'austraLasia' #33
FUNDRAISING FOR YOUTH PROJECTS
Peter Newbery
(N.B. Peter didn't write this article - he sends it as an item of
interest)
Eight Traits of Effective Youth Fund-raising Programs, Part 1
by Jim & Connie Walters
Editor's Note: This is the first of an eight part monthly series.
copyright © 1998 all rights reserved Fund$Raiser Cyberzine
Part 1: The key leader has a heart and a vision for the work.
Fund-raising is vital to the success of any endeavor, and requires as
much creativity, innovation and leadership as any aspect of the work. To have
success here, you must have a leader who brings the right qualities and
skills to the task.
The first quality to look for is passion. At a recent "think tank"
conducted by 21st Century Strategies, Inc., one of the experts, Lyle
Shaller, stated, "I think passion is the critical variable... I would
insist that the number one quality of a leader be passion." By passion,
he means a blend of enthusiasm (which can be contagious) and stubbornness
(to see the project through to completion). But enthusiasm alone is not
enough.
The work of fund-raising calls for a leader with three other qualities.
oFirst is the ability to cast a vision to the group as a whole. This
calls for the ability to formulate plans and verbalize them, to be able to
"sell" ownership to the workforce as a whole, installing in them confidence and
excitement about the project.
oSecond is organizational ability, that knack of delegating and
distributing work to everyone in order to increase participation,
minimize headaches, and magnify results. People give their efforts not just to
meet a need, but to fulfill a vision. The more meaningful their work, the
more of themselves they will pour into the project.
oThird, the fund-raising leader needs to have an entrepreneurial spirit.
He or she needs to be able to manage a certain amount of risk, as in most
projects the overhead is committed before the first profits are realized.
If the leadership of your group can identify their "entrepreneur" who
has the passion, vision, organizational skill, and risk capacity, they have
laid a good foundation for the work of their organization.
Editor's note: Jim Walters serves in a local church ministry in Denver,
Colorado. Along with his wife Connie, who has led fund-raisers for both
church, elementary school, and high school groups, they formed Booster
Solutions to help others find profitable answers to their fundraising
problems.
Together they have written "Top Ten Youth Fundraisers", a 16 page
handbook that details their plans for 10 great fundraising ideas. Each plan in
the manual is fresh, tested and profitable. They work well for both school
and church groups. This is not a rehash of coupon books, subscriptions or
car washes. Every plan includes: 1) an overview of the project as
successfully completed. 2) a "key thought" ensuring your success. 3) step-by-step
outline with options and thoughts on variations.
To order send $7 (includes tax and shipping) to:
Booster Solutions
11431 W. Lake Drive
Littleton CO 80127
