Looking to raise funds for your dance class? The following article will take a broad view on fundraising to support your dance series, support the hall where you dance, run special events or programming, purchase equipment, or support other causes and affiliated organizations. We will provide an overview of philanthropy and fundraising strategies at the macro level, and then share how one local organization raised more than $60,000. Come prepared to share your successful fundraising strategies that are transferrable to other communities. Just as important, we’d love to hear some things that have not worked well, and why.
Why fundraise?
- We all do this already. When we charge admission, we are fundraising. But if we do more we can build more opportunities.
- Even if your ongoing dance series is self-sustaining, it is worthwhile to engage in fundraising.
- Having a financial cushion allows dance organizations to survive leaner times, as well as to make choices that meet our artistic vision. We do not need to ask, “Can I afford this?” We can consider doing more to build up our communities, such as run special dances or workshops or send someone to camp. Sometimes the community-building effects of fundraising also build up the community.
Who are our donors (our constituency)? Why do people give money? (linkage/ability/interest)
People give because they identify with the cause (they are your “constituency”), and because they are asked. Having the right person asking makes a difference. Philanthropy is a relationship-based business.
- Think of constituency as a set of concentric circles. Build from the inside out, focusing the greatest attention and energy on your inner circle. The following list starts with those you are closest to, and spreads outward from there:
- Those who make it happen: Volunteers often become donors for the same reason they became volunteers – because they have relationships with (they identify with) the group.
- People who are involved (come regularly)
- People who used to be involved, and whom you might re-attract
- Those with similar interests
- Those with similar values
- The concentric circles show the degree of linkage to your organization. Donors also need both an ability to give, and an interest in giving to dance/music/song. Do not ignore smaller donors, who tend to give a greater percentage of their assets, and who represents your larger community)
- Larger donors might sponsor a dance, and admission can go to the organization instead of the evening’s expenses.
- Donors deserve gratitude. Take care of those relationships; they are more important than any given amount of money. Help people see the larger picture, and how we addressing their interests
- Dance organizations are arts organizations; we promote participatory arts
- We provide benefits to our communities, including health, joy, and connection.
Competition
- Fundraising is not hard. It takes time and effort, but the tasks are straightforward.
- Individuals give the most money, not corporations.
- People (in general) give to many different things: participatory arts represent a very small piece of the overall philanthropic giving pie.
- Asking for support is not begging; our activities have great value, and it’s fine to offer people the opportunity to support them.
- That said, no one is obligated to support your dance.
Other points that came up in discussion
- You don’t have to be a non-profit organization to raise money, but it does allow your donors not to pay taxes on donations.
- Your organization might want to raise money for another organization – creating other sorts of linkage.
- Note that raffles are considered gambling (need a permit). Rules vary depending on state/province.
- Some people talked about having success with “anti-bake sales” (and anti-galas): “We’ll just each throw in $10/$100 (or what have you), and we don’t have to do the baking, buy the dress and meal, etc.”
Dance-a-Thon might be a great idea for fundraising:
A Dance-a-Thon is possibly most suited to school fundraising, but it could also be amended to other groups as well. If you are scrutinizing a Dance-a-Thon for a school fundraiser, a word to the wise, do it early in the school year. The foremost expenditure for a fundraising Dance-a-Thon is the DJ. It’s best not to use live music with a band since you will need to have a variety of music and it’s hard to do that with a live band. Whatever you do, don’t hold back on the DJ!
Choose someone with a good position, a large music collection, and good equipment. This will be the main focus of your event, so don’t cheap it out.
