Non-profit organizations are created to serve a particular cause and are not created to bring profit to the creators. Still, these organizations sometimes need funding to carry out operations. When the operations cost more than the board members are able or willing to pay, fundraising methods such as donation drives and product selling are needed. Organizations sometimes employ a fundraising representative responsible for raising adequate money for the organization.
Function
Fundraising representatives generate revenue through all sorts of methods. Governmental organizations often give out grants to organizations that satisfy particular requirements and write correctly-formatted grant proposals. Funds are also generated by acquiring donations. Donations can be acquired by setting up locations where companies can make small donations, or they can be acquired through large businesses and private donors. In the latter case, fundraising representatives have to contact these individuals and convince them that their donations will be put to good use. A third option for raising funds is to sell goods or services. A traditional way funds are raised is through bake sales. Informing customers that the proceeds go to a good cause is an effective way to motivate the purchase of these products.
Conditions
Fundraising representatives work in a variety of conditions depending on the non-profit organizations they work with. They often travel to meet with potential donors and to conduct product sales. They also have to travel to attend meetings.
Skills
Interpersonal skills are by far the most important attribute for a fundraising representative. Not only must the representative persuade individuals and organizations to give up large sums of money, but she must also develop strong relationships with various organizations. Fundraising representatives who already have relationships established are strongly desired. Strong written communication skills are important for fundraising representatives who engage in grant-writing, according to Fundraisingzone.com.
Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the non-profit industry is expected to grow 14 percent between 2008 and 2018. Part of this growth is driven by technological advances that create new industries that wish to be represented by professional organizations. Growth is also driven by a rapidly-growing elderly population that will need increasing services.
Earnings
Many workers at non-profit organizations work on a purely volunteer basis, especially the board members. However, non-profit organizations sometimes pay staff members. Median hourly wages for non-profit operations managers in 2008 were $44.02, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Tags: board members, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, fundraising representative, Fundraising representatives