Grassroots Fundraising is DIY Raising Money

As shorthand, nonprofit groups I work with think of donations from individuals in two categories: "major" gifts of large amounts and "small gifts." I use the term "grassroots" gifts and grassroots donors instead of small, because "small" doesn't honor the importance and meaning of these crucial supporters. No small actors, just small parts, right? Anyway. I've just re-read Joan Flanagan's classic The Grassroots Fundraising Book, and she describes it better than anyone. She encourages. And then she gives clear, complete directions for how to do grassroots fundraising in different ways.

If you're a community-based organization, and you don't have this book, get it.

If you're a larger organization dependent on grants, read this book and trust me that it does relate to your work. Doing more grassroots fundraising (yes, it will take time and energy) will strengthen your programs, solidify your constituency, and broaden your base.

From Joan's book:

Grass roots fundraising...It is dependable, renewable, internally controlled money because it comes from the people who need and want your organization.

Grass roots simply means you are ordinary people. You don't have to be a professional fundraiser, have a lot of money yourself, or know a lot of important people to raise moeny for your group. To do grass roots fundraising you need only a basic understanding of money and of people.

The dual goal of grass roots fundaising is to pay the bills and build the organization.

Grass roots fundraising is do-it-yourself fundraising using the talents of your own people.