Fundraising

Over their lifetime, non-profit organizations may enact various different programs. Non-profit organizations should record information about its past and present programs, to determine why a program failed or succeeded, and to increase the success of future programs.

The start date – and, if applicable, end date – of a program should be recorded. This information allows the organization to consider the success or failure within its context. Programs might appear more successful if another organization is running a similar program at the same time. Recording the start and end dates also allows the organization to determine how much the program would cost to run per year, and thus, whether or not it would be feasible to continue indefinitely.

The organization should keep track of the program’s beneficiaries. Beneficiaries are the people who benefit from the program. Recording the names, or the number of each type of beneficiary, help the organization to judge the program’s success. Recording the names allows the organization to look at participation in other programs, and judge if the program’s benefits are long-term. However, it may not be feasible to record the name of each beneficiary.

The program’s benefits are the things the program provides to its beneficiaries. Different programs are designed to give different benefits. Recording the benefits for a particular program will help the organization review what the program was intended to do. This information can be used to determine if the benefits were not suitable for the time period involved. Organizations can also consider the costs involved for different benefits, to determine which ones are most advantageous to give.

The organization should record the method that it used to deliver the program’s benefits. The method of delivery is important because different delivery methods may be more or less appropriate based on the time period, benefits, and beneficiaries.

Costs and pricing of the program should be recorded. This information allows the organization to see if the benefits of the program were worth its cost, and lets it compare the costs of different programs. The organization may charge for its program. Comparing the costs and pricing allow the organization to know how much it needs to raise, and how much help it can provide with its available finances.

The organization should keep track of the outcome of the program. This allows the organization to determine if the cost of the program was worth the outcome. The organization can then decide if it wants to repeat, or continue, the program.

During the program, the organization may notice improvements that can be made. It should note information about the improvement to be made, so that the program can be changed for the better. Improvements noted after the completion of the program should be mentioned for similar programs in the future.

Recording information about the programs it enacts allows non-profit organizations to improve the quality of its programs. The information can help the organization increase the beneficiaries, improve the benefits and delivery, decrease the costs, and generate the desired outcomes.

Resources:

• John Mutz and Katherine Murray’s Fundraising for Dummies

Donors are the people that give non-profit organizations the money to succeed. An organization should keep track of its donors, and the donations they give, to ensure that donors are thanked appropriately. This information also allows the organization to know which donors to ask for major donations.

The organization should keep track of the name and contact information for each donor. The organization can then address thank-you letters appropriately, and keep in contact with the donor. Keeping this information allows the organization to contact old donors to ask why they left, or invite them back.

The organization may want to keep track of the type and status of a donor. Donor types may be organized in many different ways, but the amount that they normally donate is a good method. The status of a donor records whether they are a prospective donor, have not decided, are donating, or have stopped donating. The donor type can be used to decide how much to ask the donor for, and the status can be used to bring back inactive donors or pursue new donors.

The background, interests, and motivation of the donor are also important. The organization should try to learn these things about major donors, to better help the donor. If the organization knows what the donor cares about, it can show them how its services help that area or group.

Any donations that the donor makes should be recorded. The organization should note the type, status, amount, important dates, and terms for the donation. This information is important, because it can keep track of what donations have been asked for, denied, or accepted. The organization should also keep track of how the donor was thanked. Thanking donors appropriately and quickly is important because it shows the donor that the organization appreciates the donation. Appropriate thanks can also persuade the donor to continue donating, or to donate more, for a cause they care about.

Recording and keeping track of information about donors and donations allows the organization to maintain and expand its donor base. It helps the organization to keep current donors interested, bring back old donors, and pursue new donors. Helping donors to give benefits the organization, who receives funding for programs and projects, and the donor, who helps a cause they care about.

Resources:

• John Mutz and Katherine Murray’s Fundraising for Dummies

Foundations are organizations that provide funding to non-profit organizations that they decide are worth funding. Non-profit organizations apply to foundations for funding with grant proposals. Organizations should keep track of information about foundations to submit grant proposals and help the foundation support them.

The organization should record the name and contact information of the foundation. This information is essential when submitting a grant proposal, because it lets the organization know where to send the proposal. It also helps the organization get in touch with the foundation to see if its proposal has been approved.

The type and status of the foundation should be recorded. The type of foundation is the kinds of organizations and programs that the foundation supports. The status records if the foundation supports the organization or not. This information helps the organization when it is preparing grant proposals for the foundation, because it lets them know if the proposal is appropriate for the foundation, and if the foundation is likely to accept the proposal.

The organization should keep track of the background, interests, and motivation of the foundation. This information allows the organization to determine which programs and proposals the foundation is likely to support, and which ones it should not submit. Knowing the background, interests, and motivation allows the organization to tailor its grant proposals to the foundation.

The organization should maintain information about decision makers within the foundation. Information about decision makers allows the organization to use appropriate information in the grant proposal to influence their decisions. Information about grant proposals that the organization is submitting or has submitted should also be recorded. This information allows the organization to track the progress of any proposals it is working on, and prevents them from submitting duplicate proposals.

Keeping track of information about foundations helps non-profit organizations to receive funding. Maintaining information allows them to see where their proposals failed, and what to change for the next grant proposal.

Resources:

• John Mutz and Katherine Murray’s Fundraising for Dummies

Governments may provide funding to non-profit organizations that provide services to the public, or that the politicians want their name associated with. Organizations should keep information about governments that may support them to submit grant proposals and help the government help them.

The organization should record the name and contact information of the government, and politicians that support the organization. This information is essential when submitting a grant proposal, because it lets the organization know where to send the proposal. It also helps the organization get in touch with the politician to see if its proposal has been approved.

The organization should keep track of the level and status of the government or politician. The level of government records whether the government or politician is the municipal, provincial, or federal. Organizations may want to keep track of which party is involved. The status of the government records if the government or politician supports the organization. This information is important to know when submitting grant proposals.

The organization should keep track of the government or politician’s background, interests, and motivation. This information allows the organization to determine which programs and proposals the government or politician is likely to support, and which ones it should not submit. Knowing the background, interests, and motivation allows the organization to tailor its grant proposals to the government or politician.

The organization should maintain information about decision makers within the government, who are usually the politicians. Information about decision makers allows the organization to use appropriate information in the grant proposal to influence their decisions. Information about grant proposals that the organization is submitting or has submitted should also be recorded. This information allows the organization to track the progress of any proposals it is working on, and prevents them from submitting duplicate proposals.

Keeping track of information about governments or politicians that the organization is asking for support from helps the organization to receive funding. Maintaining information allows the organization to change future grant proposals based on the replies it gets, and improve its relationship with the government or politician.

Resources:

• John Mutz and Katherine Murray’s Fundraising for Dummies

Corporations may provide funding to non-profit organizations if they feel they deserve the funding, or if they want their name associated with the cause. Recording information about corporations can help organizations to submit grant proposals and gain funding.

The organization should record the name and contact information of the corporation. This information is essential when submitting a grant proposal, because it lets the organization know where to send the proposal. It also helps the organization get in touch with the corporation to see if its proposal has been approved.

The organization should keep track of the type and status of the corporation. The type should mention the size of the corporation, and which services it provides. This information can be used when asking for funding, or requesting donations of goods or services. The status of the corporation is whether or not the corporation supports the organization. The corporation’s status can be used to determine if proposals are likely to succeed.

The organization should keep track of the corporation’s background, interests, and motivation. This information allows the organization to determine which programs and proposals the corporation is likely to support, and which ones it should not submit. Knowing the background, interests, and motivation allows the organization to tailor its grant proposals to the corporation.

The organization should maintain information about decision makers within the corporation. Information about decision makers allows the organization to use appropriate information in the grant proposal to influence their decisions. Information about grant proposals that the organization is submitting or has submitted should also be recorded. This information allows the organization to track the progress of any proposals it is working on, and prevents them from submitting duplicate proposals.

Keeping track of information about corporations that the organization is asking for support from helps the organization to receive funding. Maintaining information allows the organization to change future grant proposals based on the replies it gets, and improve its relationship with the corporation.

Resources:

• John Mutz and Katherine Murray’s Fundraising for Dummies

Non-profit organizations should keep track of the people who make decisions about grant proposals. The decision makers can be part of foundations, governments, or corporations. Keeping information about decision makers can help organizations to write good grant proposals.

The organization should keep information about the name and contact information of each decision maker. This information allows the organization to identify the important decision maker within the foundation, government, or corporation, and to address them properly. It also allows the organization to address grant proposals to the appropriate decision maker.

The organization should keep track of the decision maker’s background, interests, and motivation. This information allows the organization to phrase its grant proposals in the best way for the decision maker. Knowing about what a decision maker cares about enables the organization to show how its program helps that group or area. Phrasing the grant proposal correctly for the individual makes it more likely that the decision maker will decide to fund the organization.

Recording information about decision makers helps non-profit organizations to tailor their grant proposals to the appropriate decision maker. Emphasizing how the program relates to the decision maker’s background, interests, and motivation makes the decision maker feel more personally involved with the program, and makes them more likely to decide to fund it.

Resources:

• John Mutz and Katherine Murray’s Fundraising for Dummies

To raise funds from foundations, governments, and corporations, non-profit organizations have to write grant proposals. When writing grant proposals, the organization should keep in mind the audience, to better word the grant proposal. Writing grant proposals for the audience makes them more likely to be approved.

The type of grant proposal enables the organization to keep track of what they are requesting money for. The status of the grant proposal lets the organization know if the proposal still needs work, and if it has been accepted or rejected. Keeping track of the dates for the grant proposal, such as the deadline and the days it was started, reviewed, and submitted, let the organization know how fast it has to complete it.

The cover of the grant proposal provides the first impression for the decision maker. It should be neat and professional-looking, and have the organization’s name and the title of the grant proposal. The organization should also put the name of the foundation, government, or corporation that the grant proposal is for, and if applicable, the name of the grant it is trying to get.

The grant proposal summary should be on the next page of the proposal. It should provide a brief review of the program that the grant will fund, and explain what the money will be used for. The summary works as an overview of the grant proposal, and should continue the first impression. The summary may also be used to remind the decision maker what the proposal is about.

The introduction should briefly discuss the program that the grant will fund. It should explain what the program is doing, or will do, to help people. The introduction should appeal to the audience’s interests and motivation, to make them more likely to approve of the program. Generating approval for the program will make the audience more likely to approve the grant proposal. The end of the introduction should hint at the problems that the program will fix. This provides a good segue into the next section.

After the introduction, the grant proposal should progress into the problem that the program will solve. For example, if the program will feed homeless people, the problem is that homeless people are starving. This section should explain the problem in detail, to show that the organization has done research into the problem. Showing that the organization has done research implies that the program they came up with is probably the best solution. The end of the problems section should hint at goals that could be achieved if the organization receives its funding.

The next section should explain the goals that the organization will be able to achieve with the grant, if it is given. These goals should be the goals of the program. The goals should be achievable with the grant, and show the audience what improvements can be made to the program if the organization receives the grant. The end of the goals section should hint at the concepts behind the organization’s program.

The concepts section should talk about the concepts behind the program. These are the ways in which the program is designed to solve the problem. This section should discuss the program more fully than the introduction, and make the audience see how the program is the best option to solve the problem. The end of the concepts section should hint at the probable outcomes of the program.

The outcomes section should list the probable outcomes of the program, in relation to the problem and the goals. The organization should evaluate how probable it is that the program will solve the problem, and achieve its goals. The probable outcomes should be positive, because if there are negative ones, the program needs to be planned better. If there is an insurmountable problem, it should be addressed properly, to show that the organization has noticed and addressed it.

The budget section should explain where money will be spent on the program. It should include what things need to be bought for the program to run, and how much they cost. The organization may decide to attach a spreadsheet, to concisely explain the budget. The section should conclude with the overall cost of the program, if the program has a set limit, or the cost per month, if the program is intended to continue. The end of the budget section should hint at how the organization plans to fund the program.

The funding section should explain where the organization intends to get the money to run the program. Part of the funding section should be the grant that the grant proposal is for, but there should be other sources of funding. The other sources will show the foundation, government, or organization that other people approve of the program, and are willing to donate their money. It also shows them that the organization is not depending entirely on them for the implementation of the program. The funding section should show any pledged donations or challenge grants that the organization has already received towards the program, and major gifts that it is currently soliciting. The end of the funding section should hint at the conclusion of the grant proposal.

The grant proposal’s conclusion should re-cover all the sections that have been mentioned. It should explain once more how the program will solve the problem, what outcomes it will reach, and how it will be funded. The conclusion should emphasize the major benefits, focussing on areas of interest to the audience. The end of the conclusion should reiterate that the foundation, government, or corporation will be instrumental in helping the program to succeed.

Once the grant proposal has been drafted and reviewed, it should be submitted. Submitting the grant proposal allows it to be given to the decision makers, and approved or rejected. Making the grant proposal appeal to the decision makers makes it more likely to be approved, and makes the program more likely to succeed.

Resources:

• John Mutz and Katherine Murray’s Fundraising for Dummies

A case statement is a summary of the non-profit organization’s operations and purpose. It should include descriptions of the most important aspects of the organization. An organization’s case statement can influence future or potential donors, or convince current donors to donate more.

The organization’s mission is a short statement describing what the organization is about. An example of a mission is to take care of homeless people. The organization’s goals are a more in-depth explanation of what the organization intends to do. An example of a goal is to provide food for homeless people. The objectives, are the specific things that the organization does, and should be specific, measureable, achievable, realistic, and time-based. An example of an objective is to provide food for 1000 homeless people at a facility in Toronto.

The organization’s programs should be listed in the case statement, along with a brief description of each. It should explain which programs are being planned, which ones are currently running, and how many people each one has already helped. It should also mention which ones are expected to continue indefinitely, and when the limited ones will end.

The organization’s governance should explain which groups are responsible for which decisions. The groups should be defined by the organization, and may be divided based on which program they are responsible for. The decisions may be divided based on the program or based on the level of decision-making required.

The staff of the organization are the paid employees and the volunteers that help the programs run. The organization should list the names of the employees and the volunteers.

The locations are the places in which the organization operates, or addresses that pledges can be mailed to. The organization should provide up-to-date addresses where it can be reached.

The organization’s finances are the ways in which it earns and spends its money. The organization should explain its finances clearly, so that potential donors can see that the organization spends its money wisely.

The organization’s development should show the ways in which the organization has changed over time. It may list changes, such as moving from taking care of young homeless people to taking care of all homeless people. The development should show a clear progression to helping more.

The organization’s history should be a brief timeline of important events in the organization’s lifetime. The organization’s start, first successful program, first major donation or grant, and other significant things should be mentioned. Events that helped the organization develop should be listed, such as a depression that lead the organization’s leader to realize that homeless people of all ages need help.

The organization’s case statement should help the organization gain funding by showing potential donors what they do with the money they are given. A good case statement convinces people that the organization deserves their donations, and that it will help people it cares about with its donations.

Resources:

• John Mutz and Katherine Murray’s Fundraising for Dummies

Some fundraising organizations collect things other than money. Salvation Army, for example, collects clothing; food banks collect food. The organization should provide information about what they want, and when they want it, to help potential donors to give to their cause.

The organization should let donors know what they are collecting. This may be a tangible thing, such as blankets and clothing, or an intangible thing, such as hours of reading instruction. The organization should also list any things they do not want – they may collect clothing, but not underwear or holey clothes. Clearly explaining exactly what they are collecting prevents the organization from having to sort through and throw out many donations.

If the collection is being done at a specific time, or for a specific purpose, the organization should tell potential donors that. Providing an email address and a phone number makes it easy for donors to get in touch with the organization if they have any questions. It also lets donors know where to drop off their items, or when they can set up a collection.

When someone donates, the organization may want to add a message inviting them to join the fundraiser. This message may be detailed, explaining what people can do to help, or it can be brief, asking someone to call, or share a link with their friends. Letting people know what the organization needs, and when it is needed, makes it more likely that they will provide the necessary resources.

Resources:

• John Mutz and Katherine Murray’s Fundraising for Dummies

Fundraising organizations may sell products, such as cookies or popcorn, to raise money. Product lines can become intrinsically linked to the organization that provides them, such as Girl Guide cookies and Scouts popcorn. The product gives the donor something for their money, and the organization can use the profit towards their programs.

The organization should track which stage of development the product line is in. Once the product line has been planned, volunteers can start selling it. If there are problems with the products, or they become unpopular, sales might be suspended or terminated. Products may also be available for a limited time, in which case the organization should advertise this to their customers.

Many different products may be available in the product line. An organization may sell pancake mix, for example, in normal, chocolate chip, and blueberry flavours. This allows the donor to choose which one they want, and helps the organization make more sales. Each product should be described, so that people know what they will receive. The cost and sales tax of each product tells the potential donor how much they would pay for each item. The organization should also provide an email address and telephone number, so that donors can contact them if they have any questions about the products.

The paypal account that the money will go into should be tracked, as should any sales invoices. The organization can make sure that they are receiving what they should be, and that the products are delivered.

When someone purchases a product, the organization may want to add a message inviting them to join the fundraiser. This message may be detailed, explaining what people can do to help, or it can be brief, asking someone to call, or share a link with their friends. The organization may also want to display personalized messages when a purchase goes through, or when there is a problem and the order is not received. These messages should quickly and clearly explain what has happened. If the order went through, the message should state when the product will arrive or the person can pick it up. If the order failed, it should explain why, and what the person can do.

If the product line is seasonal, or new products are being developed for it, the organization may want to stay in contact with its donors. A newsletter can remind donors when they will be able to order the item again, and build excitement for new products.

Resources:

• John Mutz and Katherine Murray’s Fundraising for Dummies

Fundraising organizations may run campaigns to raise money for projects. Campaigns are effective fundraisers, provided they have a specific purpose and are not continued once the purpose is fulfilled.

The campaign’s name should suggest what its purpose is – for example, a campaign to build a new homeless shelter may be called ‘Roof Over Their Heads.’ The organization should explain what it intends to do with money from the campaign, so that potential donors can see how much is needed, and what it will be used for. The organization may also want to tell donors how close they are to their goal, to encourage them to donate more.

Suggesting an amount for people to donate gives them a baseline for what to give. Organizations may have a method to calculate how much each person needs to give, or they may estimate how much someone would be willing to pay. When estimating, they may want to increase the amount a little, because a slightly higher suggested amount may prompt someone to donate a little more. The organization should allow people to donate other amounts, however – people may want to give more, and letting them give less makes it more likely that they will donate.

The paypal account that the donation will go in should be recorded, so that donations do not get sent to the wrong account. The organization may attach an identification to any donations for the campaign, to distinguish what campaign the donations were for.

When someone donates, the organization may want to add a message inviting them to join the fundraiser. This message may be detailed, explaining what people can do to help, or it can be brief, asking someone to call, or share a link with their friends. The organization may also want to display personalized messages when a donation goes through, or when there is a problem and the donation is cancelled. These messages should quickly and clearly explain what has happened.

When the campaign is over, the organization should send thank-you notes to everyone who donated. The note should include how much the donation ended up raising, and have a picture of what the campaign accomplished. Information about other campaigns may also be included, to encourage the donors to continue donating.

Resources:

• John Mutz and Katherine Murray’s Fundraising for Dummies

Fundraising organizations may hold events to raise money, or to thank donors. For large events organizations should charge for tickets, to show donors that their donations are not being used to throw the parties. Information about the event, and ticket sales, should be available so that the business can organize the event appropriately.

The event’s name should be exciting, and suggest the formality of the event. These elements will get donors interested and tell them what kind of clothing they should wear. The venue and type of event will determine the formality, and to an extent, the ticket price. A formal dinner in a high-class restaurant will be priced higher than a casual buffet in the local community centre. A description should also be provided, so that donors know what to expect at the event.

The event’s status tells members of the organization what actions they should be taking. After the event has been planned, organization members should start selling tickets. Some events will sell all tickets beforehand, so that the organization knows how many people to prepare for. Other events will have tickets available at the door. The event may be postponed or cancelled, in which case the organization will have to inform anyone who purchased tickets.

Once a venue has been booked, the start and end times of the event should be posted so donors can clear their schedules. The date that ticket sales start should also be posted, if sales do not start immediately, to inform donors when they can start ordering tickets. Posting contact information for the person responsible for the event allows donors to get in touch if they have any questions.

The organization may want to sell different types of tickets. Children’s tickets may be cheaper than adult’s tickets, because they will eat less. The organization may also want to sell senior’s tickets, couple’s tickets, or frequent donor’s tickets. The cost of each ticket, and any applicable taxes, tells the donor how much they will pay for each ticket. The organization should track how many of each kind of ticket are available, and may limit the number of tickets that one person can order.

When someone orders tickets, the organization may want to add a message inviting them to join the fundraiser. This message may be detailed, explaining what people can do to help, or it can be brief, asking someone to call, or share a link with their friends. The organization may also want to display personalized messages when a ticket sale is approved, or when there is a problem and the sale is cancelled. These messages should quickly and clearly explain what has happened. They should state when the tickets should arrive, or what the donor can do to purchase the tickets.

The organization should keep invoices for its ticket sales. The invoices allow the business to see how many of each kind of ticket they have sold, check that tickets have been paid for and delivered, and determine who is coming to the event.

Once the event is over, the organization should send thank-you emails or notes out to all attendees, thanking them for coming. Depending on the event, the organization may also send photographs of the donors. Thanking donors for their participation reminds them that the money went to a good cause, and makes them more likely to attend future events.

Resources:

• John Mutz and Katherine Murray’s Fundraising for Dummies

Donors, foundations, governments, and corporations may make large donations to fundraising organizations. The organization should track the donation to make sure that it goes through, and the donor is thanked.

The donation’s status should be checked periodically. Some donors may pledge a donation before they give it to the organization. The organization should note which donations are collected, and if any pledged donations are withdrawn. Failing to note a withdrawn donation can result in the organization trying to collect money it will not receive. The amount of the donation should be recorded, to make sure that the donor is thanked appropriately.

Various dates are associated with the donation, to ensure that the organization responds promptly. The days on which the donation was pledged and collected tells the organization how long it took the donor to pay, which may be useful if future donations take a long time to arrive. The day that the donation was deposited on identifies if the organization handled the donation properly. The organization should also keep track of the day that the donor was thanked.

Large donations may have terms or conditions associated with them. A donor may specify that the donation must be used for a certain purpose. Donors may also require the organization to raise the same amount of money by a certain date. Recording any terms for the donation ensures that the donor’s wishes are respected.

After receiving the donation, the organization should thank the donor appropriately. For smaller amounts, a telephone call or a thank-you note may be sufficient. For larger amounts, the organization may invite the donor to an event as a guest of honour, or name a program after them. The organization should make sure that similar donations get similar recognition, unless the donor asks to be anonymous.

Recording information about large donations helps the organization to handle them appropriately. Complying with the wishes of the donor, and thanking them properly, makes it more likely that they will choose to donate again.

Resources:

• John Mutz and Katherine Murray’s Fundraising for Dummies

When selling tickets for an event, fundraising organizations will have to invoice ticket purchasers. The organization should keep track of invoices so that they know how many tickets they have left for sale, and which tickets have been paid for.

The invoice will be drafted when the donor sends in their ticket order. The organization should review the order to make sure that everything is correct, then send the invoice. They should also record when the invoices are paid. Invoices may have to be cancelled if there are not enough tickets available, the invoice is not paid, or the donor wants to cancel their order.

The name and contact information of the donor should be recorded, to ensure that the invoice is sent to the correct place. The name of the fundraiser event should be shown on the invoice, so that the donor knows what they are being invoiced for. Recording the date of the invoice lets the organization know when to expect the invoice to be paid.

The organization should record when the invoice was paid. The method of payment tells the organization where the payment should show up, and a payment reference identifies who the payment came from. Some tickets may be given away to frequent donors. In this case, the ticket sale should still be recorded, but marked as ‘Free.’

Recording which tickets were in the order tells the organization which tickets should be sent, and how much the donor must pay. The identification numbers of the tickets that were sold can be used for tracking purposes, so the organization can make sure they are not missing any tickets.

Sending out and tracking invoices for tickets helps the organization make sure all tickets are paid for. The invoices also say how many tickets have been sold, so fundraisers can sell the right number of each kind of ticket.

Resources:

• John Mutz and Katherine Murray’s Fundraising for Dummies

When selling product line items, fundraising organizations will have to invoice product purchasers. The organization should keep track of invoices so that they know how many of each product they must ship, and which products have been paid for.

The invoice will be drafted when the donor sends in their product order. The organization should review the order to make sure that everything is correct, then send the invoice. They should also record when the invoices are paid. Invoices may have to be cancelled if there are not enough products available, the invoice is not paid, or the donor wants to cancel their order.

The name and contact information of the donor should be recorded, to ensure that the invoice is sent to the correct place. The name of the fundraiser event should be shown on the invoice, so that the donor knows what they are being invoiced for. Recording the date of the invoice lets the organization know when to expect the invoice to be paid.

The organization should record when the invoice was paid. The method of payment tells the organization where the payment should show up, and a payment reference identifies who the payment came from. Some products may be given away to frequent donors, or if there was a problem with a product earlier. In this case, the product sale should still be recorded, but marked as ‘Free.’

Recording which products were ordered tells the organization which tickets should be sent, and how much the donor must pay. The identification numbers for the products that were sold can be used for tracking purposes, so the organization can make sure they are not missing any items.

Sending out and tracking invoices for products helps the organization make sure they have enough products to fill the orders. The invoices also say how many products have been sold, so fundraisers can sell the right number of each kind of ticket.

Resources:

• John Mutz and Katherine Murray’s Fundraising for Dummies