Raising funds for the arts

What is fundraising?

[Fundraising]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fundraising also known as development is a growing profession by which solicitors use various methods to request [contributions]http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_a_contribution from donors in support of an organization or cause. The act began way before biblical times and becomes more sophisticated year after year. The term fundraising is generally associated with [nonprofit organizations] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-profit_organizationand there are several ways to solicit funding in today’s society.

Common solicitation methods

[Direct Mail]http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&defl=en&q=define:direct+mail&sa=X&ei=jV9DTILUJYP48AbA4YzGAw&ved=0CBUQkAE

[Email]http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=define:email

[Capital Campaigns]http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=define:capital+campaign

[Endowment Support]http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=define:endowment

[Special Events]http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=define:special+event

[Face to Face meetings]http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=define:face+to+face

[Over the phone requests]http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=define:phone+call

[Direct selling]http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=define:direct+selling

[Planned Giving]http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=define:planned+giving

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=define:text+message

[Social Networks]http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=define:social+network

[Sponsorships]http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=define:sponsorship

[Grant writing]http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=define:grant+writing

Statement of ethics for fundraisers

The nationally recognized [statement of ethics] http://www.aprahome.org/ProfessionalStandards/StatementofEthics/tabid/74/Default.aspxmust be followed throughout the profession to ensure consistency and trustworthiness. This code of ethics covers four basic principles that outline standards in behavioral practices within the profession.

Integrity

Accountability

Practice

Conflicts of Interest

How to become a development professional

One might start by pursuing a degree in [arts administration]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts_administration. Topics of study in arts administration also known as arts management generally include how to start a nonprofit, fundraising, marketing, program management, professional writing, accounting and finance. [Internships]http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=define:internship are another great way to learn more about the field. Students get an opportunity to receive hands on experience while assisting with real life projects. In addition to higher education and internships, professional associations might also prove to be helpful; however, be forewarned that associations can be costly. The [Association of Fundraising Professionals] Association of Fundraising Professionalsis a great resource for those working in the field of development. This organization is committed to advancing [philanthropy]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philanthropy efforts through education and professional networking.

Raising funds for the arts

When raising funds for arts and cultural organizations solicitors must be passionate about the organization’s mission and dedicated to finding prospects who want to align themselves with the goals and target beneficiaries of the organization. [Donors]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donor must have a connection to the cause or group and usually expect something in return for their contribution. Other factors that play a large role in donor satisfaction are pristine [database management]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Database_management_system, timely acknowledgement of donations and excellent [prospect research]http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&defl=en&q=define:Prospect+research&sa=X&ei=5WlDTK3PKcL78AaM8elZ&ved=0CBIQkAE. Arts fundraising can be seen as a huge disadvantage because the arts are commonly perceived to be of a frivolous nature. Organizations must combat this negative thinking by showcasing the large impart arts and culture has on society and education at large.

Tax status

All nonprofit organizations must apply for [501(c)]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/501(c) status in order to receive tax exemption benefits. Those interested must complete the [IRS Form 1023 Application for Recognition of Exemption]http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1023.pdf. Additionally, organizations must register for an [employer identification number] http://www.google.com/search?q=define:Employer+Identification Number&aq=0&oq=what is an employer i&aqi=l1g1&gs_rfai=CSwimjGpDTJzoOJXcygTKj7DICgAAAKoEBU_Q3DXF(EIN). Applications for the [EIN]EIN can be submitted online. Visit [IRS.gov] http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=96109,00.htmlfor more information.

Managing your fundraising plan

Once you have trained in development and your organization has been approved for tax exemption status then you are ready to begin a full fledge fundraising [plan]http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&defl=en&q=define:plan&sa=X&ei=KmhDTJaTJ8P68AaKhoGdDw&ved=0CBkQkAE. Fundraising plans are most important because they set the tone for your overall philanthropic goals. Your organization must begin by raising funds to support [operational costs] http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=define:operating+costsand after a few successful years can move on to weightier campaigns for capital and expansion projects.

You may also find it helpful to read [Fundraising Fundamentals Where do you start?]http://nonprofit.about.com/od/fundraising/a/fundraising101.htm and [6 Steps to a Fundraising Plan for a New Nonprofit]http://nonprofit.about.com/od/fundraisingbasics/tp/basicfundraisingtips.htm by Joanne Fritz to learn more about raising funds in the nonprofit sector. Fundraising for the arts is not an easy task, but is definitely obtainable. Always remember that it takes years of practice to hone your fundraising skills especially in a profession that is ever changing. The fundraising industry continues to make further developments in online donations by using giving websites, email solicitations and social networking blurbs with giving links.

Additional tools and guides

Raising funds for the arts is really no different from fundraising for other nonprofit organizations. When fundraising for a concentrated area like the arts it is a good idea to focus your solicitation approaches by seeking individuals who are passionate about the arts and the goals of your particular organization. The assumption here is that contributors will be more apt to support a cause they believe in. Taking a lesson from [Amnesty International USA]http://www.amnestyusa.org/, a nonprofit organization that stands up for human rights, below are some fundamental practices in fundraising.

[How to Raise Funds – The Basics]http://www.amnestyusa.org/get-activist-toolkit/run-your-group/how-to-raise-funds-the-basics/page.do?id=1031050

1\. You don’t get money unless you ask for it.

2\. Keep it simple and fun.

3\. The best approach is the direct, personal approach.

4\. You have to give people something for their money.

5\. When you do fundraising right, people give you money because they want to.

Further resources and links

[Successful Fundraising for Arts and Cultural Organizations]http://www.amazon.com/Successful-Fundraising-Arts-Cultural-Organizations/dp/1573560294#reader_1573560294

[The Impact of Arts Education on Workforce Preparation]http://www.nga.org/cda/files/050102ARTSED.pdf

[How to Develop a Fundraising Plan]http://www.npaction.org/resources/WORC/fundplan.pdf