Resources for Professional Individual Fundraising

Crowdfunding/Peer-to-Peer Platforms:

These platforms allow an individual or teams to set up a small website, set goals, and ask for donations.

Qgiv: Subscription-based for any type of fundraising. Depending on the package purchased, subscription comes with fundraising tools (subscriptions can be turned on and off, as needed).

Check out the packages offered by The Root Agency and let us help support your mission by doing some or all of this for you!

GoFundMe: Raise money for anything from medical expenses to community projects. It’s free to use but charges a small fee on donations.

Kickstarter: Primarily for creative projects, like art, music, or tech.

Indiegogo: Similar to Kickstarter, but more flexible. You can raise funds for personal, creative, or entrepreneurial projects.

Fundly: Offers free fundraising options for personal and charitable causes, with no fees until you raise funds. It also allows you to easily share your campaign via social media.

Tips and Ideas for Successful Professional Individual Fundraising

Crowdfunding is a powerful tool to help you connect to your social network, friends and family. By creating an online presence, you broaden your audience and the sky is the limit. Share your story and let others know how much a cause means to you and what it could mean to the recipients.

Upload photos and videos to explain the need behind your campaign and then share your dedicated campaign page across your digital platforms and encourage people to get involved.

A successful crowdfunding campaign will express the need and illustrate the benefits. (Don't forget to make your gift first!)

Matching Gifts

Matching gifts is a form of Corporate involvement. Some companies have a policy that include initiatives where companies match the charitable donations made by their employees to eligible nonprofit organizations. These programs are designed to encourage employees to give back to their communities by effectively doubling (or sometimes tripling) their contributions. Check with your employer to see if they offer this program. (Encourage others to do the same!)

IRA Distributions

Donating required minimum distribution, part, or all unused retirement assets is an excellent way for individuals to contribute to your mission. By “rolling” the distribution from an individual retirement account (IRA) directly to your cause, donors can make a gift  while possibly receiving a tax benefit.

To initiate a distribution from an IRA, the steps are:

1. Contact your IRA plan administrator.
2. Provide your IRA plan administrator with the following information:
   • Provide the tax ID of your nonprofit of choice
   • Provide the mailing address
   • Amount to be contributed
   • Allocation: One distribution can be used to support multiple purposes
   • Verify the IRA plan administrator will include your name as donor on the check/stub being sent

 Transfer of Stock 

Transferring stock may be a tax benefit to both parties involved in the exchange. (If your nonprofit doesn't have a process to accept this giving vehicle, check with your community foundation!)  

Wills and Bequests 

Your nonprofit of choice can be named in a will or as a beneficiary of an IRA, Life Insurance Policy, Gift Annuity, 401k or other financial vehicles. (Check with your nonprofit to learn of the process they have in place!)