What’s one of the first things you do when you get in your car? Turn on the radio! This simple entertainment medium can mean big exposure for your events and organization because of the wide audiences radio stations reach. Here are a few tricks for getting your news out there and on the air.

As a former donor recruitment representative for a local branch of a regional blood bank, I often turned to radio stations for support. I developed relationships with the news directors and program directors of the local radio stations in the communities where I worked. This is the number one way I was able to get great publicity opportunities for my events.

First, I will tell you about the wrong way to build this relationship. I had a blood drive with a poor turnout and needed help fast. So, I called the radio station in this small town of about 12,000 people and asked for the station manager, Bob. I told him the situation just knowing he would help me out. He rebutted that he was tired of us calling him with these desperate pleas every time a drive was bombing.

I explained patiently to him that I was a new rep and would be sure to give advance notice in the future for this one-time favor. He reluctantly agreed. To make amends, the next week I stopped by with t-shirts and candy for Bob and his staff to thank them for their assistance. This little favor allowed me to do two things: show my gratitude for their support and get recognition for my organization.

I used this meeting for some information-gathering as well. I learned when they made community announcements—every hour with the news—and how soon they needed announcements—seven to 10 days ahead of time. They even let me call two days before my semi-annual community drive (300-plus donors in three days) and record a free commercial! It played throughout the event. Several donors at the drive told me they heard me on the radio.

In this same town, I was able to make similar contact with the radio station down the street. For smaller events, they would put my drives in the regular news items. For larger events, they would have me come into or call the studio for a short interview, which would play the day before and of the drive.

I had a similar arrangement in most of the small towns where I recruited. We had an agreement with some stations that we would pay for live remotes once or twice a year. They usually gave us all-day coverage (two-hour remote and mentions all day) and a discounted rate with this.

That leads me to those of you in larger markets. Larger markets have more radio stations that are typically owned by large companies. They are less willing to give you free publicity.

However, it’s still possible to get your name out there. You just have to be creative in your approach. Contact each station in your area to find out how to submit items for the community/events calendar. Also, contact the news director or station manager by phone or in person. Your e-mails will more than likely be ignored.

Also, find out how they like to receive announcements and press releases. Some radio stations use a statewide or regional news service. Find out who your contact will be there. It’s all about getting to the news decision makers. If you do end up having to do paid remotes or advertising, don’t take their flat rate. Ask for a better rate or some free commercials, mentions, or food. Salespeople have some wiggle room in this arena.

One secret to large markets is to approach public and listener-supported stations. Many people listen to these news/talk, Christian talk/music, sports, and lesser-known music genre stations for their original content. They have more community-driven focuses in many cases.

For example, I’ve been contacted several times by networks such as American Family Radio when we issued severe blood shortage notices. This network broadcast the interview in many markets. The approach is the same: send a short announcement via the method the station prefers, and follow-up with personal contact or phone contact.

Another idea is to piggyback on a radio remote hosted by a business. Many businesses are willing to coordinate your fundraiser or event with their advertising. For instance, the local Saturn car dealership hosted a drive and paid for a radio remote and gift certificates to the first 50 donors. This is part of a national campaign they do in conjunction with Valentine’s Day. It pays to have a tie-in to an awareness campaign or national event.

Again, your creativity will get you results. Don’t be afraid to find out what companies are doing to promote themselves. If you can convince them to tie in your event/fundraiser, you will benefit from the free or low-cost publicity, and the company will benefit from supporting the community.

In summary, with a little relationship-building and research, you can get your news out there to an audience you may not have accessed before with the turn of a dial.

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FundingFactory is a nontraditional fundraising program for schools and nonprofits which helps groups earn cash when they recycle used printer cartridges and cell phones. FundingFactory provides free boxes, online accounting, flyers, posters and other promotional tools. There is never a cost for participation and shipping is free!

Now when you register your group for FundingFactory you are automatically entered to win an iPod Shuffle. (This contest ends March 31, 2007)

The iPod Shuffle 512 features:

• Capacity to hold over 120 songs
• Up to 12 hours of continuous playback with rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• Superportable at 0.78 ounce and just 0.33 inch thin
• Automatically shuffles and syncs music from your Mac or PC
• Includes iPod shuffle, lanyard, earphones and iTunes for Mac and Windows

To win you need to register with the recycling program before March 31, 2007 by following the special link below. The contest is only open to new registrants. One winner will be chosen at random from all entries from Step by Step Fundraising.

Funding Factory is a great program that lets your group earn funds from just collecting old printer cartridges. Instead of throwing them in the trash (read: landfill) why not toss them in a recycle box?

Computers and printers are everywhere - offices, schools, retail, and at home - there’s no reason not to add them to a recycle collection box and earn funds for your designated school or charity.

This contest is just one more incentive for you to try the Funding Factory program. Your group could even use the iPod as a prize for the person or group who collects the most cartridges within a set period of time.

Register now for the recycle fundraising program

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It’s a classic fund-raising strategy. Entice people into indulging themselves, then provide them with a guilt-free disclaimer: “I’m doing this for a good cause.”

Anyone who has ever devoured an entire box of Girl Scout cookies over an afternoon knows what it’s like to be a willing victim of this ploy. And in Canada, the VON Hamilton Foundation has taken it a step further, adding eye candy (the Nutcracker ballet) to a decadent chocolate-themed feast.

What’s not to like here? Studies have shown that chocolate is perhaps the world’s most universally desired flavor. Meanwhile, even those who profess to hate ballet will mark their calendars months in advance for a Nutcracker performance, if only for their kids’ sake.

“We were trying to find a family-oriented fund-raiser,” said Krista Law, Fund Development Coordinator for the VON Hamilton Foundation, “and we also wanted to develop a partnership with another organization — in this case, the Canadian Ballet Youth Ensemble.”

“VON” stands for “Victorian Order of Nurses,” and has chapters across Canada. Among other things, it offers services to indigent patients, homebound visits, a day program for clients with Alzheimer’s or dementia, education for family caregivers and advanced training for nurses.

The VON Hamilton Chocolate Lovers Brunch was designed specifically for the “Good Beginnings” program, a volunteer parent and infant support program that offers weekly in-home visits by a trained volunteer.

“Most of our chapters have adopted the Chocolate Lovers Brunch,” said Law, “but they tend to do it in February, for Valentine’s Day. We were the only chapter to schedule it at Christmas time, along with the Nutcracker.”

The first such event, in 2005, drew 240 people and raised $1,500. Last December, the Foundation attracted 220 and brought in $5,000.

“We really increased our sponsorship money the second year,” Law said, “and
that helped a lot. The difference in attendance, I think, was that we did it
the first year on Saturday and last year on Sunday. Church probably cut into
the crowd a bit.”

The group staged the brunch at 11:30 in the downtown Hamilton Sheraton, with the ballet following at 2.

“The ballet was held at Hamilton Place, which is right across the street from the Sheraton,” said Law. “So people only had to park once.”

Indeed, they probably needed a short walk after their feast. Besides the traditional brunch food, the menu also included chocolate Belgian waffles, chocolate eclairs, several cakes, an assortment of chocolate pastries and a chocolate fountain “surrounded with dipping fruit and treats.”

VON Hamilton charged $95 for adults for the brunch and ballet and $50 for children, and $55 for adults for brunch only and $30 for children. The ballet company offered a reduced rate on tickets, Law said.

As for advertising, the Foundation put up a billboard and received lots of air time from Lesley Stewart, the weather and traffic reporter on a Hamilton television station.

The buffet required a significant number of volunteers, Law said, “and we also had a holiday market where we sold angels and nutcrackers and holiday gift baskets. We had a raffle, entertainment (a singing group singing Christmas carols, a clown for the kids.) VON volunteers looked after the events at the Brunch and the Canadian Ballet Youth Ensemble looked after everything at the ballet.”

VON Hamilton hasn’t decided whether or not to try the Chocolate Lovers Brunch for a third year.

“It’s been very popular,” she said, “but you don’t want to overdo a good thing.”

Not even chocolate.

Related Articles:

Chocolate Tasting Event - “For the Love of Chocolate” Fundraiser held on February 11, 2006, Community Events Center on Ft. Hood, TX

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Have you ever experienced a Random Act of Kindness? Have you ever done a Random Act of Kindness, or had someone give you a Random Act of Kindness?

A random act of kindness can be something small but thoughtful. You can let someone go in front of you in line at the grocery store. You can give someone change for a dollar. Or you can also do meaningful things for charitable organizations – such as giving canned goods to a soup kitchen, or coats for the homeless, or toys for disadvantaged children.

This week has been created byThe Random Acts of Kindness Foundation was created to raise awareness about kindness and to encourage people to daily give and receive kindness. It began in 1995 and this year will be the thirteenth annual Random Acts of Kindness Week.

Julie Kauffman has had many experiences with kindness. As someone who works at the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, she is very experienced with kindness. “I have experienced different acts of kindness. One of my favorites is hearing from people who appreciate what The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation is doing. Those are great!,” said Kauffman.

“On a more personal level, I had a friend volunteer to watch my cat for me while I was out of town. It was only supposed to be for a week, but I ended up being gone nearly a month due to my mother’s ill health. She watched the cat for the entire time – and she absolutely hates cats! I still can’t thank her enough.” To pass the chain of kindness along, Kauffman also volunteers, she holds open doors for people, regularly gives up her seat on the train, thanks workers – especially wait staff and salesclerks, and she keeps a polite and positive attitude.

The week celebrating Random Acts of Kindness is also during the week of Valentine’s Day, and some schools may include Valentine’s Day as part of their celebration.

According to Kauffman, people plan many different activities to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week. “Community activities include food drives for food panties; blanket/clothing drives for homeless shelters; community garage sales with proceeds benefitting a charity. Schools feature kindness in their lessons and daily announcements. Some decorate their halls with posters that include kindness sayings.”

She is quick to point out that Random Acts of Kindness can be quick, simple and easy things that you can do with little planning. Here are some of her favorite ideas:

• Hold a door open for someone.
• Write a thank you note to someone who helped you or made a difference in your life.
• Give blood.
• Call an old friend.
• Buy the person behind you in line’s coffee, lunch or toll
• Tell your co-workers you appreciate them and give examples why.
• Compliment someone.
• Volunteer to read to students or at a nursing home.
• Smile at people on the street.

For more suggestions, you can get ideas on the website including Ideas for Individuals and Groups Activity Guide.

“A random act of kindness is any act on a person’s part that helps someone else. An act of kindness does not have to be large or detailed. It does not have to be pre-planned. The Foundation supports both planned and un-planned acts of kindness. The word “random” encourages us to look beyond our circle of friends and family. It is sometimes those completely unexpected gestures to or from total strangers that have the most impact on our lives,” said Kauffman.

“To get involved in Random Acts of Kindness Week – do an act of kindness! It’s that simple. One of the great things about kindness is it doesn’t take forethought or planning to do something that matters to someone else.

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I often get asked by start-up nonprofits how to raise money. The panic of making budget seems to make raising money impossible without knowing someone rich and famous like Bill Gates or Warren Buffet.

But fundraising isn’t impossible. It can an incredibly exciting adventure. Here is a simple plan I recommend to my clients. It can get you off to a good start and keep being used for years to come. To keep it easy, I implore them to “Get R.E.A.L.”

Get R.E.A.L.

The basic model I use for asking is the acronym R.E.A.L.: Research, Engage, Ask, and Love.

RESEARCH: The first step of research is to find out how much you need to raise. This may seem obvious but my experience is that most groups never put a specific dollar amount on their need.

Once that need is determined, it’s important to research how many gifts you’ll need. If you’re attempting to raise $100,000, the knee-jerk reaction will probably be “We just need to find 100 people that will give us $1,000.” As nice as that seems, decades of fundraising experience show that that simply isn’t how it works.

One of the most helpful tools is a gift grid. A free online version can be found at sites like Blackbaud.com. Long-standing common wisdom shows that you’ll need at least one gift equaling 10% of the total. The next two should equal 5% of the total, etc.

So, to reach your goal of $100,000, you’ll need at least one donor to give a minimum of $10,000. Experience shows that you’ll need to have 4 or 5 prospects to achieve that gift. Work through the grid until you have names of prospects for each level.

As you’re building your prospect list, you’ll want to continue your research. Google can be an incredibly helpful tool. So can your board members and a development committee in the form of a peer review committee. You could invite these people, remind them of your cause and fundraising goals, and ask them to go over the names of prospects.
One simple method of doing this is conducting what I call a “cpi screening”: rating each prospect on capacity, philanthropy, and interest.

• Does the prospect have CAPACITY—are they financially able to make a gift?

• Are they PHILANTHROPIC—are they generous with their money. You need to be a good steward of your resources, if the prospect can’t make a worthwhile gift or doesn’t have a track record of giving you would be better served seeking donations elsewhere.

• Are they INTERESTED in your cause? You can find this out by looking at other causes they’ve supported and by asking people close to your organization.

Have the people on the committee assign a score of 1-5 for each category—1 being lowest, 5 being highest. This is tool can be useful because it removes individual personalities from the prospect rating process and makes it feel more objective. You should promptly visit anyone scoring 12 or more.

But watch for those with high scores in the first two categories and some inclination to your cause. While you can’t make someone more wealthy or generous, but you can have a chance at making someone more interested in your organization. Which brings us to the second step, engage.

ENGAGE: I like to think of this as the dating part of the relationship. It’s important to get to know your prospects before you “pop the question.” While you’ll certainly want to share the story of your cause, take time to get to know them—listen to their story, discover their interests, hear their goals. If the prospect has c and p then here’s where you work on i.

ASK: The number one reason people don’t give money to your cause is that they are not asked. Even if you skip the prior two steps, you’ll still reach some level of success by consistently executing this one.

If you’ve done the first two steps, this step will be quite fun. You’ll already have the odds in your favor. You know that they are predisposed to saying “yes” and you’ll have had time to shape the ask around their passions.

I recommend asking people for gifts spread out over a period of time: i.e. “$1000 a year for three years.” This both shows you consider your cause important enough for a substantial investment and it saves you from having to ask them again and again.

LOVE: I originally called this step Live/Like/Love. This is easy if the prospect says “yes” when you’ve asked. You simply need to be sure to thank them about seven times before you ask them again.

But fundraising is all about relationships. The work really starts if they’ve said “no.” The big thing is to not burn any bridges. If you made it all the way to the ask, you had good reason to believe they’d say yes. The timing simply might not have been right. If you keep in touch with them, they just may give in the future. People will remember you if you’re exceptional at handling a “no.” And refusing a request can be so difficult, they’ll be grateful for your composure.

About the Author: Marc A. Pitman is the pastor of the Vineyard Church of Waterville, Maine and the Director of the Inland Foundation of Inland Hospital. An expert in helping people identify their natural abilities, he’s committed to providing down-to-earth information that will decrease stress and put the “fun” back into fundraising! If you’re interested in having Marc speak to your organization or in subscribing to his free newsletter, he can be reached at FundraisingCoach.com.

Related Resources:

Listen to Marc’s Audio Interview - Hear Marc elaborate on the “Get REAL” system for asking for donations, strategies for recruiting and developing a strong board, tips on how to make new contacts and more.

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Kim Klein of Grassroots Fundraising Journal is offering web based training on how to get your board members “on board” with your fundraising efforts. (pardon the pun!) Another semainar in April will be particularly relevant for those who are doing large campaigns this year or planning for the future (such as capital campaigns.)

Boards and Fundraising
February 26, 2007 (Monday) at 10 AM PT/11 MT/Noon CT/1 ET.
Involvement of the board of directors in fundraising is key to success, yet many groups experience their board as a major impediment to their fundraising success. Is there hope for your board? In this workshop, you will learn that the answer is YES (probably.) There are ways to organize board involvement for effective fundraising. Come learn how. Bring board members.

How to Raise $50,000 in 6 Weeks
April 30, 2007 (Monday) at 10 AM PT/11 MT/Noon CT/1 ET.
In this fast paced webinar, Kim Klein details one of the most important ideas in fundraising today: bringing volunteers together for a short specific intensive campaign, and then letting them go for the rest of the year. In this webinar you will learn both the specifics of raising a large amount of money in a short time and the process of designing all of your fundraising in short bursts.

Find out more about these webinars

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