Step 1: Assess Your Organization's Capacity

Before you jump into fundraising, it's vital to understand your organization's capacity. Use this self-assessment questionnaire to guide you:

• Staffing: Do you have dedicated staff or volunteers for fundraising? How many people can help?
• Skills: What fundraising skills do your team members possess? Are there any gaps?
• Time: How much time can your team realistically dedicate to fundraising activities each week?
• Network: What existing relationships does your organization hold with community members, businesses, and potential donors?
• Mission Alignment: How does your potential fundraising idea align with your mission and values?

Step 2: Explore Fundraising Ideas

After assessing your organization's capacity, explore these fundraising ideas tailored for human services nonprofits:

1. Virtual Fundraising Events

• Host a virtual gala where participants can donate and enjoy entertainment from home.
• Utilize platforms like Zoom or Facebook Live for a more personal touch.

2. Peer-to-Peer Campaigns

• Encourage supporters to fundraise on behalf of your organization through their networks.
• Provide participants with personalized fundraising pages and tools to share their stories.

3. Community Workshops or Classes

• Offer workshops (e.g., cooking, art, or financial literacy) where participants pay a fee that contributes to your nonprofit.
• Leverage local volunteers with expertise to lead these sessions, minimizing costs.

4. Social Media Challenges

• Start a social media challenge that encourages participants to complete a specific task for donations.
• Engage your audience by making it fun and shareable while promoting your mission.

Step 3: Decision Matrix Template

Fundraising IdeaFeasibilityCommunity EngagementPotential RevenueVirtual Fundraising EventsHighMediumHighPeer-to-Peer CampaignsMediumHighMediumCommunity WorkshopsHighHighMediumSocial Media ChallengesMediumHighLow

Step 4: Create an Implementation Timeline

Establishing a clear timeline will help keep your efforts on track. Here’s a sample timeline for a Virtual Fundraising Event:

• 8 Weeks Before: Choose a date and theme for the event.
• 6 Weeks Before: Start marketing the event through social media and email newsletters.
• 4 Weeks Before: Finalize entertainment or guest speakers.
• 2 Weeks Before: Send reminders to participants and continue promotion.
• Day Of: Conduct a rehearsal to check technology and ensure everything is set up.
• Post-Event: Send thank you emails and collect feedback for future events.

Step 5: Budget Considerations

Making budget plans is essential for fundraising success. Here's how to break it down:

• Fixed Costs: Online platform fees, promotional materials, and entertainment costs.
• Variable Costs: Materials for workshops, food/drink if applicable, and incentives for donors.
• Target Revenue: Set achievable goals based on the budget and expected participation.

Step 6: Conduct a Risk Assessment

Understanding potential risks in your fundraising activities will help you prepare better:

• Financial Risks: Evaluate break-even points and the risk of low turnout affecting your budget.
• Reputation Risks: Consider how any shortcomings in execution might affect your nonprofit's image.
• Logistical Risks: Plan for issues like technological failures during virtual events or scheduling conflicts.

By following these steps, you can identify a fundraising idea that aligns with your human services nonprofit's mission and engages your community effectively. Wishing you the best of luck in your fundraising journey!