Whether you’re starting up a non-profit or simply need extra money and resources to fund everyday operations and community projects, there are several ways to go about acquiring financial support for your organisation.
A popular method amongst non-profit organisations is to apply for grants or loans to help accomplish your missions. Though the process is time-consuming, the results will be worth it if your application is successful. Below I have listed a few foundations and corporations (in the UK and the US) which might suit your needs:
Nonprofit Finance Fund (US) makes loans to nonprofit organisations and social enterprises that promote the economic, social or cultural development of diverse communities, which have been in existence for 3 years or more and have unrestricted annual operating revenue of at least $500,000. NFF lenders evaluate smaller nonprofit and social enterprise organizations on a case-by-case basis.
Nonprofits Assistance Fund(US) provides loans (from $5,000 to $500,000) to help nonprofits accomplish their visions, financial management training and resources that promote healthy financial practices, and guidance to nonprofit staff on strategic financial planning and management.
Access Funds (UK) provides grants information for the British charitable and non-profit sector. Their site aims to provide the latest funding information from Government, National Lottery, Charitable trusts, and the EU. Access Funds also contains directories of funding programmes and guides to funding.
ECP Grant (International) provides grants on a case-by-case basis to non-profit organizations, programs and individuals active in public service and nature conservation.
Society for Nonprofit Organizations (US) is a 501(c)(3)* nonprofit organisation with members throughout the world. The Society provides nonprofit staff members, volunteers, and board members with affordable resources and information to work more effectively and efficiently towards accomplishing their mission.
*Religious, Educational, Charitable, Scientific, Literary, Testing for Public Safety, to Foster National or International Amateur Sports Competition, or Prevention of Cruelty to Children or Animals Organisations
Fundraising Tips
There are countless ways to elicit sponsorship, but I have listed a few which might be most effective for non-profit organisations.
- House parties – provide drinks and nibbles, and set a price for attendance. You can then proceed to use the evening to publicise your mission
- Dinner parties – again, set a price for attendance
- Auctions
- Raffles
In each of these cases, try to get as many people with name recognition participating as possible in order to attract people to the events.
If your non-profit has a specific project or mission which requires funding, crowdfundingcould be the best way to do this.You simply post your project online, spread the word through your network of friends and propose rewards in return for donations. For more information on this type of funding, see ‘A brief history of Crowdfunding’. Also take a look at our humanitarian projects page to give you an idea how the site functions for non-profits, and don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!
