How to Raise Money

Raising money can be difficult whether it is for personal or charitable reasons.

Steps

1. Formulate a plan on paper. Record your financial goal and organize yourself, otherwise you will get a shock when you realise how much you really need.
   
   • Is this a set goal (for example, I need £10,000 for a new car), or a continuing effort (for example, I need $3,500 a month to keep my organization running)?
     
2. Decide how you're going to make it happen. Get a job if you don't already have one. If you do, consider getting a second one. This doesn't have to be another extremely demanding job—try tutoring school children in a subject area where you are strong or running errands for a disabled person.
   
3. If you're starting a business, try finding investors by presenting a business plan and a predetermined dollar amount needed.
   
   • Use available free resources first (e.g., Small Business Association or S.C.O.R.E.).
     
   • You could also go to individuals or organizations for capital or sponsorship.
     
   • Try asking friends or relatives for loans or gifts (but see warnings below).
     
4. Put your plan into action, and stick to it.
   
5. Create an online fund-raising page. Create a web page, send the link to your family, friends, co-workers, parishioners, teammates, etc. and collect donations via credit cards online. It's easy and simple, and eliminates spending a lot of time sending letters, calling people, and organizing big events. Sites that let you create an online fundraising page include GoQuests.com, GoFundMe.com, ChipIn.com and KickStarter.com.
   
6. Make sure to thank those who helped you get to your goal.
   

Tips

• The more organized and professional you appear, the more successful you will be. Also, in all financial matters, be courteous and polite with everyone you deal with - money can be a touchy subject.
  
• Be honest--especially with yourself--about what you really need.
  
• Prioritize by importance. You don't need an MP3 player before food do you?
  
• Have a single or multi-family garage sale. Make it a fun event and feature music, balloons, snacks, games, and perhaps even outlandish "provenance" for your most treasured junk (with disclaimers, of course).
  

Warnings

• Watch out for quick fixes such as fast credit repair clinics and high-interest, short-term loans. (Remember, your goal is to raise money, not sell your soul.)
  
• Don't forget to focus on the positive--first; your attitude can make all the difference.