In the previous blog post, we explored the importance of diversifying your non-profit's income streams. By relying on multiple funding sources, you build long-term financial resilience and create a safety net for your organization. Now, let's delve deeper and equip you with valuable resources to turn those strategies into action.
Earned Income Resources:
SCORE: https://www.score.org/ - SCORE provides free mentoring and workshops to small businesses, including non-profits considering earned income ventures. Their resources can guide you through market research, developing a business plan, and launching income-generating activities that align with your mission.
Nonprofit Finance Fund: https://nff.org/ - The Nonprofit Finance Fund offers a wealth of resources on earned income strategies for non-profits. Their website includes case studies, webinars, and practical guides on everything from starting a social enterprise to developing fee-for-service programs.
Cause-Related Marketing Resources:
Idealist Cause Marketing Platform: https://www.idealist.org/en/marketing-jobs - Idealist offers a cause marketing platform that connects non-profits with businesses seeking cause-aligned partnerships. This platform streamlines the process of finding potential partners and developing mutually beneficial marketing campaigns.
Cause Marketing Forum: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cause-marketing-forum - The Cause Marketing Forum is a valuable online resource for non-profits interested in cause marketing. It features articles, case studies, and industry best practices to help you navigate successful cause marketing partnerships.
Membership Programs Resources:
Wild Apricot: https://www.wildapricot.com/ - Wild Apricot is a membership management software specifically designed for non-profits. Their platform allows you to create tiered membership programs, manage member information, and automate communication with your donor community.
Nonprofit Membership Association: https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/difference-between-membership-and-nonmembership-nonprofits.html - The Nonprofit Membership Association is a professional organization dedicated to supporting membership-based non-profits. They offer resources, training programs, and conferences specifically focused on developing and optimizing membership programs.
In-Kind Donations Resources:
Double Donation Programs: Many companies offer double donation programs where they match employee contributions to charitable organizations. Promote these programs to your donor base to maximize the impact of their individual gifts.
In Kind Direct: https://www.inkinddirect.org/ - In Kind Direct is a non-profit organization that connects businesses with excess inventory to qualified charitable organizations. Register your non-profit with In Kind Direct to access a vast network of potential in-kind donors.
Planned Giving Resources:
Planned Giving Design Center: https://www.plannedgiving.com/ - The Planned Giving Design Center provides comprehensive resources to help non-profits develop and implement effective planned giving programs. Their website offers educational materials, webinars, and tools to cultivate planned gifts from your donors.
The Conversation Project: https://theconversationproject.org/ - The Conversation Project is a public service initiative that encourages families to have open conversations about end-of-life planning, including charitable giving. Partnering with The Conversation Project can raise awareness about planned giving options among your donor base.
Remember: This is not an exhaustive list, but a starting point to empower your exploration of these income diversification strategies. By leveraging these resources and continuously seeking innovative approaches, you can build a robust and sustainable funding ecosystem for your non-profit.
In the next blog post of this series, we'll shift gears and delve into the world of marketing and communications for non-profits. Stay tuned!