Fundraising Fundamentals

Finding A Professional Fundraising Company

Selecting the right fundraising company is a critical step toward your program's success. In some areas, dozens of companies offer fundraising products and services. Though the competition may create certain advantages for the fundraising organizer, it also increases the need to completely evaluate a company before choosing a program. It is a good idea to pare the list of candidates down to two or three companies before scheduling appointments to allow ample time for thorough interviews.

A critical consideration when evaluating a company is service. Let the company explain what they will do to make your fundraiser a success and, importantly, make your job easier. Allow them to demonstrate their expertise and professionalism. To help you and the company determine whether or not your group requires a full-service program, know up front your financial goals. The company will also want to know the age and number of your volunteer force. Armed with answers to the following questions, fundraising sponsors can make solid decisions for their group:

How long has the company (and the company's representative) been in the product fundraising business? The size of the company and the mechanics of the program are less important than the company's financial stability, experience and reputation.

What value-added services does the company offer; and how much do these services cost? (e.g., assistance to volunteers, communicating with parents)

Is volunteer safety a key element of the program? Does the company discourage unsupervised door-to-door sales? Will children be encouraged to focus their efforts on family and friends? Will adult supervision be stressed? How will these points be communicated to children? Parents?

How will the company tailor the program to fit your organization's particular needs or requirements?

Are teachers encouraged to take advantage of the educational elements (e.g., oral presentation, math, and marketing skills) of the fundraising program? If so, how?

Does the company understand and comply with your state sales and use tax laws and how these laws impact your program?

What is the company's order turn around time? How are products shipped and how will it impact delivery logistics?

How responsive will the company/representative be should problems arise?

What is the company's policy if your group receives damaged products? Are returns accepted?

How does the company handle back orders?

Ask for and check references (e.g., other groups, parents, school administrators).
Find out if the company delivered on promises.
Did they meet, exceed or fall short of expectations?

The personal relationship between the organizer and the company is critical. Because the organization's reputation is at stake, fundraising coordinators must be able to completely trust the company and know that it will operate with integrity and high ethical standards.

Also important is how the volunteers perceive the company and its representative. Is the representative sincere? Does he or she take a personal interest in the group's goals and concerns? Does the person really believe in the products and services offered? Volunteers will respond best to individuals they trust, admire and respect.