This document provides tips for engagement and fundraising when starting an organization from the ground level or re-iterating engagement. It recommends getting help from board members, funders, constituents, experts, and community groups. The next step is to make a plan by listing goals and helpers, and create involvement opportunities like fundraising events and volunteer activities. Tips include having a fundraising plan, a donation button, ensuring the board is engaged in fundraising, and seeking a balanced set of revenue sources like earned income, grants, events, and donations.

1. One person shop doing it alone

2. 3 steps for engagement when starting from ground zero…or a re-iteration of that

3. first step - get help Use your connections - in order of priority board staff & volunteers funders & donors constituency & experts vendors service clubs & professional assoc, chambers of commerce– offer to speak media – make sure you get them on your newsletter - & social networking politicians ask for friends & family ask for referrals & introductions

4. getting the word out using social media- webpage, blog, twitter, facebook, you tube etc. post consistently (as is comfortable for you & the org) re-use materials (webpage, blog etc) follow and post on others to get followers

5. next step - make a plan list who you want to reach & who can help you reach them (your helpers) create involvement opportunities fundraising event, tour, volunteer opportunity, cr oss promote w/ similar & complementary orgs e.g. a cause-based event to grow donor base for all create engagement plans for individual donors plan contacts and track contacts & results

6. tips Have a fundraising development plan Have a donation button on the webpage Make sure board knows part of their job is fundraising & have a fully engaged board! Gates Grant- asks for $$ board give, what % of board gives Meyer Capacity Building Grant requires board gives

7. tips Get four equally revenue producing: e.g. Earned revenue Grants Events Donations-in-kind small & large gifts

8. fundraising methods Events- ticketed or ask, house parties, social hours, lectures, receptions, volunteer events Annual fundraising ( mail, e-campaign, phonation), Annual meeting for annual report, Personal ask Communications- newsletters, website, annual report, e-blast/updates, twitter, face book Tours of Agency Media Relations For membership orgs- Gift Clubs (benefits for giving such as private party etc) Major gifts club