For-profit organizations derive their resources from the sale of goods and services. Public organizations are funded by taxes. NPOs do not primarily sell products or services, nor do they receive tax money, so they must engage in fundraising to develop resources for their activities and operations. Fundraising brings with it both personal and organizational challenges. After all, asking someone for money is no easy task, even when the money is going to a charity. However, these challenges can be overcome with the right attitude, philosophy, and approach. In this Discussion, you will consider your own personal challenges that you might have if you were involved in fundraising for an NPO. You will also describe how you would overcome these challenges.
To prepare for this Discussion:
• Review The Complete Guide to Nonprofit Management, focusing on the options and tools for fundraising.
• Review the DVD program "Resource Development." Pay particular attention to the challenges of fundraising and ways to overcome these challenges.
• Consider your own feelings when various organizations contact you and ask for funds.
• Think about how you would feel if the roles were reversed and you were the one seeking money.
• Reflect on what might be your greatest personal challenges related to fundraising.