After setting up non profit foundation, how do I fund raise with a limited budget?

Question

I am planning to setup a non profit foundation, however, is there another option than professional fund raisers?
Thanks

Answer 1

Get a Business to Business directory and look up candy wholesalers. Some of these stores have fund raising programs for limited budgets.

Some organizations sell Avon which at one time had a special fund raising program. Call them to see if they still do. Even if they don't you can still use Avon to fund raise.

Have a "Give Away" and ask for donations.
A "Give Away" is like a garage sale that the entire community participates in with the exception that everything is free. The only requirement is that the person getting the item is in need of it.

You can pass out flyers in your community with your foundation's information on it asking for donations of items to be given away. It can be as simple as:

If you have it to give please bring it to___________________.
If you need it please come and get it for free.
Date and time
Please contact______________.

Some officials will allow you to use city property that is vacant for such an occasion. Contact your local city hall or alderman in your area.

If there are items left over after the "Give Away" you can organize a resale store for your organization and charge a small price for the items as well as continuing to service the community by giving those in need items for free.

Answer 2

One idea would be to have a silent auction. You could approach local businesses, explain your cause and ask them fora donation of a product or sevice. You can then auction these items at an auction night. You might want to have a trivia competition or something similar at the auction.

Answer 3

gather your board of director's and brain storm

gather your staff and brain storm

gather your clients, friends and brain storm

have a rummage sale

have pot luck dinners and charge a reasonable charge per plate

apply for grants from business, computer companies, [lots of paperwork]
ask for donated items, tv, cd players, dvd players, and have a drawing, have people sell tickets for drawing for first prize, seond and third prizes,
ask clients to assist you with car washes, cake sales,
develop a cook book and sell for funds
ask ext board of directors, board members and professionals that work with you for names that might donate some $$ for your non profit
and write a letter asking for donations