Fundraising Tips from Sustainable Philanthropy

Sustainable Philanthropy works to support fundraising and organizational capacity for strategic development in small shop environmental organizations. We do this as the fundraising arm of Sustainable Capacity Solutions, the one stop shop for capacity building in the Canadian environmental sector. As a social enterprise, we offer fund development plans, shared access to our fundraising portal, and other partnership opportunities.

Sustainable Philanthropy is a leader in fund development within the environmental sector. We diversify funding streams with our partners in order to achieve long term sustainability.
Fundraising is critical for nonprofits to function because it provides a large part of the income necessary to achieve their goals, so it’s important to have fun while fundraising! Which is why we would like to share an amazing fundraising tip with nonprofits throughout Ottawa!

Find your audience! Learn more about potential donors’ values both in terms of overt values but also thinking processes – what information do they need to know in order to want to donate to your organization? Tailor your approach according to your audience’s values and interests.

Updates! Update your audience on what’s most important to them. Foundations will want to be updated on affairs that give your organization credibility – financial status, current projects, volunteer involvement etc. Individuals providing donations will want updates on how their money is being used – current projects and the impact they’re making. Updates help your audience not only learn more about your organization, but also motivate them to engage and support your mission.

Network! Fundraising means connecting to the right people or foundations that share the same values as your organization. Expanding your network increases your chances of making those connections! Network with people through events, other organizations and online. Never be afraid to ask for references for connections that could be interested in helping your cause!

Chantel Haigh is the Executive Director of Sustainable Capacity Solutions. She is a graduate of Trent University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree of International Development Studies and an Honours Minor of Environmental Studies.