Fundraising 101 - Lessons from the field

When we coined “Solar for the Masses”, it sounded like we were embarking on something terribly exciting (and so it is).

However, starting a new group and raising money for the cause can be difficult and demanding, but we did not despair.

The thing to remember is that every Nonprofit starts somewhere. From our short stint in the field, we can honestly say that the best way to determine success is if:

1. you believe in the cause
2. you have committed volunteers.
3. you realise that the group doesn't have to be large to be successful

Aaaah, you must also have a focus and a target - What exactly do you want to achieve? When do you want to do it by? How much money will you need to do it?

As an example, our goals were:
1. to raise 3600 lamps and send and distribute them equally to rural communities in every state
2. to encourage rural people to move quickly move beyond the recipient mentality i.e step up from gratefully receiving solar appliances to MANUFACTURING these items all by themselves
3. In 36 days, to physically spread the solar message (solar is clean, free, renewable, safe for the environment) all over the country, starting May 26, 2010

Now, wait for this. The biggest surprise of all was that individuals have been our greatest source for fundraising!

When my friend Alima Atta (CEO, Sesema PR) got our solicitation by text, she didn’t bat an eyelid and immediately zapped me a return reply saying “Well done, girl!” Two days later, she had purchased an impressive number of solar lamps to support our cause. It was all so encouraging.

The same goes for all other individuals listed on the Partners page of our website (www.solarjooce.com) who took a pleasantly surprising leap of faith. Incredibly, we received two anonymous online donations.

Large companies? A-yai-yai, reactions from large corporations are far slower and more ‘cautious’.

Yet their smaller sized counterparts are agile and quick to take decisions. Nextek Platforms (our Web Partner) falls into this category, and were amazing in the way they decided, in a heartbeat, to throw their weight behind us.

In summary, and even though we’ve been a Nonprofit for a few months only, here are some key insights into fundraising:

1. Take it one step at a time
Seeking sponsorship is like running long distance – you must put one foot in front of the next, and not become overwhelmed by the initiative. One person (or entity) will definitely not save the world, but you can do your own bit while trusting that others will follow suit.

2. Keep your promises
Keep your word to donors, otherwise don’t make promises at all. People are already suffering from donor fatigue and are nervous that many Nonprofits do not account for the funds they receive. You don’t want to add broken promises to the mix of sins that Nonprofits are accused of.

3. Be relentless and shameless
Nobody will give you money if you are not absolutely passionate (almost to a fault) about your cause. You must be willing to talk to anybody and everybody about your cause, and not be shy/afraid to suggest how they can help. Once they see that glint in your eye, they will be moved enough [hopefully] to donate.

And that’s the end of this piece about life in the fundraising trenches.

Anne