Theresa Rudacille Resources

Raising Resources: A More-Than-Fund Raising Workshop Handbook

by Theresa Rudacille, Empowerment Resource Network, 2000 (revised 2005)

Summary:

This fundraising workbook is intended to help non-profit organizations develop a comprehensive financial plan.  More than simply a grant-writing guide, this workbook seeks to help nonprofits develop a complete strategy of fundraising that involves personal giving, in-kind donations, private grants, and corporate sponsorship. 

The structure and tone of the workbook are easily accessible. It is written as an interactive tutorial, with the reader completing various exercises and worksheets that eventually produce a fundraising plan.  The workbook consists of seven main chapters plus a section of FAQ and Resources for Further Study.  Topics covered include:

Where Do We Start?:  An introduction to 501c3 status and organizational structure

Fundraising Basics: How do we create a budget, identify potential sources of funding, and build relationships with major donors?  Where is most of our money going to come from?

The Art of Asking: How should we interact with potential donors?  Should we write letters or call?  How do we get a meeting with major donors?  What do we do to present ourselves well in that meeting?  What is the best way to ask for money?

Relating to the Answer: When does No mean Never?  How do we find out what we did wrong?  Is it worth it to ask again?

Alternative Resources:  What sorts of in-kind donations do non-profits solicit?  How can we maximize our use of volunteers?  What about strategic partnerships with other organizations?

Cultivating Donors:  How do we promote the mission of our organization?  How do we write and distribute a press release?

Standards and Accountability:  How do we make sure that all our fundraising practices are ethical?

Why does FASTEN recommend this resource?

This workbook is especially an effective tool for small to mid-sized nonprofits without a lot of fundraising experience that are interested in refining or creating a comprehensive strategy for fundraising.