How to Raise Money

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Raising money can be difficult whether it is for personal or charitable reasons.

Steps

1. Formulate a plan on paper. You'll want to record your financial goal and organize yourself. Is this a set goal (e.g., I need $10,000 for a new car), or a continuing effort (e.g., I need $3,500 a month to keep my organization running)?
   
2. Decide how you're going to make it happen (e.g., get a job if you don't have one or an extra job if your goal is short-term). Are you starting a business? Try finding investors by presenting a business plan and a predetermined dollar amount needed. Use available free resources first (e.g., Small Business Association or S.C.O.R.E.). Are you looking for that new computer? You could also go to individuals or organizations for capital or sponsorship. Try asking friends or relatives for loans or gifts (please see warnings below).
   
3. Put your plan into action, and stick to it.
   
4. Make sure to thank those who helped you get to your goal.
   
5. Create an online fundraising page (e.g. try www.firstgiving.com). Create a web page, send the link to your family, friends, co-workers, parishioners, teammates, etc. and collect donations via credit cards online. It's easy and simple, and eliminates spending a lot of time sending letters, calling people, and organizing big events.
   
6. GPT sites online can also boost your profits, earning around 20-50 easy dollars a month loads of contests for game systems, Apple items and such.
   

Tips

• The more organized and professional you appear, the better your success will be. Also, in all financial matters, be courteous and polite with everyone you deal with - money can be a touchy subject.
  
• Be honest--especially with yourself--about what you really need.
  
• Prioritize by importance. You don't need an MP3 player before food do you?
  
• Have a single or multi-family garage sale. Make it a fun event and feature music, balloons, snacks, games, and perhaps even outlandish "provenance" for your most treasured junk (with disclaimers, of course).
  

Warnings

• Watch out for quick fixes such as fast credit repair clinics and high-interest, short-term loans. (Remember, your goal is to raise money, not sell your soul.)
  
• Don't forget to focus on the positive--first; your attitude can make all the difference.
  

Related wikiHows

• How to Get Rich Easily
  
• How to Fundraise
  
• How to Fundraise for Charity
  
• How to Transfer Funds Internationally
  

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