Difference between revisions of "Basics for Seeking Grants and Other Funding"
From NGO Handbook
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| − | + | For a nonprofit organization to fundraise successfully, there are foundational steps that must be in order first. These basics, such as governance structure and recognition as a legitimate nonprofit, come prior to the issues of addressing how to ask for money and where to get it. People and foundations do not just hand out money; Ted Turner is not going to walk up to your door with a briefcase full of a million dollars and the Gates Foundation is not going to be inspired by the name of your organization and bank wire funds. Organizations need to have certain things in line, legal and otherwise. This article provides an overview of these foundational steps that must be in place before asking for money. | |
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| − | + | ==Mission statement== | |
| − | + | You cannot ask for money unless you can articulate a mission. A [[mission statement]] is essentially a task and a purpose. The mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is: | |
| + | <blockquote> to protect the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal violence and to provide them with assistance; to direct and coordinate the international relief activities conducted by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in situations of conflict; and to prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles. </blockquote> | ||
| − | + | That is all they need to articulate their mission. | |
Similarly, the mission of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is to inspire, facilitate and promote all humanitarian activities carried out by its member National Societies to improve the situation of the most vulnerable people, and to direct and coordinate international assistance of the Movement to victims of natural and technological disasters, to refugees and in health emergencies. | Similarly, the mission of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is to inspire, facilitate and promote all humanitarian activities carried out by its member National Societies to improve the situation of the most vulnerable people, and to direct and coordinate international assistance of the Movement to victims of natural and technological disasters, to refugees and in health emergencies. | ||
These are well-defined mission statements, clearly delineating the task and purposes of the organizations. | These are well-defined mission statements, clearly delineating the task and purposes of the organizations. | ||
Revision as of 09:42, 3 September 2008
For a nonprofit organization to fundraise successfully, there are foundational steps that must be in order first. These basics, such as governance structure and recognition as a legitimate nonprofit, come prior to the issues of addressing how to ask for money and where to get it. People and foundations do not just hand out money; Ted Turner is not going to walk up to your door with a briefcase full of a million dollars and the Gates Foundation is not going to be inspired by the name of your organization and bank wire funds. Organizations need to have certain things in line, legal and otherwise. This article provides an overview of these foundational steps that must be in place before asking for money.
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