Fund Raising 101“To be or not to be”

Civil Air Patrol Summer BoardDr. James E Dotherow

Director of Development

23 August 2012

The many faces of fund raising

Basics-a-thonsThis fundraising idea traditionally

involves creating an event that raises money during a certain amount of time. You could raise money by having others simply call in to donate money like Muscular Dystrophy Telethon held on Labor Day.

Imagine That!!You could also raise funds by holding a

hair cutting-a-thon (charge for each haircut), a walkathon (charge people to walk), or some other fun way to get people to donate money. These events usually take place during a fixed time period- 24 hours or 12 hours.

PTDoor-to-Door SalesLots of companies provide products

that can be sold and that you can receive a percentage of the price each item sold. Some of these companies include Krispy Kreme Donuts, Sees Candy, Ghirardelli Chocolate, etc

Blueprint for Action

There are many models for fundraising at the local level

The Basic components

Key Elements

How much do we need to raise?Why give to us?Who will be responsible for this?Should we involve our cadet corp.?Target the constituencies for your

unit.

Establish the GoalGoal setting is not the difference in

how much you get from services minus overhead.

Goal setting is based on:Past efforts and resultsResources availableRepeat giftsWhat increases can be reasonably

expected

Getting Started

Getting Started 2What do you want to raise money for

is the key question.Cadet programs?Social events?Emergency fund?Subsidize Travel costs?Access funds for unit events/

First things firstAsk yourself this question: Would I

give money to this organization if I were not employed by them ?

Why should a company write a check for $500.00 to your unit?

Is there a compelling reason to ask for the money?

Getting startedTaking the fist step is the hardest!

What can we do1. Small goals- sell something simple2. Larger goals- organize an event3. Mass appeal- direct mail approach4. Personal approach- one on one.

Sell Something

Organize an event

Mass AppealDirect mail is the medium to

accomplish this.CAVEATS:

Expensive—postage aloneLabor intensive- put the package together and sort for bulk mail.Current addresses a must, without current data you will get more returns than anything else.

The Personal Touch

The Personal TouchThis is the most effective method for

raising money at any level!Most effective if the personal

relationship is at play and the donor knows about your passion for the project and organization.

Best approach is in person, preceded by a telephone call to secure the appointment.

It is a process

CAP Regulation 173-4Section 2, No Air Force Involvement ( No CAP uniforms while fund raising)Take note of Prohibited Activities.Avoid promoters who offer a % of the

total.

CAP Reg 173-4

Truth in Advertising

outline1. Basic programs2. Process3. Methods4. Case for Support5. 173-46. Proposals7.Pitfalls

Where we go from here? Your fund raising efforts should be

specific to your local and your needs. Look to the people who know your

organization best as your first donors.

Don’t forget to give those who work with you the opportunity to financially support you and CAP.

Tried and True

Be careful what you ask for!

Never Forget 2 Words Thank You

For your financial support For your overall commitment to our

values For your continued support of Civil Air

Patrol

Thank You

Contact Me Dr. Skip Dotherow Director of Development 105 S Hansell St Maxwell, AFB, AL 36112 334 953 7748 ext 225 jdotherow@capnhq.gov