Nonprofit Fundraising: Network to Success

If you’ve ever been involved in business or marketing, then you know how effective networking can be toward the success of a business or a nonprofit. Networking involves using current or potential contacts to generate word-of-mouth traffic for the nonprofit. You can network using any one of a variety of tactics, but if you aren’t networking, you are losing out on support.

Network to Success: People You Know

All good networking starts close to home. Although the best networking will involve local celebrities, politicians and media professionals, it can also include average day-to-day acquaintances who might know someone who might know someone. The goal in networking with people you know is to start a spider web of excitement about your nonprofit. Pass out business cards, brochures and flyers to friends, family and acquaintances. Even better, hand people a stack of materials to pass on to their friends.

Network to Success: Attend Community Events

You’d be surprised by how many people you can meet at a neighborhood party or a homeowners’ meeting. There are hundreds of events taking place in your community every week, and if you’re not attempting to attend at least a few, then you aren’t networking effectively. Take time out of your week to go to community events, and make contacts with influential people. Later, you can follow up with a lunch or an invitation to a nonprofit group meeting.

Network to Success: Get with Other Nonprofits

Some of your best resources will be in other people who own nonprofits. This is especially true if you are new to the game and could use a few pointers. Talk with people who own nonprofits and pick their brains about fundraising tactics. This will probably result in a whole new network of people who care about your cause.

Network to Success: Be Active