Fundraising as a small business enterprise

Suggests that fundraisers too often focus on wooing donors of large gifts. A relatively small number of success stories notwithstanding, greater success is achieved by developing modest fundraising enterprises which can generate an income to support the organization. Such fundraising activities are, in actuality, small business enterprises. The author suggests that, like entrepreneurs, nonprofit fundraisers should develop detailed business plans. The article discusses steps for such a plan including generating fundraising ideas, establishing a time frame, reducing start‐up costs, planning, delegating tasks, and building upon success.