Fundraising

7:10 Fundraising 101
12:06 Day of Action
15:44 Austin_Case Study
27:15 Boston_Case Study
44:12 Q&A

1. Prior to beginning any fundraising, affiliates must be in good standing with the IRS, as a corporation in their chartered state, and as a charitable organization in any state where they solicit donation. For more information on these requirements, please visit— Annual Filings
2. Affiliates should always convey ACE’s mission, fundraising needs and overall impact in a compelling and consistent manner. When sharing ACE”s impact, affiliates should always use the most recent information from ACE National. Affiliates can also use the program report and other promotional materials
3. It is imperative that affiliates engage their boards in fundraising. This is often one of the most important functions of a board. The following resources can support boards in supporting fundraising for the affiliate. These resources are better explained in the above trainings.
4. Successful fundraising requires meaningful follow up, both from a compliance perspective and stewardship. Always thank your donors and let them know their impact. Additionally, affiliates must also provide appropriate donor acknowledgements for tax purposes. Under guidance from the Internal Revenue Service, donors who contribute $250 or more must receive a written acknowledgment that includes the organization’s name, the date and amount of the contribution, and a statement indicating whether any goods or services were provided in exchange for the donation. Thank_You_Template
5. Donation tracking is the final consideration in fundraising best practices. As a non profit, it is imperative that funds received are logged correctly and tracked so they are used for the intended purpose. Affiliates should maintain clear records of restricted donations, expenditures, and balances to ensure compliance and transparency. Additional guidance on restricted funds and financial management can be found on the Financials page.

Annual sponsorship typically involves a partnership between a company or individual and your ACE Mentor program.

This partnership is established for a fixed duration, usually a year, during which the sponsor provides financial support or resources in exchange for recognition, branding opportunities, or other agreed-upon benefits. Sponsors often contribute a significant amount of funding and may also offer in-kind contributions or services that align with your mission or activities. Annual sponsorship is generally a more strategic and comprehensive commitment, with both parties working closely together to achieve shared goals and maximize mutual benefits.

Event-based fundraising involves organizing specific events or activities aimed at raising funds for your affiliate.

These events, such as breakfasts, galas, auctions, or Giant Jenga, attract donors and participants interested in supporting your organization. They generate funds, raise awareness, and build community support. Event based donations can count as unrestricted revenue, but for the donor, their tax deduction should be the amount that they gave subtracted by the cost of what they received. (Ex: $1,000 – $250 for food and drinks = $750 donation)

A friendraiser event is an event where current volunteers are asked to invite friends and coworkers to introduce them to the mission of the organization.

Friendraisers are cultivation events and a great opportunity to meet new prospects in a more relaxed and comfortable setting. The goal is to expand your target audience for mentor recruitment, board membership and financial support.

Since it isn’t directly raising funds, the cost of the event should be reasonable, especially if the event is for board members. A friendraiser might also be a fundraising event that doesn’t raise a lot of money, but significantly helps spread the word about ACE.

Annual giving refers to the practice of soliciting and collecting donations from individuals or entities on a yearly basis.

These donations are typically unrestricted, meaning they can be used for various operational expenses, program development, or other essential needs. Annual giving campaigns are often structured to encourage regular and consistent contributions from a broad base of supporters, including donors, alumni, and community members. Donors may choose to contribute to specific initiatives or allocate their donations to the general fund, allowing your affiliate to maintain day-to-day operations, pay for staff, and support ongoing projects and programs.