Putting the FUN back into FUNdraising

1. Putting the FUN back into FUNdraising Presented by Sharon K. Benoff Vice President, Department of Service to Sisterhoods and Districts

2. “Fundraising is the gentle art of teaching the joy of giving.” --Hank Rosso

3. Purpose • To present and discuss fundraising principles and introduce ideas and sources to be utilized by sisterhoods.

4. Where are you now?

5. Objectives • To identify the many options available for raising funds in your sisterhood. • To identify strategies to raise money for your sisterhood. • To share successful fundraising ideas and best practices used by other sisterhoods.

6. Have a Vision • Have a specific purpose. • Be realistic about your goals and make them attainable.  • Involve as many members as possible. • Choose the right chair.  • Make sure that the committee understands the purpose and goals of the project.

7. Make your Fundraiser Happen • Design a great flyer or invitation. Make sure it answers what, when, where, why, and how much. • Allow enough time before the event for production and mailing of the invitation/flyer. • Follow up your invitations with phone calls to encourage attendance and giving.

8. Make your Fundraiser Happen • Prepare an event budget and stick to it! • Set a timeline and production schedule for all tasks to be completed prior to the event. • Recruit and assign responsibilities to volunteers. • Make all necessary arrangements with your guest speaker or master of ceremonies and the event site personnel. Will there be special equipment needed?

9. Make your Fundraiser Happen • Plan the agenda for the event with your committee. For larger events, consider designing a printed program. • Remind speakers of their roles. • Write thank-you notes to speakers, hostesses, and all who were involved to create a successful event. • Evaluate your event.

10. Tips for a Successful Sisterhood Event • Publicize! Publicize! Publicize! Make it exciting and inviting. • Consider using a new twist on a successful old theme. • Publish the results of your fundraiser ASAP. • Thank your committee and donors frequently. • Remember, donations must be used for the purpose for which they were collected. • Keep records and evaluate your efforts.  • Have FUN!

11. $$$

12. How do you thank your donors?

13. Thank You – Thank You – Thank You • Uniongrams and YES Fund note cards • Personal phone call • Face-to-face • At a sisterhood meeting • In your newsletter • In public relations materials • With a small gift or a plaque with names of donors • An award • By naming something after the donor: “Jane Doe Water Fountain” • With a thank-you luncheon, dinner, or reception in honor of your donors • By making the donor an honorary member of your board • Rememberto inform the donor of what was accomplished with his/her donation

14. Resources • WRJ Website – www.WRJ.org • WRJ Publication – FUNdraising FUNdamentals • Sisterhood presidents should be signed up for the WRJ Listserv so that you can continue to share fundraising ideas with other sisterhoods • Book Recommendation – Tzedakah: Can Jewish Philanthropy Buy Jewish Survival? By Jacob Neusner

15. Final Thoughts • Don’t be afraid to try new ideas. • Be creative. • Be inclusive. • No matter how much money you raise, it is money you did not have before the event. • If a fundraiser does not meet your expectations, try, try again. • Have fun!

16. “As the effort, so is the reward.” --Pirkei Avot www.WRJ.org