By Nora Welch, Senior Leadership Development Associate, Joining Vision and Action

“We’ve got all the money we need,” said no nonprofit ever.

While funding can come from traditional sources like grants or fundraisers, or something like social enterprise that might be new for your organization, here are two more resources that could potentially add to your piggy bank.

1) Organized giving groups

I belong to The Giving Club in Mesa County. It’s a philanthropic group of women who come together quarterly and mingle with mission.

Here’s what I love about it.

Sure, I could donate to a nonprofit of my choosing on my own (and I do). However, there’s something really magical about coming together with a group of people to pool resources for what could in theory be the same monetary impact.

First, just doing the math is fun. Last I checked, we had over 180 members. Multiply that by each person’s commitment of $100, and that’s more than $18,000 that just shows up on a local nonprofit’s doorstep unexpected. How incredible is that?!

Second, who knows if all of us would actually give that amount to a local nonprofit every quarter without prompting. Bravo to all who would, but either way, this type of setup definitely creates some consistency and accountability.

Stepping away from what is starting to sound like a promotion of the concept and getting to the point, which is this: Groups like this are out there—or could be created in your area—and are a great resource for local nonprofits.

Why you should care

If you’re an individual, think about how your donation can be amplified in the presence of others. From personal experience, I can tell you that it just feels good to lump my donation in with a bunch of other caring and cognizant women to make a big splash for a great cause.

If you’re an organization, think about how you can get connected to one of these groups. Even having someone in your corner who could nominate your organization and speak to your cause raises your visibility and people’s interest in supporting you. And, if you’re fortunate enough to be selected, that’s even better!

2) Wish lists

At our last meeting, we heard about one nonprofit who not only made a compelling case about its mission and impact, but that broke our (or at least my) heart with its tangible needs. It needed things like tape, power strips and plastic cups. As someone who has worked for a nonprofit, I know #thestruggleisreal.

Here’s what else was so striking about its presentation: It had an Amazon Wish List created with its specific needs.

Wish lists are not exactly a new thing, but I can’t say I’ve seen too many nonprofits make it SO EASY to contribute. From the link on its website, all I had to do is click-click-click and off went a dozen pairs of protective eyewear. On my next visit, I can potentially see someone wearing goggles for one of the exhibits and think, “I helped make that possible.” Now that’s a way for donors to be invested in your work!

Why you should care

If you’re an individual, check out some of your favorite nonprofits and see if they have a wish list set up. If they don’t, send a quick email to inquire. The organization will benefit not only from the donations you might end up making, but also for the prompt of getting the wish-list wheels in motion.

If you’re an organization, make sure these individuals have something to find and purchase! If you don’t already have a wish list set up, DO IT. I’m sure there are things you need. Also, it doesn’t have to be on Amazon or even online. As long as the request is clear and easy, you’re good. Once created, make sure you link it up on your webpage and keep it current. If your dozen pair of goggles has already been purchased, direct your donors to what you need now.

So, that’s it! Two ways of donating or receiving donations you might not have thought about yet.

Related, if you’re interested in learning more another potential revenue stream, we’d love to tell you more about earned income models (social enterprise.) Contact us or give us a call at (303) 477-4896.