Living Out Loud: Choosing A Non Profit to Invest in and Partner With

"Dear Raising Change,

Are there a lot more non profits than they're used to be when I was a kid? It seems like every time I turn around I'm getting a fundraising letter, a phone call or a friend is asking me to sponsor her in a bike-a-thon. I don't have endless money. How do I choose?"

If, like this caring donor you feel a little non profit overwhelmed by the amount of requests for funding you receive you're not alone.

In the United States there are 1.6 million registered not for profit organizations* working to meet the political, social, economic and cultural needs of our communities. If we were divide that equally among the states it would average 320,000 not for profit organizations per state.

With so many worthwhile organizations in your community and around the world what criteria should you use to help you make a decision in your giving?

Top 3 Tips When Choosing a Non Profit Partner:

1. Start with your heart. May sound a bit pedestrian but it's tried and true. If you give to your friend's bike-a-thon are you sure you care about the issue the gift is supporting to give again? If not here's something to think about: the non profit will likely put you on a master donor list, research you on-line, review you at Development Committee meetings, assign a staff or board member to you. All the while you hadn't planned on making a second gift. Choose those organizations that align with your heart and your values. You'll be more likely to stay for the long-haul- which is needed to enable real change - and the organization will spend its time and resources on those donors who are looking to build a long-lasting donor partnership. One-time gifts can meet an immediate need but won't they won't build is deep systemic change.

2. Ask your top 10 questions. To really make a difference each of us can invest our time, treasure, talent. If you're going to write a check, volunteer, offer your professional services you want to make sure the non profit is the right match. Before I think about writing a check or offering my support I ask 10 questions of an organization that piques my interest. This is not to make them jump through hoops. This helps both me and the organization know if we are a good match for each other and can together meet our shared values and vision. A few I ask:

1. What's your organization's vision for the community/ the country/ the world?;
2. What strategic actions are you hoping to unleash to move you closer to that vision;
3. Tell me the boldest, most unapologetic action you've taken in the last year or two;
4. What is your Board's take on the role of the Board in fundraising?

These questions are based on my values- bold, powerful, visionary leadership and action. What are your values? What characteristics do you need to see in a non profit to know that you have a match and can make great change together? Think about them first, jot them down then....

3. Make an appointment. Don't wait for a non profit to reach out to you. Reach out to the non profit. You may find an organization that is working on direct aid to Darfur, rebuilding in New Orleans, or ensuring rule of law in the United States. Read through their website. If you're interested and serious about considering a gift: call their Development Director, ask for an appointment; share that you want to explore the possibility of becoming a donor partner. You'll feel powerful and thrilled you took action and they'll be grateful that they didn't have to find you and spend valuable resources seeking you out.

The number of non profits needn't be daunting. A little research, reading and thinking on your part will not only help you navigate the waters but will deepen your capacity to impact the issue you care most about.

*National Center for Charitable Statistics

Contributed by:
Kathy LeMay, President & CEO
Raising Change, LLC
136 West Street, Suite 202
Northampton, MA 01060
P: 413.586.3366
F: 413.586.3376www.raisingchange.com

Living Out Loud

Joanne's weblog for CircleofStrength.com

Choosing A Non Profit to Invest in and Partner With

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