No matter how brilliant a business idea or how kind a thought of charity may be, you will need money to make it a reality.
You may think of releasing your savings, selling an asset or taking a loan, but, there is an easier way – FUNDRAISING.
Fundraising means collecting money for a cause from businesses or individuals. You can raise money both online and offline. But, in both cases you may have to spend some time and effort to promote the date, time, location and purpose of the campaign.
Though the reasons to start fundraising campaigns have evolved over the years, it still is one of the crucial modes of raising money for not-for-profit causes such as donating for the food and education of the underprivileged individuals.
Here are some fundraising ideas for you to support NGOs or a cause of your own.
Sell and earn
Options of items to sell are limitless. You can sell items made by those you are raising the money for, like handicrafts, baked goods and repurposed items. Or you can even sell items that you made yourself.
Another alternative for raising funds is selling second-hand items that could be of value to someone else. You can also ask your acquaintances to donate some of their pre-loved items. For instance, used books, clothes, furniture, etc. If you sell them at a discounted price, you can attract more participants.
Teaching
All of us have some skill we are good at — drawing, handicrafts, time-management, communication skills or proficiency in a language. Similarly, there are many who wish to learn these skills.
You can either teach these skills live or launch a pre-paid course to fundraise for NGOs. But make sure you mention that the fee you charge will be used as donations for a cause you want to support.
Special events and auctions
Any medium that can be used to make money will have a possibility to raise funds for charity. Among such mediums are concerts, exhibitions and auctions.
Collaborating with businesses to host the event and promoting it on social media handles will not only help NGOs but also contribute to add to the brand impression.
Online crowdfunding campaigns
Research the cause you need funds for and decide an amount you wish to raise. Give the campaign a relevant name and find the best platform for the campaign.
Appeal to potential donors with a story backed with statistics. A data-backed story helps donors connect with the cause and understand the severity of the problem.
It takes only minutes to start a fundraising campaign that you can promote on your social media handles. You can host one such crowdfunding campaign on The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s website to fund the Midday Meal Programme for underprivileged children.
Akshaya Patra is an NGO that aims to provide unlimited food for education of children coming from challenging backgrounds. It uses the funds raised to serve freshly-cooked, nutritious meals from 61 kitchens to 1.8 million children across 14 states and 2 union territories.
Akshaya Patra works with the Indian Central Government to efficiently run the Midday Meal Programme in Government and Government-aided schools. The Foundation is registered with the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 and prepares food for children according to nutritional standards mandated by the Supreme Court of India and Ministry of Education (formerly known as Ministry of Human Resource Development).
Fundraise for mid-day meals
These are some strategies you can use to fundraise for NGOs and help underprivileged individuals. All you need is to set a target amount, the date the campaign ends, a title and an image to get started.
When you start a fundraising campaign with Akshaya Patra, you will receive a confirmation email within 1-2 days that your campaign is active on Akshaya Patra’s website. And you are all set to promote your cause and raise funds!
Your one kind act of starting a fundraising campaign can provide life-changing school meals to 1.8 million children across India and support their education for an entire year! Donate to transform lives.
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