Fundraising

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Much of the work you will do as an activist requires no more (and no less) than caring and motivation. On the other hand, making fliers, setting up tables, and forming groups also requires some money to cover costs.

TARGET YOUR EFFORTS

People like to know how their donations will be used. It’s always more effective to target your fundraising efforts for a specific purpose. Make it clear that proceeds from your raffle or flea market will be used to put an anti-leather ad on TV or to buy a letter-quality printer for your group’s computer.

ACTIVITIES THAT RAISE FUNDS

Before we describe the various means of raising funds, a word of caution: Virtually all fundraising has tax- and financial-reporting consequences. Please check with a taxing authority before you begin.

Product sales: If you have some money to invest, you can purchase animal rights T-shirts, buttons, bumper stickers, and books to sell when you set up tables and hold meetings.

Food sales: Vegan bake sales can do well either as an independent fundraiser or when combined with another event. Groups should appoint someone to be in charge and to get each member to contribute a baked item (or try offering other vegan items). Choose a busy spot or a craft fair or festival and check ahead with the police and health department about permits and food regulations.

Sale of Unwanted Items: You’ll make more money if your goods are clean and well displayed. Tag clothing with size labels and make sure prices are clearly marked.

Annual sales: Restrict your sales to either books or clothing and hold the sale at the same time each year. Plan ahead to get a good location and publicise the event. If you have a good spot for storage, you can collect donations year round.

Raffles: The two keys to a successful raffle are a good prize and lots of ticket sellers. Print the name of your group, the date and place of the drawing, and a list of the prizes you’re offering. Make sure ticket sellers always have enough tickets on hand. Try setting up a table at a grocery store or outside a temple to sell tickets during the weekend. Ask local merchants to donate prizes or have a 50/50 raffle, meaning that the prize is half the money you collect. Make sure you comply with local solicitation regulations.

Sponsored events: In a walk-a-thon or bike-a-thon, for example, a group of people commit to participating in the event, and they then ask family, friends, and local businesses to sponsor them for a certain amount (such as 10 rupees a mile). Choose a safe route and check it first with the police. You’ll need to prepare sponsor forms with the name and address of the group, the purpose of the event, the date and time, and the route. Also include columns for the sponsor’s name, address, and amount pledged per mile (establish a minimum). Encourage local athletic groups to participate.

Recycling: Many communities have recycling facilities that will pay you for cans, bottles, or other items. One of our members in the US raised enough funds by collecting aluminum cans to pay for an anti-fur ad on TV.

Give up something: Ask people to give up smoking for a week or lunch for a day, and donate the money they save.

Corporate and Other Donations: Corporations, associations, and government agencies often award grants to local organisations.

Retail Help: Ask big-name retailers to host special days when 5 percent (or some other reasonable amount) of their total sales are given to your group.

Miscellaneous: Place donation cans in stores, go Christmas caroling for donations, sell heart-shaped vegetarian dog biscuits on Valentine’s Day, have a car wash ... use your imagination!

An excellent resource book is How to Shake the New Money Tree, by Thomas G. Dunn, 1988, Penguin, New York, USA.

ASK FOR GOODS OR DISCOUNTS


Another kind of fundraising effort is to ask for something other than money. Ask print shops, typesetters, or art supply stores if they will give you a discount. Ask local businesses to donate new or used office equipment, a computer, or a VCR. Send each business an individualised request describing your group and its goals and asking for a specific item or service. If your group is considered non-profit, that will encourage donations. But don’t be afraid to ask in any case.

MEMBERSHIP DONATIONS


Another good source of financial support is your supporters — people in your group as well as people on your sign-up sheets. Ask them to pay a yearly membership fee. Set different levels for dues such as 50 to 200 rupees for regular members, 500 rupees for sponsors, 600 for sustaining members, and 2000 rupees for lifetime members; student and senior citizen memberships could be offered at discounted rates.

Consider offering members an incentive, such as a free book or T-shirt with a large donation. Ask for regular donations either monthly or quarterly, and always be sure to send a thank-you note promptly.