The role of smaller non-profits and community-based charities cannot be understated.Attorney Hassan Shibly is a regular fundraiser for a variety of charitable causes and has witnessed the impact of local non-profits as they work to address issues for children, faith-based organizations, low-income families, animal welfare, and more.

The work these organizations do may be augmented by grants and some government funding based on the focus area. However, most rely on the support of others in the community to ensure needs are met. Successful fundraising is essential for meeting their most immediate expenses and having a successful long-term impact.

For the local non-profit, the tips for getting started aren't always the same as those of a larger foundation or established firm, but many basic principles stay the same.

Hassan Shibly's fundraising tips for smaller non-profits

Share a clear mission

For any non-profit, a clear vision and mission statement is essential to connect with the community and potential donors. Promotional literature, social media, a website, and any conversations about the organization should succinctly establish its purpose. This means outlining who the group helps and how. Be brief in this "elevator pitch," but stay focused on specifics. For example, it's better to say a group is focused on "providing teenagers from low-income families with afterschool tutoring from certified education professionals" versus "helping teens achieve in school." One statement clearly articulates the who and the how, while the other is vague and provides less confidence. Additional materials can focus on other aspects of the work, such as the when, where, and further elaboration of how. However, there is often only one chance to grab people, so it's best to be clear immediately, according to Hassan Shibly.

Set up easy ways to give virtually

While many non-profits rely on events, getting started digitally is smart. Always ensure a website is set up with the ability for potential donors to review basics and make a donation. Create profiles on social media platforms to link to the non-profit giving webpage. Consider taking advantage of opportunities to fundraise directly on social media or websites, such as with Facebook's fundraising feature and Amazon Smile. These minimal-effort options are easy opportunities to connect with more passive donors who could be turned into larger donors or regular givers.

Encourage reoccurring donations

When a donor contributes, ensure all pathways include the option to make the contribution reoccurring, either monthly or annually. When donors opt into a repeat donation, they can project future inflows more accurately and scale operations when possible. Many online donation checkouts and platforms provide the option to allow repeat donations. This opportunity can also be added to mailers and donation envelopes at in-person events.

Partner with small businesses

Small businesses are natural partners for small non-profits. Consider finding local partners interested in being regular donors or providing services instead of donations. For example, a small print shop can donate printing services instead of cash.

Host events

Small businesses also provide a great way to co-host events, one of the most popular ways for all non-profits to raise funds, Hassan Shibly notes. Many non-profits raise funds through events like 5k races, dinners, or auctions. Partnering with local businesses is an opportunity to share the cost of an event while receiving the benefits of all donations accumulated or even bonus funds. For a small business, these events can bring a lot of exposure for a minimal investment and the opportunity to support the non-profit, making them a win-win.