Tips for Non-Profits - How to Spruce Up Your Meeting Place Without Spending Any Money

Unless you are Planned Parenthood or the Salvation Army, most non-profit organizations have limited funds. Many are lucky if they can cover the rent on a regular basis. Salaries are often nonexistent, and remodeling or decorating your office or meeting space falls way down on the list of things to do.

Over the years my husband and I have been the gypsies of the non-profit sector. We have had to beg, borrow, and steal (well, maybe not steal) to be able to turn our meeting places into an acceptable venue that normal folks would want to visit.

It's a shame that us well meaning folk who want to change things for the better have to rough it like this, but such is the world. Anyway, here are a few tricks of the trade that we have learned that will help you get the job done without spending a ton of cash.

Decide who your target audience is and ask for help.

Sounds obvious enough, but most non-profit organizations get so caught up in fighting against their opposition that they forget the most important thing; who is on our side? Once you know who they are focus on them and not on your opposition. Send out a specific email or letter which lets your supporters know what you need. I'm not talking about a generic "we need money" thing, I'm talking about "we need 100 reams of paper". Be specific.

We have known people who had no intention of supporting our cause financially to gladly donate chairs, wallpaper, sound equipment, silk plants, and even building supplies. It makes people feel good when they can meet a specific need. If they send a check they really don't know where the money goes. Giving them a specific need helps them to feel like they are actually a part of your organization and not just a faceless contributor.

Ask your landlord to help fix the place up.

Any of you who have ever leased a commercial building know that most landlords are not too excited about doing something for nothing. We have found that if you ask really nice and offer a tax-deduction, most landlords are willing to donate materials like paint and cleaning supplies. Others will often help with the repairs and renovations if they like your cause.

Ask your local retailers for donations.