A New Trend In Fundraising With Network Marketing

A New Trend In Fundraising -- Part 1

Fundraising Changes Ahead

There is a trend shaking the landscape of traditional fundraising. It is

reshaping our fundamental beliefs of how we should raise funds for the

charities we hold dear. It is changing the actual means of how we go about raising money for our nonprofit groups.

Stepping Back A Few Years

Before we step off into today's new fundraising horizon, let's take a look

at the past. In the fundraising days of the late 19th century and early

20th century organizations like the YMCA, Red Cross, and United Ways (called Community Chest at that time) relied on the business community and it's strong business leaders to become the advocates for a better society.

These business leaders seemed dauntless and never afraid to go and meet another leader in the community and point blank ask them for a gift. They had the tough mentality of being able to tackle the "ask" head on.

As the number of nonprofit organizations grew, it took more people to help raise funds. There became more "event" type fundraisers like balls and luncheons where the wives of community leaders became more involved.

These events became more frequent so that for every fundraiser seeking a gift for a specific charity, he or she would be asked by a dozen more to reciprocate.

Smaller charities would create "bake sales" and "craft sales" to raise funds. This also brought in smaller donations too.

The Shape Of A New Fundraiser

Looking at the early 21st century and what is happening on the

fundraising landscape will certainly be different. You'll find all of the old traditional means of fundraising, but today there is much more variety in the methods used to raise the funds needed.

New innovative electronic fundraising programs made their presence at the end of the 20th century. New philanthropic support companies like eTapestry.com and Kintera.com have put a new electronic twist to the old fundraising methods used before the days of computers.

The new fundraising trend of today is altogether different. It does not

rely on any of the old ways of raising money except that you are selling

products or items for a profit that will further the funding of a particular nonprofit group or individual.

In simple terms, it's like holding a garage sale and selling new, used or discarded items on a grander scale. Instead of selling used items alone, it would be like opening a new Department Store and selling new items that people desire or need.

This new fundraising trend will involve network marketing of a particular company or product to fund a particular mission. Before you click the "exit" button on your browser,you should read a little further. It just might open your eyes and more importantly build up your charity's checking account.

Networking Marketing Businesses As Fundraisers

You'll notice the terms "direct selling" and "network marketing" used and not "multi-level marketing". While essentially the same, MLM or multi-level marketing has a negative connotation and often portrayed as a well-planned scam. In fact, there were some MLM programs that were indeed scams. Pyramid schemes as they were referred to sometimes.

Because of these negative perceptions, many people have overlooked the network marketing business idea as a viable option to raising legitimate money. Actually, there are many people that will not become involved in the modern legitimate network marketing businesses of today because of these unshakable negative perceptions.

On the bright side, there are tens of thousands of people right now that

are successfully leveraging the huge profit potential of network marketing companies for their betterment. So who is right for starting this type of fundraiser?

The New Trend Fundraiser

This method of fundraising might be right for you if:

1.)

You are a part of a new nonprofit organization or association that knows nothing about the traditional fundraising methods and need to get busy raising money immediately.

2.)

You are an individual responsible for raising your own money to fund your own advocacy work. If so, then this venture might be ideal for you.

3.)

You manage a small nonprofit organization similar to a community association or other community cooperative.

4.)

You are a missionary or bi-vocational minister trying to generate extra revenue.

5.)

You are the Executive Director and the only employee of a very small nonprofit or association and want to supplement your income to continue your efforts.

6.)

You are a home maker, retiree or busy mom wishing to supplement your income and network with other individuals that will help you raise money and awareness for your personal charity.

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The non-traditional nonprofit roles are often overlooked by more traditional fundraising organizational structures. If you believe you fit into one of these type of categories, then this will introduce you to the increasingly popular means of raising money working with a network marketing businesses. Part 2 of new fundraising trends.

A NEW TREND IN FUNDRAISING -- Part 1

A BIVOCATIONAL POSITION -- Part 2

ADVANTAGES OF NETWORK MARKETING FUNDRAISING -- Part 3