N.ortheast O.hio A.lliance for H.ope
OVERVIEW OF GRASSROOTS FUNDRAISER 2005
PURPOSE
- Raise money
- Build the power of the organization
- Train and develop leadership skills
- Deepen relationships within the business community
PHILOSOPHY
- Establish relationships of mutual respect ‚ no begging
- All of the businesses, corporations and individuals that we are approaching for a financial investment are benefiting from our work
- Primarily we will be targeting businesses, corporations and individuals with whom we already have relationships, and ask them to contribute to the betterment of our community by making a financial investment in NOAH
WHY SHOULD ANYONE MAKE THAT INVESTMENT?
- They have a relationship with the seller.
- NOAH is worth investing in (emphasize victories from the past year, such as our public meeting of 650 people in October 2004, the significant commitments we received from public officials for our issue platform, and our plans for 2005 of significant core team growth, local actions, and leadership development)
- NOAH is going to have 750 copies of the ad book made, which will be distributed to our membership in attendance at the Banquet on April 29 (be sure to invite whomever you are approaching for an ad to attend). The remaining books will be distributed at various other major events we hold throughout the next year. THEREFORE, there are at least 750 people that will see that these businesses, etc. support you and the organization ‚ which may create incentive to patronize them!
- The business and/or individual that you are approaching for this investment live in this region, and therefore have a stake in its future health. NOAH has begun to make a difference in the region, and will only continue to have a bigger and bigger impact, as we grow stronger.
WHERE DO WE MAKE OUR SALES?
Sellers decide where to make a sale. The best idea is to go where you already have a relationship of support. The best situation is to sell to someone that you or your church has previously supported in some way, or with whom you do business and who supports the goals of NOAH. This applies for all giving levels (see attached sheet for levels).
Some examples:
- Restaurants where you eat
- Congregation members
- Funeral homes
- Friends who are in business
- Hairdressers
- General neighborhood stores
- Dry cleaners
- Grocery stores
- Family
- Lawyers
- Sorority/fraternity/social organizations with whom you are affiliated
BANQUET BOOK CAMPAIGN 2005
The following information primarily applies for the ad book and corporate part of the fundraiser, but there are lessons that can be applied for the banquet as well.
THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN SELLING SPACE
- Buying something for a worthy cause makes people feel good!
- Belief in our goals is stronger than our fears
- The success in fundraising comes in the asking
- The buyer is NOT an adversary
- This is a dignified and respectable transaction ‚ the buyer receives something for their money
- Be businesslike ‚ we are promoting our values!
- When asking for a sale, we project our feelings onto the buyer ‚ think positive! Don't be afraid to ask for a large investment ‚ let THEM decide what's too much!
- If you don't name a specific price, the buyer won't buy. Be clear about what you are selling before you go into the meeting.
- BE PERSISTENT but not pesty!
PROCESS
- Letter ‚ a letter of introduction from the leadership of NOAH is enclosed in your packet. Make copies of it and present it to your buyer either ahead of the meeting or at it. Use it to credential yourself as part of an organization that is serious.
- Phone calls ‚ GET THE MEETING! Identify yourself and state that you are a member of (name of your congregation), and a member of NOAH, and that you are calling to arrange a time to come and meet with them face to face. Tell them that you'd like to talk to them about the community and region, and to hear their perspective and ideas. Also, be up front about the fact that you are doing this as part of a fundraiser, and would also like to talk to them about financial support.
- Meeting ‚ go to their environment. Have something in mind to say to them at the beginning to get the conversation started. Tell them why you believe in the organization, and how it has benefited the community and your congregation. Discuss the benefits of purchasing space in the banquet book. Suggest a larger ad than you think they will buy ‚ you always have the option to come down, but if you suggest something too small, they won't go up! If they are not interested in the size of investment that you have suggested, be sure to suggest the option of giving at a lower level.
- No matter what the outcome, be sure to thank them for their time and/or support!
BANQUET EVENT 2005
Some additional notes about the banquet ‚
- The goal for attendance is 300 people.
- There will be exciting keynote speakers and a powerful action-oriented program!
- Tickets cost $30 per person.
- Our financial partners, no matter what level, will be recognized at the banquet. The committees will determine the manner in which this occurs.