Successful Fund Drives

By MICHAEL P. DALLESSANDRO

Communities or their local governments should provide a local volunteer fire department with all of its operational needs through taxation. However, sometimes fire department fund-raise to pay for the little extras that make member life more enjoyable such as pizza, a few beers, softball shirts, a family picnic, benefits for a department's injured or seriously ill, and other good causes that build camaraderie. Departments should also fund-raise to purchase apparatus and safety equipment for members and to put a roof over their heads; but, unfortunately, too many departments have to fund-raise simply to stay in operation. Many departments are aware of the economy and have read reports from other major organizations seeking public donations that donations are down and how it impacts their hometown volunteer fire company. This article offers ideas on how to improve your fund-raising strategies and a fresh look at how to approach your fund-raising efforts for this year and beyond.

To make fundraising campaigns more successful, organizations need to stand out to the donors by personalizing their solicitations. Firefighter Nicole Gerber, who assists in coordinating the Grand Island (NY) Fire Company's fund-raising program, said, “Fire departments also need to find a way to thank their donors for contributing to the fire department, as donors actually DO appreciate receiving acknowledgment of their contributions.”