Fundraising as a Profession

Basically, we know that fundraising is

supposed to help a non-profit organization

(NPO) financially. But nowadays these

activities do not serve that specific purpose

alone. Traditionally, fundraising comes in a

form of donations and wills. It is also

important to show these contributors and

donors where money goes by showing them

everything they bought and built out of the

money they have collected. This way, they

prove that these funds were not used for

personal profits for any of the NPO’s staff.

Fundraising now can be used not only to help NPO’s, but also to gain a little profit out of it. Although many

NPO’s still depend on the traditional donation type fundraising, many of them now find it more effective

to seek the help of professional fundraisers. It has been proven to be more effective and it provides a

more consistent and regular funding.

People find it more rational if they get something back for the money they are willing to give for a

foundation. That is why it is important to think of new fundraising ideas in where the fundraisers could

give something in return for the kind efforts. As we see it, it has become more like a business process. But

it is paramount to remember that this was not primarily done to gain profits. NPO’s have no owners and

thus, any funds received by the organization are not meant to benefit any specific people but only for the

operations of the organization itself. Any business or company that sells products to help a good cause is

not considered a non-profit organization, but instead, a fundraiser. A common mistake that some people

think is that these business companies and some NPO’s are correlated. It is more appropriate to see it as

a voluntary contribution rather than a profitable way to sell their goods.

How does a business gain profit if it gives part of the money to NPO’s? Even though businesses receive

less profit from this process, it does a more profitable result in quantity over time. If a vendor offers

discount coupons to customers, and part of the sales will be given to an NPO, it builds an uplifting feeling

both to the seller and the buyer. With the discount offered, and the thought of their money going to a

deserving NPO, it has a very good possibility to extend the target market. With the business receiving a

slightly smaller profit, overall, it gains a wider range of customers and not to mention an upstanding

reputation. It is always important to build a good business to market relationship, plus helping a good

cause in the process.

NPO most rely on external funding to maintain their

operations, employ staff, create programs, or maintain

facilities. This is why fundraising is vital, may it be traditional

through donations, or a give and take type of raising funds.

Either through professional fundraisers who gain profit or

people who just want to help through fundraising, as long as

the organization is constantly funded, it doesn’t matter who

takes advantage of which. The more important thing is to

never forget the purpose in the process. Some people

conduct fundraising events to feel good, some people are

involved in a non-profit orgs, some just doesn’t have anything to do, and some wants to gain some and

give some. In whichever group we may belong, helping a good cause will always feel heartwarming as long

as we put our sincerity into it.