset Coupons show you the best way to raise money for your School, Sports Team, Youth Group, Church or Non-profit organization.

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Is Fundraising Evil?

Boy that is a scary question to start with… Is  Fundraising Evil or Bad?

Organizations that fund raise should never be concerned with getting the quick buck.

There are so many organizations doing fundraising that even if one of them is doing it badly it tends to give many other fundraisers a black eye. Many people see fundraising campaign ads on TV, get direct mail letters at their homes and workplaces, get asked to buy tickets to events, and to participate in walk-a-thons, and they can become cynical of the whole process.

You are reading this Sunset Coupons Blog because you are thinking about raising money, for a cause that is worthwhile. 

At first people tend to be a little shy about fundraising, because you may be worried that fundraising is somehow unseemly… that people who fund raise need to take advantage of others, or “con” people into giving.  

Nothing should be further from the truth. So, just what is (or should be) the truth about fundraising?

Nearly all organization involved in non-profits, youth programs, churches, schools and youth sports need to do fundraising.

Fundraising enables thousands of organizations, all over the US,  to serve their community.  Fundraising lets homeless shelters stay open, funds cancer research, keeps schools, churches, hospitals and jobs programs afloat, and makes for a better life.

Think about the group you will be fundraising for.  What is their mission?  Why do they exist?  Why do they need the money?  Isn’t their mission worthwhile?  What would happen to the members and those being served if you didn’t have the needed funds?

Non-profits can only exist through fundraising.  Every sale, whether $10 or $20 dollars, keeps your organization working, doing and helping.  

Far from being something unseemly… fundraising for the right organization serves the greater good.

Fundraisers and Fundraising Matters!

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800-627-6340
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Presidents' Day

Photo by Dean Franklin

Until 1971, both February 12 and February 22 were observed as federal public holidays to honor the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and George Washington (February 22). In 1971 President Richard Nixon proclaimed one single federal public holiday to be observed on the 3rd Monday of February, honoring all past presidents of the United States of America.

The federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February is not officially called Presidents' Day. Instead, it is Washington's Birthday. There was an attempt in 1968 to officially name it Presidents' Day. However, this suggestion died in committee. Many states, however, choose to call their own celebration on this day "Presidents' Day."

Traditionally, many celebrated and continue to celebrate Washington's Birthday with desserts made with cherries. Cherry pie, cherry cake, bread made with cherries, or just a huge bowl of cherries are often enjoyed on this day. Of course, this relates to the legendary story that Washington would not tell a lie when asked if he cut down a cherry tree.

On February 22nd of almost every year since 1888, Washington's Farewell Address has been read in the US Senate. While this does not happen on Presidents' Day, it is an annual celebration of Washington's Birthday that stems from 1862 when the Address was read as a way to boost morale during the Civil War. This address was and is so important because it warns of political factionalism, geographical sectionalism, and interference by foreign powers in the nation's affairs. Washington stressed the importance of national unity over sectional differences.

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The Perfect Fundraiser for Phoenix, Tempe / Mesa, Tucson or Salt Lake

Fundraising is Easy with Sunset Coupon Books

Easily raise money for your School, Sports Team, Youth Group, Church or Non-profit.

Sunset Coupon Books contain hundreds of dollars in savings from local merchants. The savings enjoyed from using just one or two coupons will pay for the book. And who doesn’t need to save money these days?

Sunset Coupon Books are small enough to fit in a pocket or purse yet contain over 40 family-friendly coupons such as 2 for 1 Meals, and Attractions like Bowling, Mini-Golf, Skating, etc; a combined value of over $400 in savings.

Local coupon book editions are available in Phoenix, Tempe / Mesa, Tucson and Salt Lake City.

NO UP FRONT COST

Sunset Coupons will consign books to bonafide established organizations. Call to see how your group can begin raising money with no out of pocket expense.

PERSONALIZED BOOKS

We can imprint your group or school name and/or logo on the cover.

Call Today 1-800-627-6340

Sunset Coupons is a proven moneymaker with over $4 million raised.

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Sunset Coupons
800-627-6340
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Tips on Promoting a Fundraiser

As anyone who has ever run a fundraiser can tell you, the most important factor in determining the success of a fundraiser, is how well the fundraiser is promoted. Everything else can be executed perfectly, but if the fundraiser in not promoted properly, then the chances of success are slim. Fundraising organizers must use every resource available to them to get the word out to the entire community about the fundraiser. Below are essential tools in successful fundraising promotion.

Kick Off Rally

On the first day of your fundraiser, hold a “kick-off rally” to motivate your participants. This will vary from group to group, but the basic message is “rally your troops”. Make sure they understand what is expected of them and why it’s important to raise funds for your group. It’s important to set as positive tone right from the start and maintain this enthusiasm throughout the entire fundraiser.

Posters

To the best of your ability, plaster posters promoting your fundraiser throughout the school and throughout your community. The more people are reminded of the fundraiser, the more likely they are to support your cause.

Newsletters

 A featured story in your organizations’ newsletter will go a long way. Many newsletters are now sent out online to your groups mass email list. This email list is important to utilize in your fundraiser promotion. This is the quickest and most effective way to get in front of your supporters.

Local Media

Local newspapers, TV, Radio and Blogs are a great resource in promoting your school fundraiser to your surrounding areas. We recently wrote an article on Fundraising Publicity which listed tips on how to promote your fundraiser through the local media. This is a fabulous way to promote you fundraiser on a larger scale.

Social Marketing (Facebook & Twitter)

Today more than ever, social media’s role in fundraiser promotion is extremely important. Daily postings, photos, announcements and anything else important about your fundraiser are great to post on Facebook and Twitter. If your group doesn’t have a Facebook or Twitter account, start one today. It’s free and only takes minutes to set up. And we believe the promotional tools available to fundraising groups through social marketing will only improve, so get your account set up today!

Let Sunset Coupon Books help you reach your goal!

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Sunset Coupons
800-627-6340
http://sunsetcoupons.com

Common Fundraising Mistakes and Tips to Avoid Them

Sometimes in life things just don’t go the way you planned. This is especially true with fundraisers. The logistics of organizing a fundraiser can be overwhelming to most. Coupled with the fact that most fundraising organizers are volunteers, so they are taking on the fundraising responsibilities on top of their everyday life routine. And most have little prior experience with fundraisers so they are learning on the fly. Below are some common pitfalls that fundraising organizers encounter.

Lack of Planning

Planning for the fundraiser needs to start well in advanced. From selecting the fundraiser, to coordinating the logistics, to lining up volunteers, to executing the fundraiser, the details are numerous. A fundraising check list or outline will help your cause. Make a list of every task that needs to get done and assign volunteers in your group for each task. You must delegate! Do not take on everything by yourself. You will eventually burnout and the fundraiser will suffer. Make a plan and stick with it.

No support from the organization
This occur many times. Well intentioned groups, such as the PTA, will plan a fundraiser, but the school community (principals, teachers, administrators, etc.) doesn’t share the same enthusiasm. For a fundraiser to be successful, you must have the support of your school, especially the principal. Include them from the get go. Get them on board early and develop a plan together. There’s always a bit of politics involved, but you’ll see the results if you get the support from the entire school community.

Poor Communication
 Lack of communication within your group as well as outside your group will always cause issues. You must be on the same page with your group and everyone must be aware of the fundraising game plan. Weekly email updates and an active Facebook page can help your cause. Be vocal at your group meeting and events to make sure everyone is aware of the plan. Also, make sure you are aware of the other fundraisers going on in your community so there are no conflicts.

Little to no promotion
This goes without saying, but you must successfully promote your fundraiser. Some groups think fundraisers will run themselves and the community support will be automatic. That assumption has been the downfall of many fundraisers. This is not the case for most groups. Make sure you get the word out! Parent letters, posters, emails, social networking, and information tables at events and so on.

Let Sunset Coupon Books help you reach your goal!

Presented By:
Sunset Coupons
800-627-6340
http://sunsetcoupons.com