The past several months have been very difficult for all nonprofits (we seem to have a rather large number of them in Arizona). Stronger competition for grant money, attendees to fundraiser events, and sponsorship has many of them scrambling to find the funding needed to continue goods and services. As a new organization, this has been a valuable learning experience for us.It is essential that the efforts of an organization remain focused on the mission of service to
people and one way to do this is partnering with another nonprofit who has a similar focus. That is how our past fundraiser, Karma Cups: An Uplifting Affair with NATN, and our upcoming fundraiser, Evening of the Arts with FTH, is structured. By combining efforts and splitting proceeds with another organization, the mission gets to reach twice as many people, donors, and sponsors than before.Unfortunately, some organizations don't see it this way and yes, have flat out said NO we will not work with you or promote your event because we have our own fundraiser coming up. This is a mistake because the priority focus becomes the money over the mission.
The next time you attend an event with tickets that cost $100, $300 or more, ask yourself how often that organization works together with other like minded organizations. Are they self serving? Do they produce results claimed in their mission? Find out how much of that money goes to salary and overhead vs the program services. You can find out the information from the local Secretary of State/Charities Division. If the organization you wish to support is a tax exempt 501c3, then all financials are public record.
At Bravery Project, we talk consistently about involving the community and working together to increase awareness to reduce domestic abuse. We encourage you to find charities that do the same no matter what the cause: hunger, homelessness, animal
services, etc.Here is an example:
Evening of the Arts is a partnership between Bravery Project and Fix the Hurt. We are splitting proceeds and 100% will go to program services while 0% will go to salaries. We are encouraging people who can't attend the event to sponsor a pair of tickets to Big Brother/Big Sister and Boys/Girls Club teens/mentors to attend so that we can offer our message of domestic violence prevention to at risk youth. By collaboration, we are working with 4 different organizations and hitting some hot spots by reaching out to young people. It's a win-win for everyone.
Secretary of State/Charities Division (Arizona)
Evening of the Arts
Bravery Project
Fix the Hurt
NATN
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