Subject: Fundraising info: summary & THANKS
Date: Sun, 7 Nov 99 14:14 CST
 

Dear RCDNetwork,

Thanks for responding to a request for information.

The following handout is what I prepared based on info sent to me through the network. I encouraged folks to read through the 'fundraising basics' page with their councils to consider areas where they might need training, expert help or whatever.

Thanks for all your input.

Amy
 
 

ISSUES OF CONCERN & QUESTIONS ABOUT RC&D FUND RAISING
 

• Make sure that fund raising efforts complement your organization & mission.
• The types of projects undertaken and the focus of the RC&D Council will have an effect on the number and diversity of possible funding sources.
• Development of a sufficiently effective organizational climate or capacity to undertake and successfully implement fund raising is critical.
• Is there sufficient public support for the activities pursued by the RC&D Council to warrant public investment?
• Timing and cash flow constraints from grant programs.

FUND RAISING IDEAS
 

• Service fees for consulting services of non-USDA Council employees for services such as solid waste management, program evaluation and desktop publishing jobs. These fees may often be written in to a grant program that another agency is implementing, but they need technical assistance with parts of the grant. Contact Lindy Turner/Clinch-Powell RC&D Council
• Fiscal Management Services/Grant Administration By charging a fee for administration which is lower than larger organizations RC&D can provide a service to get more money on the ground for projects and earn some income. Ken Hafner/Southern Maryland RC&D Council says they have been able to handle numerous grants from federal sources and act as a pass through for the Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Department of Defense (Navy), Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of reclamation, etc, offer opportunities. Contact: Lindy Turner/Clinch-Powell RC&D Council, Amy Wilson/Southwest Oregon RC&D Council (and many others)
• Equipment use fees can be built into grants to help offset office expenses such as charging for computer, printer, copier and scanner usage. Contact Lindy Turner/Clinch-Powell RC&D Council
• Charge for office space can be built into grants for non-USDA paid office space. Contact Lindy Turner/Clinch-Powell RC&D Council
• Development of Sponsorship by corporate entities for specific costs such as conferences, special programs, etc. Contact: David Spann/Bonneville RC&D Council
• Fund raisers, can also be called "Friend"raisers. You may build more friendships than the amount of cash you raise, but the new friends may be a building block for future fund raising. David Spann/Bonneville RC&D Council
• Develop and hold courses that are in demand but not readily offered to rural folks and other RC&D supporters; and don't forget to charge a fee for the services. Contact: David Spann/Bonneville RC&D Council
• Consciously undertake high visibility projects to build awareness and support for your RC&D Council to develop the platform or support for future fund raising. Contact Lindy Turner/Clinch-Powell RC&D Council
• Sale of technical information such as: irrigation water management program, using infrared thermometers to measure plant temperature, collecting weather data and provide lawn watering information to homeowners. Users pay a subscription and receive information via the Internet. Contact Steve Quesenberry/South Jersey RC&D Council
• Establish a Permanent Endowment
• Cowboy golf - on horseback in a field - contact Merlin Berg/Little Colorado RC&D
• Develop long term funding opportunities with state agencies and the legislature. States who have been trying to accomplish this: Montana, Ohio; current status unknown.

FUND RAISING BASICS FOR RC&D COUNCILS

An outline prepared by Lindy Turner, Clinch-Powell RC&D

Fund raising requires diversified resources:

• Diverse, active RC&D board & staff
• Volunteers who support your mission
• Organizational capacity and structure allowing fund raising
• Non-profit status
• Equipment, computers or other to support specialized technical assistance
• Leadership among board, staff, partners, and others
• A reasonably sized service area (big RC&D areas present a big challenges)
• Vision that it can and must be done
• Diversified funding so that you don't get caught with all your eggs in one basket

Responsibilities of the non-profit board members in fund raising:
 

• Set policy and direction
• Monitor and guide the organization through legal matters
• Take responsibility for the financial management and develop good accountability systems
• RAISE FUNDS: board members must be actively involved in fund raising
• Provide vision, define the future of the organization and its impact on the area
• Evaluate efforts to develop continuous learning cycle
• Conduct outreach to underserved members of the population and involve a wide diversity of partners
• Continuously develop internal organizational capacity on the council
• BE ACTIVE: each board member must give money, time & resources to make the organization successful
• Respect the organizational vision; don't get lost from the big picture
• Develop and maintain a healthy organization that will be attractive to funders

Main types of fund raising
 

• Capital campaign
• Annual giving
• Endowments
• Grants
• Planned giving

Primary RC&D Council funding mechanisms
 

• Partnerships, shared ventures
• Service income: financial, technical services
• Donations, contributions
• Dues
• Sales
• Events
• Earned Interest
• Reimbursed Expenses

AMY WILSON, COORDINATOR
SOUTHWEST OREGON RC&D
541-476-5906 voice
541-955-9574 fax
E-mail <sworcd@cdsnet.net>