Basic Fundraising Tips

General Fundraising

• Fundraising should be “soul raising.” It should teach people about Reconstructionism and make people more knowledgeable Jewishly, as well as raise money.
• Make small givers feel as comfortable as big givers. 
• Focus congregation’s vision on the case statement of what you want to do, what is important and why it’s important. 
• Avoid the need for financial crisis management by having fundraisers in the earliest part of your fiscal year. 
• Solicit donations in pairs; call it a dialogue, not a solicitation. 
• Solicit in person, not on the phone; don’t leave your meeting with a “no” or a closed door; always leave the possibility of another meeting. 
• Don’t argue with people - find out what’s bothering them. 
• Be yourself. 
• Listen. If there are objections, hear them. 
• Go in with an amount in mind, and be quiet after you ask for it.

Continuing Support

• Set a goal in terms of needs. 
• Use multi-faceted fundraising approaches in case one or more does not work. 
• Approach the local Federation as a source for community grants and technical assistance for grant writing. 
• Recognize givers with a thank you note; those who give time and money should receive public recognition. 
• Ask everybody to give; everyone should stretch to make the gift.

The Capital Campaign

• Can be for a building, for a major project, for refurbishing, for a rabbi. 
• Requirements: 
  • A case statement
  • Rabbi and president working together
  • Building consensus within the congregation
  • Basing the campaign on reason-based values
  • Must be a part of the long range plan

The Feasibility Study

• Bring in an outside consultant. 
• A study helps to identify weaknesses and strengths.

Giving to the Movement

• Call for help from movement or organizational experts. 
• Use available movement resources, including:
  • Jewish Values, Money and Your Community: A Curriculum for Congregations and the Torah of Money Workbook
  • Use students as resources; encourage your rabbi to talk about the movement.
  • Educate about the importance of giving to the movement.