Why fundraisers are important
It sounds like a daft question, but there are still a lot of people that simply don’t understand the overall point of fundraising. Afterall, we pay our taxes, we vote in our government and, well, they take care of things right? Wrong. In recent years the level of need within our communities has catapulted. Life for the majority these days is a lot tougher than we’ve seen in a considerable number of years. As people struggle to pay bills, handing back beloved pets to rehoming centres, suffering poor health or meeting any number of needs, charity has all but buckled under the strain. Money must be stretched further than ever and income streams protected.
Anyone fortunate enough to enjoy a roof over their head, warmth, food and good health should feel blessed. There is also a duty to at least recognise where the need is, and to try to help where possible.
As a fundraising agency, Charity Link specialises in face to face fundraising, both on the doors as well as in prebooked private site. The intent of face to face fundraising is donor acquisition, where we secure regular donations from the public for our charity partners, enabling them to predict their income and make plans for the future.
But fundraising isn’t always just for charity. Raising funds can be for individuals in need, such as crowdfunding to pay for funerals or medical treatment, for excursions or other life affirming activities for those in need.
Communities benefit from fundraising too, from school gardens, hospitals, children’s parks or memorials. Sometimes fundraising supports a specific group within a community, such as the elderly, homeless people or a refugees.
Fundraising addresses critical needs
An obvious one; Fundraising is often the lifeline for organisations that are working to address critical needs within communities. From healthcare initiatives to education programs and disaster relief efforts, money raised contributes directly to alleviating immediate challenges and improving overall well-being.
Fundraising empowers non-profits
Another biggy. Nonprofit organisations rely heavily on fundraising to sustain their operations and carry out their missions. These entities, driven by a desire to make a positive impact, depend on financial support to implement programs, hire skilled staff, and maintain essential resources.
Fundraising brings people together
Whatever the goal, fundraising projects bring a sense of unity and motivation. Achieving something for others is always a heartwarming and inspirational experience, particularly when people have worked together to make something good happen.
Fundraising fosters a sense of shared responsibility. This engagement not only strengthens social bonds but also encourages collective action toward positive change.
Volunteering is a type of fundraising!
Most people don’t think about the money that volunteers save charities and communities.
An incredible army of volunteers donate their time and effort to helping out. In fact, there are over 6 and a half million volunteers supporting charities in England and Wales as of November 2023. The labour they contribute equates to millions of pounds every month. Arguably, you could even say that volunteering alleviates the need for fundraising – or even acts as the next best thing.
Approximately 37% of people volunteer at least once a year, with 22% participating in volunteer work every month.
The most popular causes to volunteer for were:
57% volunteer at sports clubs
40% volunteer in hobbies or social related clubs
38% volunteer for religious organisations
29% volunteer in children’s education and schools
24% volunteer in youth and children’s activities
19% volunteer for environmental and animal groups
17% volunteer for local and community groups
There’s no doubt that volunteers are truly an invaluable resource for the survival and function of our society and of course charity organisations.
Fundraising creates awareness about charitable causes
Without fundraising, there would not be so much awareness about causes. Afterall, we don’t generally hear about donkeys with broken backs or have any clue about child trafficking in India or human rights in Saudi
Basically, all the while fundraisers are talking to the public, complete with branded uniforms, stands and flyers, they’re spreading the word and building donor engagement. Their charities kill two birds with one stone – they’re asking for money whilst getting free marketing and advertising.
Learn how fundraisers can grab (and keep!) attention from passers by
Campaigns often serve as platforms for spreading information, educating the public, and building a community of supporters who are passionate about a particular cause. And appealing to new audiences, even if only to create a more compassionate society, is another major plus of fundraising.
Fundraising creates connection
Conversing with a stranger can be enlightening, inspirational and educational. It can also help combat loneliness and isolation.
We know from experience that there’s something about human to human connection and story telling that brings the charity’s cause to life.
This word of mouth approach holds great power simply because when you have a sincere and likeable person in front of you telling you about something that’s meaningful to them, it’s difficult not to connect with them. Even if a member of the public didn’t care about a cause before, just by having a conversation about it, they can completely turn their views around.
In person conversation is far more impactful than reading an article or seeing a television ad.
Fundraising provides preparation for and action on crisis response
In times of crisis, whether natural disasters or global health emergencies, fundraising becomes a rapid-response mechanism. The ability to quickly mobilise resources can make a significant difference in saving lives and aiding recovery efforts.
Fundraising fosters innovation
Fundraising enables innovation by providing the financial means for research and development. Whether in the fields of science, technology, or social innovation, funds garnered through various campaigns and events empower individuals and organisations to explore new ideas and solutions.
As we’ve advanced into the digital era, so has the methodology of fundraising too.
As so many people spend time dwelling on social media platforms these days, it’s an obvious stream that savvy charities can take advantage of. As well as encouraging online donation, nonprofits use social media to help spread awareness, which is a cost-effective way to indirectly fundraise too. Just telling the stories of those in need can catch the attention and action of the general public. Likewise, digital fundraisers have identified the success of advertising online or on television.
But while the e-generation can always be accessed in such a way, the traditional methods work well too. Fundraising tools and donation request includes:
Bucket collections outside high footfall venues encouraging people to give
Direct mail campaigns with fundraising letters and donation form
Corporate social responsibility schemes including matching gift workplace campaigns
Major donors liasion and relationship building
Fundraising events like coffee mornings
Peer fundraising including things like Giving Tuesday or Movember
Fundraising mitigates economic imbalance
By supporting charitable causes, fundraising efforts contribute to mitigating economic disparities. The donor funds raised can provide assistance to vulnerable populations, helping bridge the gap between privilege and adversity.
Fundraising supports education
Fundraising is a crucial driver for educational institutions, providing scholarships, infrastructure, and resources that enhance the learning environment. This, in turn, helps nurture future leaders and professionals who can contribute meaningfully to society.
Learn more about the different types of fundraising here
Regardless of the method or source of income, charitable organisations simply could not survive without fundraising in some form.
According to statistics shared on the Charities Commissions government website, there are just over 184 thousand charities or linked charities across England and Wales as of November 2023.
An overall income of £83,956,180,220 is shared between these registered charities. Charitable activities (including fundraising) account for just over 50% of income establishing just how vital fundraising is to the entire sector.
Fundraising is not merely about collecting money; it's a dynamic force for positive change. It serves as a bridge between compassion and action, linking those who want to make a difference with the means to do so. In the grand tapestry of societal progress, fundraising stands as a testament to the collective power of individuals coming together to build a brighter and more equitable future.
