Teleconference on Basic Fundraising

            
March 28, 2007

Roslyn Hannibal-Booker

MCVETS

devdir@mcvet.org

410-576-9626

Incorporated on February 25, 1993, the Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) Corporation designed to provide homeless veterans and other veterans in need with comprehensive services that will enable them to rejoin their communities as productive citizens. In order to foster a spirit of learning, MCVETS refers to its clients as students and encourages all participants to have an active part in the recovery process.

The development staff of MCVETS consists of 4 people.  In addition to Roslyn there is one other full time staff person and two part time staffers. The organization has a total budget of $3.2M with a  staff of 43. 82% of their funds come from government agencies, including HUD, VA GPD, and DOL. 2%of their funds come from United Way contributions. If students have income they are required to pay 30% of that to the program.

MCVET has also partnered with many of the veteran service organizations to get new furniture and equipment donated. When these organizations get new furniture they will donate the old items to MCVET. The American Legion and VFW also provide assistance as they can. It is important to work with and know these organizations in your area as they can be of great assistance to your organization throughout the year.

The remainder of the money comes from the two special events/fundraisers they host.

1. Car Wash

This is a student-run event that takes place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8 a.m. -6 p.m. during April-October of the year. This event usually raises around $60,000-$70,000. The cars are washed by hand and customers are charged $5 for this service. Since this event is run entirely by the students, it allows them to become apart of the programs and develop a relationship with others in the program. It also instills a sense of respect for the students as they are able to see a project come to life with their help.

2. Annual 5K Run

This event started with 100 runners but has continued to grow and now serves 500 to 600 runners per year. This event is managed in house and the planning takes a full 9 months. One race manager is hired but the remainder of the work is done in house to save on costs. Typically they are able to raise around $60,000-70,000 on this event. Eighty percent of the staff at MCVET are veterans and all are responsible for helping with the race.

Another way that MCVET is able to raise funds is through private grants and foundations. They have taken quite some time to create and establish working relationships with local funders. By learning about the interests of the funders in their area, MCVET was able to approach several organizations for funds that fit into their focus on funding. Once established, this relationship has grown and the funders have remained constant.

Darcy L. Pavich

Veterans Village of San Diego

darcy.pavich@vvsd.net

619-497-0142

Darcy says she has acquired expertise; fundraising is all about community relations, especially when dealing with an annual event.

General mailings are not that beneficial; VVSD recently participated in one and only received a 1% return. People give to an organization because they have a relationship or tie to the provider.

While Darcy works mainly the Stand Down event that VVSD hosts every summer, the principles discussed can be applied to all types of fundraising.

Presentations

 Grab at the heart of the listener, the person presenting should be passionate about the cause.

·         Be direct, tell them what you need

·         Turn no useful donation down, you never know when you may need it

·         State the amount of money you are asking for upfront

·         Be up-front about homeless veterans, provide facts and figures for your area

·         Use real statistics and share successes

·         Be open about how the money will  be spent

·         Never say no to a presentation, connections are key and may result from a presentation

Anyone can fundraise, as long as you believe in the program. Strive to establish a reputation for the work you do and once someone donates they will continue to give.

Community Relations

·         VA hospital and staff can facilitate services for health-related issues during your stand down.

·         VA is a valuable tool; make sure that you utilize it.

·         Active/Reserve military can provide a workforce as well as tents tools and supplies. Often they can help to set up and serve as security during the event.

·         Go ahead and ask for help, the worst someone can do is say “no”

·         Veteran service community assistance is huge. They will often bring in and serve meals during an event.

Grants

·         Lions, Kiwanis, Elks, etc. have money for special projects. Ask for an application and see if someone in your organization has connections to the group. Usually grants range from $1,000 to $5,000.

·         CA Department of Veterans Affairs has specific funds for Stand Down Events, check to see if your state does as well.

·         Recipients of HVRP funds can include a $5,000 line item in their budget to support stand downs.

·         DOL has special grants for those who do not have HVRP funds.

·         HelpAmerica Foundation has grant for stand down events, www.nchv.org

·         Community stores-work with your committee members to make those contacts and see if they are willing to donate their services.

·         Donors from businesses, do they have an employee association

·         Family of veterans, former alumni

·         Offer sponsorships so they get some recognition for their contribution.

In Kind Donations

·         These are the heart of a stand down

·         Most items are collected throughout the year

·         Local schools have large clothing drives

·         Volunteers staff the event, over 2,000 each year

·         VVSD has found that once someone volunteers they usually come back the following year

Make sure to invite the media, many resources may be donated if you make requests for particular items.

Questions

Do Stand Downs typically work better in large or smaller communities?     

            As long as you adapt the services to meet the needs of your clients the program will be a success. It is best to start out small and then grow the event once you determine the need.

Do you have any strategies for working with volunteer fundraisers?

            It is best to prepare a package then they can take with them when they meet with others. Make sure that they volunteers are educated on the event as well as what your organization is asking for.

How do you handle children/families during a Stand Down?

            You need to make sure that part of the services you are offering include services for non veterans and children. It is usually easier to get funds for the children’s area. It should be the goal of the stand down to take care of the families as well. Veterans are given the opportunity to get connected to services, and the stand down should help them by assisting with their family’s needs as well.