Are You Ready for Grassroots Fundraising?

Who you know is at least as important as what you know

Grassroots organizations are generally the creation of a community and somewhat spontaneous in their origins. The founders are more worried about addressing a need than writing bylaws. Knowing the players in the community and being greeted by name as you walk down the streets of town are critical "skills" for successful grassroots fundraising. A trained fundraiser may be less valuable to a grassroots nonprofit than a person who has a history with nearly everyone in town. While being able to write motivational copy, create a gift table and identify appropriate vehicles for a planned gift matter, if you don't have the respect of the community, you'll be talking to yourself much of the time.