Do You Know Who Your Fundraising Volunteers Are?

Fundraising depends on the hard work of volunteers; and hardly a fundraising article is written without mention of the elusive fundraising volunteer. But do you really know who your fundraising volunteers are? What populations comprise this essential group that is to be your money-making fund raisers?

Your organization's fundraising committee is the obvious first-line of volunteers, but there may be more willing and able volunteers waiting to be tapped than you think. And there will be plenty of work to go around, so your committee should take all the help that it can get.

To locate and define your volunteer base, start with your present fundraising volunteers or committee members, then look up, down, and around for more.

• Administration and authority figures—these may very well be people who are already being paid within the organization, but these are people who obviously have a vested interest in your fundraising success, and people who have a strong belief in your organization's mission and goals; remember that this might include any directory boards as well.


• Group/organization members—beyond the fundraising committee, these are the next obvious supply of volunteers, but remember that they may not step forward readily, they may need some coaxing and guidance from committee delegates.


• Parents and family of group members—parents and family have vested interests in the success of your organization and fundraisers as well; with good reason, they are fairly easy to recruit, especially if they or their children will directly benefit from the funds raised.


• Parents and family are a good place to look for needed skill donations. Also, parents and family can include parents/family of future group members.


• Community members—members of the local community want to see their area organizations thrive and grow, and many are willing to give of their spare time. Tap this resource via word of mouth, flyers, and mailings. Ask group members to do the same.


• Community Service Organizations—a number of organizations in your community include a community service component for their members. Area school groups (like honor societies and student councils) and philanthropic groups are good places to look for people who may be in need of a community service outlet to fulfill their requirements and gain added man-power.


• Charitable area businesses—many businesses have a set budget for local fundraising support, or are happy to lend resources such as location, equipment, and donations of labor to a worthwhile organization. Calling on area businesses to give back to the community that has given to them is a good way to obtain services, man-power, and in-kind goods. (Just remember to repay the favor by advertising their aid or helping them in return).

This is an article created by the FundraisingIP.com Editorial Team. For more fundraising articles on "volunteers," go to our article directory at FundraisingIP.com/articles.