Unlocking secrets of fundraising

Many people have been in not-for-profit clubs and organisations that have struggled to find funding, leaving them envying the apparent luck of other groups that kept afloat.
Now, a growing Tauranga-based business has taken the mystery out of the process, giving everyone the same chance of success to increase income.
Kerri Tilby has fashioned a business out of showing not-for-profit (NFP) groups how to access grant funding and how to fundraise successfully.
Her company, Exult, grew out of her efforts to write and produce the self-help book The Seriously Good Guide to Fundraising, which has been snapped up by tens of thousands of readers nationwide.
"It started almost accidentally," explains Kerri.
"I have been involved in the NFP sector almost all my life and I knew there was a need for an organisation but I didn't appreciate how big.
"I got sick in 2007 and decided to use my writing skills to aid my convalescence," she said.
The guide has now been reproduced on a regional basis, with specific details for the Waikato-Coromandel, Tauranga-Western Bay and Rotorua-Eastern Bay.
About 20,000 copies have been distributed free to schools, sports clubs and community groups, and most of the cost of the design and printing was covered by sponsorship.
The guide generated intense national interest and Kerri had to start thinking about the next phase.
"Everyone kept asking me for advice and I had to evolve the idea into a company. We needed more structure," she said.
As a company, Exult is committed to supporting all community groups in their fundraising and sponsorship efforts.
It provides practical workshops in marketing, sponsorship and volunteer related topics, as well as training resources.
"I believe with the right simple tools and practices, community groups really can be self-sufficient," said Kerri.
"Exult is a social enterprise. We have to pay the bills and be sustainable but everything we do must provide genuine value to the community.
"We are incredibly conscious that our workshops and conferences must be accessible to all groups. We work with sponsors, local councils and sports organisations to keep our fees as low as possible."
Its workshops are also made available on DVDs for those unable to attend.
Some of Kerri's 101 fundraising ideas include:
 Add a 'Donate Now' button to your website.
 Add an 'Optional Donation' line to the bottom of your membership form.
 Create an email signature that highlights a specific project or need, with a link to your online fundraising page.
 Join a Business Networking Group and get to know potential sponsors.
 Write regular press releases to raise your profile.
Now it is established, there are various funding avenues available to Exult but it would rather demonstrate to groups that it is possible to be sustainable in other ways.
The company was a finalist in the Most Community Minded Business category of the David Awards 2009 for heroes in small business.
Based at the Historic Village in 17th Ave, Exult employs Kerri and two part-time staff, contracting in facilitators when necessary.
It aims to give all 97,000 NFPs in New Zealand what they need to become sustainable organisations.
"We are working collaboratively with other agencies to ensure this happens. We put everyone in touch with the right people."
One wall of her office is covered with 'thank you' emails, often for quite obvious advice.
One sports event organiser emailed to say her advice added $6000 to its coffers, just by following her suggestion to ask for a gold coin donation rather than making it free to enter their event.
"This is the difference we are making," said Kerri. "I feel all the things I have done with my life now make sense ... the jigsaw bits all led to this."