Lesson 1: Funding Your Volunteer Program

Do the words “budget” or “fundraising” increase your stress level? If you’re just starting out or even a part of a larger program or organization, you’re probably working with low to no budget. Here are some ideas that will hopefully help you cover some of your costs.

• Gift cards 

• Ask individuals – People get all kinds of gift cards they never use and may even donate a few to you. Amazon gift cards buy everything from tools to fabric pots. Even coffee shop gift cards can help buy a gallon of coffee for an early morning volunteer project.

• Ask Corporations - Reach out to your local big box stores for gift card donations that can help cover everything from building supplies to water for volunteers to first aid kits. 

• Corporations

• Manager’s or Store Donations - Individual Chain Stores’ (Wal Mart, Publix, Target) managers often have the discretion to donate small amounts of money or materials to nonprofit organizations. You may need a letter with a tax ID number that shows you are a nonprofit. If you are not a nonprofit, another local organization may be willing to accept donations/act as an umbrella for your group.

• Drink  & food donations - In Montgomery, Buffalo Rock Soda will provide free drinks for nonprofit projects and give you a vinyl banner with your name/logo as long as it also has their logo on it. 

• Corporate Funding Priorities - Some corporations like to give to specific groups like veterans (Home Depot). If you work with a specific population, even occasionally, search for groups interested in what you do. 

• Your friends, neighbors, community - Often the people you know can be much more generous than corporations. Ask - yep, ask. Let people know what you’re doing. Make a flyer that includes pictures of your garden and volunteers a long with your goals. Tell people how you’ll use the money. A church may take up a special collection for you. A local business might provide you with cookies for volunteers. A coffee shop may give you a gallon of coffee. A friend might sponsor the pizza for a volunteer thank you night. Any of these donations will enhance your program and decrease your out of pocket expenses.

Don’t forget to thank your donors! If a business donated food or drinks to a project, let your volunteers know who donated the treats. Share pictures of the project and/or donations on social media and tag the businesses/donors. Hand written thank you letters are always great. Businesses may need a letter on letterhead acknowledging the donation and its value for their records. Just ask if they need a letter for tax purposes and what should be included if you aren’t sure.