If you are seeking funding for a particular cause or charitable organization, you likely have sought out the support of government or privately funded grants as a first line of action in fundraising. However, for most organizations, grants have become increasingly competitive, leaving worthwhile causes with a gap between costs of operations and available funds. In many such cases, fundraising events and avenues can help alleviate financial constraints of charities and nonprofit organizations.  Of course, the challenge for many nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations is how to motivate and engage potential donors to give. See how the Orchid Recovery Center chooses to fun-raise.

Fundraising Ideas for Charitable Causes

Original and streamlined fundraising ideas can make a difference in your charitable organization’s bottom line. Here are just a few of the avenues for private donations funding that you may want to employ in order to incite further giving and begin to attract funds you need to function.

• Online Giving Campaigns

In the 21^st century, many organizations are beginning to use online means in order to attract donations. Campaigns aimed at visitors of popular websites, owners of online businesses and niche blog audiences (as well as the bloggers themselves) can help encourage giving. Often accompanied by easy-to-use “donate” buttons and streamlined by online payment solutions, these campaigns can build donations funds – and bases – quickly and easily. (examples: RAINN and Heifer).

• Host an Event or Performance

One of the most time-tested fundraising ideas is to organize a charitable event or performance. From New Year’s Eve parties and silent auctions to symphony nights and special speakers, social events and artistic performances can give donors an evening to enjoy while knowing their ticket price is going to a good cause.

• Company Donations Initiatives
  Many corporations – particularly those of some size – offer donation-matching programs to employees, as well as make annual contributions to charity. Some companies will also donate a portion of their sales – particularly for a limited time window – to a charity of their choice. Consider seeking out corporations whose core values may be a match for your organization and meet with them to create a giving and participation plan that may be mutually beneficial.

• Roll Up Your Sleeves

Traditional approaches to fundraising for charitable organizations still do work. In fact, car washes, bake sales, magazine subscriptions, t-shirt vending and gift basket sales all can create funds for nonprofit organizations.  Even the simplicity of door-to-door donations drives can also prove effective – so long as you are aware of any area-wide regulations that may apply.

One of the ways that we can continue our healing – and pass it on to others – is to get involved in the community that surrounds us. Many of us live lives that are disconnected from others in our neighborhoods and cities. By taking a proactive role in making connections on a local level, we can begin to see home as more than simply the building we dwell in – finding an abundance of camaraderie, friendship and support while we make a difference in the lives of those around us.  Here at The Orchid Recovery Center, we believe community is essential to lifelong recovery.

Ways to Become More Involved in Your Local Community

Here are a few simple and accessible ways to foster your involvement in your local community. From activities you can perform on your own to those you can join with others to accomplish, increasing your involvement in your community can be mutually rewarding for you and those around you.

• Find a Cause

Many individuals forge deep connections with their communities when they find a cause about which they feel passionately. Look into local organizations involved with social, political or charitable change and seek ways to volunteer. You will meet others who have strong convictions and empathy for others – and will undoubtedly feel energized as you make progress for social change and contribute to worthwhile causes.

• Learn a Sport or Craft
  Most cities offer a wealth of sports classes, intramural teams, and art and dance classes through their Parks and Recreation Departments, open to virtually any skill level. Group sports lessons and arts classes can help you get to know others in your community while fostering a hobby you may grow to love.

• Visit Convalescent Homes
  The sad truth is that in every city, there are convalescent homes, retirement homes and convalescent hospitals where patients go without social interaction beyond the facility’s walls. Consider getting to know some of the patients and tenants at local homes. Call the administration office first to ask about visitation regulations, volunteer opportunities and visiting hours. You’ll be amazed at how much richer your life will become as you learn from the experience of those further on in their years.

• Attend Neighborhood Functions

All too often, we take our neighbors for granted. Consider getting involved in neighborhood watch meetings, participating in local potlucks or alcohol-free block parties, or simply stopping as you unload your groceries to chat.

• Participate in 12-Step Meetings

For those in recovery, participating in local 12-step meetings can provide both a bolstered support network and a way to get to know those in your locale. Visit several 12-step meetings in your area and find one that best fosters your recovery and seems like a natural fit to your personhood.

• Attend Local Events and Productions

Most cities have festivals throughout the year, which can provide a wonderful opportunity to get to know artists, vendors and other residents in your area amid a positive atmosphere. Consider also attending local school or community theatre plays, charity events, dances and presentations – many of which are as affordable as they are enthralling.

• Connect with Your Spiritual Side

Many religious organizations and spiritual groups provide positive atmospheres in which to fellowship with others. Consider returning to church, temple or a meditation space if you have not done so in a while. If you are not religious, consider attending spirituality workshops or taking a walk through an open space area or state park to interface with the natural world around you – and the people in it – on a deeper level.

Many employers offer the opportunity and incentive for workers to participate in charitable giving through employer matching programs. By matching funds that employees donate towards charities, many corporations create a win-win situation. They receive a chance to make charitable deductions (though many gift levels will exceed deductable levels), and employees get the opportunity to make a difference in the world around them knowing that their contributions have become even more potent through the process. Best of all, worthwhile causes receive higher levels of funding than they would simply through employee donations, creating a circle of benefit from such initiatives.

Here at The Orchid Recovery Center, we’re encouraged by employers’ willingness to support their employees’ charitable efforts. View our Orchid Recovery Center Charity page.

Donating to Charity Through Your Work

Most employer matching programs have a one-to-one ratio of giving involved; that is, each dollar an employee donates to the charity becomes “matched” by a dollar donated by the corporation itself. However, some companies will go even further, donating on a two-to-one or three-to-one ratio, enabling the tripling or quadrupling of employee gifts.

Protocols for each company’s donations matching program tend to vary by corporation, so it’s important to first check your employee handbook or talk to your human resources professional to become clear on the rules and regulations of your particular initiative. Many times, employees will have to do more than simply self-report charitable donations, such as complete company forms to obtain matching funds. Some companies may even “match” employee volunteer efforts or time investments with a monetary value, though verification procedures vary by corporation.

Some companies only provide matching gifts for those donations that are considered tax deductible. This sometimes means that even large-scale donations are not completely matched by a company if they exceed limitations on deductions according to IRS rules. In some cases, donations of the employee’s family will be also matched, though it’s increasingly common for donations restrictions to be limited to the employee alone.

Making the decision to partner with a charity can be the start of a wonderfully rewarding experience. However, many individuals and corporations find themselves at a loss initially as to how to begin the selection process amid so many worthwhile causes. By learning about the background of a given charity and  finding causes that resonate with you personally or professionally, you can embark on a mutually beneficial partnership to help create social good.

Factors in Selecting a Charity to Partner With

Though you may feel overwhelmed as you begin the charity selection process, keep in mind that you will engender the most positive outcomes if you align yourself well with a charity of your choice. By finding a cause that shares your values and enjoys a sterling reputation, you can create a lasting partnership for the greater good.

• Ask About Donor Fund Distribution
  Many charities understand consumer concerns about the percentage of donated funds that goes directly towards charitable actions rather than administrative costs. While any charity will experience necessary overhead, many charities exist that use the vast majority of their donated funds (often 85 percent or more) for their core work. Most will provide visual breakdowns of donated fund use for potential donors.

• Go with Your Passion
  In finding a charity to partner with, consider going quite simply with those you feel a personal connection towards. As you invest your time, energy and money, you’ll want a cause you can remain passionate about. While many causes are worthy ones, seek out a cause that you feel an emotional connection with.

• Ask About Non-Profit Status

If you intend to take donations as tax deductions, you’ll want to inquire as to official non-profit status. Keep in mind that many venerable charities do function as “not-for-profit” corporations, many for valid reasons. However, if you wish to benefit at tax time from your donation of goods or funds, you should ensure you are working for a “non-profit” rather than a “not-for-profit” charity.

• Explore the Charity’s Reputation

Using online search engines, news archives and word of mouth reviews, explore any complaints, violations or issues that may have involved the charity you’re considering. Ensure that in a broad view, at least, the charity carries a reputation for dignity and transparency.

• Become Clear on a Time Commitment

Some charities have a deeper or longer time investment need from volunteers. If you apply to do volunteer work, ask about the number of hours per month – and the number of months – they prefer from volunteers. This will help set your expectations in line with the charity’s needs.