Creative fundraising.(Forum Focus: Local Associations)

Throughout the year, many local associations and collegiate chapters hold fundraisers to support programming. Local leaders often admit, though, that their fundraising efforts are stuck in a rut or that they really don't even know where to begin. Here are some tips to get started:

Fundraising Tips

* Don't be afraid to ask for money. If your source says "Yes," you are ahead; if you hear "No," you are where you started. You have lost nothing.

* Keys to successful fundraising are: Know your organization, know your prospect, know your fundraising campaign plans and materials, and be positive and enthusiastic?

* Use the media and public service announcements.

* Develop innovative ideas. Use your board for a brainstorming session--this will result in ideas, even though some may not work.

* Planning is most important. Define your plan. Set your goals. Determine possible methods of achieving them. Project a realistic time line for each goal. Identify people to work with a leader toward reaching each goal. Tie fundraising efforts to goal setting.