Article Courtesy FastTrack Fundraising
In the previous article are some suggestions on how to establish partnerships with local businesses. This is an important task, because these are great sources of support in terms of financial assistance, in-kind help, discounts and prizes. They can also play a significant role in helping your organization integrate into the community.
If you organization needs certain major contribution from a specific local business, then the best way to approach this is to write a proposal. Here are some tips on how to write a practical but attractive fundraising proposal:
1. Briefly introduce your organization and what it does to benefit the community. Focus on the nature and significance of your initiatives and achievements in recent years.
2. Clearly state what kind of contribution you are seeking from the local business. This can be a specific amount of financial assistance, a particular type of technology-oriented or knowledge-based help, discounts in purchasing goods and services from the local business, or donations of prizes to your forthcoming fundraising events (such as trivia nights).
3. Explain the benefits such contribution will produce for your organization. What will your orgnaization achieve in general with the valuable support from this local business? And what specific tasks do you intend to complete, using the money or other kinds of assistance received from the business?
4. Explain the benefits such contribution will produce for the local business. Start by mentioning how wonderful it is to be able to contribute to the community. Then specifically emphasize on the benefits your organization is able to offer this business in terms of profile.
In your proposal, you can include public relations materials such as pamphlets, newsletters and website links. Remember, being creative is crucial, as local businesses often receive lots of requests for assistance from all kinds of community organizations.
Visit FastTrack Fundraising for fundraising products and programs.
