The Universal House of Justice exhorts us to remember “that contributing to the funds of the Faith,” is both a “spiritual responsibility and a privilege of profound significance in the spiritual life of the individual believer.” Every effort made by loving individuals and our beloved institutions to connect the hearts of the friends to the lifeblood of His Cause, its material means, must reflect this “profound significance.”
Planning a Spiritual Fundraiser
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A fundraising event (also called a fundraiser) is an event or campaign whose primary purpose is to raise money for a Bahá'í Fund (Local, Regional, National, Continental, Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, etc.) that is contributed directly to the Faith. It’s worth a quick reminder that only Baha’is may contribute to the Baha’i Fund.
A fundraiser is an event undertaken to get money by voluntary contributions for a particular activity or timeframe. To raise funds for books, transportation, travel, or food in order to be able to implement and sustain projects that involve Bahá'í and non-Bahá'í participants.
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Guidance on the Requisites of Spiritual Fundraising
Every Bahá’í fundraising event or activity should:
✓ Strive to create love in the hearts of the believers
✓ Build and strengthen the relationship between the believers and the institutions
✓ Uphold the dignity of the Faith
✓ Preserve the devotional aspect of giving to the Fund
✓ Remain consistent with Bahá’í principles
✓ Promote unity among believers
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Encouraging individuals with limited financial means to contribute to the Fund involves emphasizing the spirit of sacrifice and highlighting alternative forms of support. Here's a message that could be conveyed:
"Dear friends, your contribution to the Fund is not measured by the amount but by the spirit of selflessness. If financial constraints limit your ability to give substantially, consider making a small, regular contribution – even the smallest amount can have a significant impact when combined with the collective efforts of the community. Additionally, explore alternative ways to support, such as dedicating your time, skills, or resources. Share your talents with the community, engage in acts of service, or contribute in-kind donations. Remember, the essence of giving lies in the purity of intention and the willingness to play a part in the collective advancement of Bahá'í endeavors. Your heartfelt commitment, regardless of the size, adds to the unity and strength of our community."
This approach encourages a sense of inclusivity, recognizing the value of various forms of support beyond monetary contributions.
Important Steps to Consider
There are critical steps to consider when planning a fundraising/fundraiser event. It takes careful planning and hard work. Just by taking the time to reflect on the goals and putting a plan in writing, the event will be in a better position in meeting the fundraising objectives.
(reference from onecause.com/blog/fundraising-event-planning/)
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If there is a fundraising plan from last year, begin by assessing how well it was followed. Gather data, such as feedback surveys, past budgets, or even the comments, attitudes, or behaviors of the participants. By analyzing the past plan, you can identify where you succeeded and what could be improved. By reflecting on past fundraising plans, you’ll be able to build on old strategies and create targeted goals for this year.
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In order to host a successful event, first determine what success means. Setting goals ensure you can track and measure fundraising success. It’s important to quantify exactly how much revenue you want to bring in. This goal will inform much of the planning strategy. No matter what the goals are, make sure to quantify them. When you have a metric for success clearly outlined, it’s easier to measure how well the event does and target areas to improve going forward.
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Now that you know what you’d like your event to accomplish, you’ll need to figure out what type of event is the most engaging. It’s important that you understand both your participants and the fundraising goals. Look to the participant contact list to get an idea of the kind of event the friends might be interested in. The fundraising goals should also heavily inform the kind of event hosted.
Keep in mind that the type of event you choose to host will also influence the kind of venue selected. While some events (like a silent auction) work well in several different types of spaces, others require certain parameters. For example, if you’re hosting a talent show or concert, you’ll need a large stage as well as the right lighting and sound equipment for the performers.
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Please Remember, the key is to align fundraising efforts with the spiritual principles. Please refer to the guidance on how to promote and run these fundraising events.
Here's a list of ways a person might fundraise money for the fund without compromising spiritual principles:
1.) Service Projects: Organize service projects or community events where individuals can contribute funds as part of their participation.
2.) Arts and Crafts Sale: Encourage individuals to create and donate artworks or crafts, then host a sale where the proceeds go to the fund.
3.)Talent Show or Concert: Arrange a talent show or concert featuring local artists and performers, with ticket sales contributing to the fund.
4.)Bake Sale or Cooking Event: Hold a bake sale or cooking event where participants contribute homemade goods, and the proceeds support the fund.
5.) Online Platforms: Utilize online platforms for private auctions, inviting contributions from a broader Baha’i audience.
6.) Educational Workshops: Host workshops or classes on various topics and charge a participation fee.
7.) Walkathon or Runathon: Organize a fundraising walk or run event where participants seek sponsors for every mile, kilometer, or lap completed.
8.) Themed Fundraising Dinners: Arrange dinners or potluck events with a specific theme.
9.) Book Sale or Book Club: Collect book donations or organize a book club, with contributions or membership fees going towards the fund.
10.) Community Garage Sale: Organize a community-wide garage sale, where people contribute items, and the proceeds benefit the fund.
11.) Sponsored Challenges: Individuals can take on personal challenges (example 10 days of giving) and seek sponsorships.
12.) Monthly Giving Programs: Encourage regular, small contributions through a subscription-based model, fostering a consistent flow of funds.
13.) Storytelling Events: Arrange storytelling sessions or open mic nights, charging a small entry fee.
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While fundraising events can be major money-makers, let’s not forget that you’ll have to invest some money in order to make the event happen. To make sure you’re on top of all costs, craft a detailed budget before you start planning. Every event is different, but here are a few examples of what should be included in your budget:
Event space or venue
-Catering or refreshments
-Invitations
-Tables, chairs, dishes, and cutlery
-Sound or lighting equipment, if not provided by the venue
-Miscellaneous/other expenses
Make a spreadsheet with all the items needed, and do some research to find the average prices for the budget items. You’ll also want to add some padding to the budget for any unexpected costs.
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After consulting on all the different elements of event planning, now it’s time to specify who is taking care of all these logistics. Before getting too far into the planning process, determine who’ll be in charge of the different components of the fundraising event. Having a lead contact means that others will have someone to direct questions to and can keep the team on the right path in accomplishing the goals. When planning out the event leadership strategy, minimize the risk of miscommunication by ensuring that all know exactly what their role will be in the success of the event.
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Before starting anything, you need to know when the event will take place. Keep the following questions in mind as you consult calendars:
-Are we planning far enough in advance? Planning an event too close can make it tough to secure a venue, and also gives guests less time to register or attend.
-Is this an annual event? If hosting an annual event, keep your timing consistent each year so that the friends know when to expect it.
-Does the fundraiser conflict with any other major events? Keep Holy Days and national holidays in mind as well as national or local events.
Should the event be on a weeknight or weekend? If you’re hosting a daytime event, think about the weekend when the friends are more likely to be free. If your event takes place in the evening, the friends will be less likely to stay late.
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You’ve started to pin down the details for your event, but something’s missing—the guests. To get the word, you’ll need some kind of marketing strategy. The most effective promotional plans involve multiple channels of communication, both online and off.
-Direct mail (including invitations)
-Flyers
-Website
-Email newsletters
-Feast Letters
-Social media
-Home Visits
Additionally, be strategic in planning out the approach to each marketing channel. For example, share or post a PDF version of the event flyer so that the friends can share or print it out and spread the word themselves.
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It’s time to put all the preparation to work for the big day (or night) of the fundraising event. Before opening the doors, put all the final touches in place:
-Coordinate (when to arrive, where to park, etc.)
-Decorate the venue
-Schedule and organize volunteers
-Arrange day-of registration
-Place auction item displays
-Prepare refreshments
For complex or large-scale events, make sure to create clear day-of guidelines for everyone involved. A clear plan of action will ensure that all members are aware of their responsibilities and prepared to pull off a successful event. The event team will need to know when and where to arrive, what to wear, what tasks they’ll be performing, and how long they can expect their shift to last. Send out these details well in advance to provide ample time for answering questions or dealing with unforeseen issues. It might be a good idea to do a practice run-through with the technology and/or volunteers. That way everyone involved can feel confident, and can work through any issues before the event.
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By the time the event actually rolls around, you will be tempted to check out or consider all the hard work done. While you can (and should!) relax a little, there’s still a few best practices to help get the most on event day. During the event, be sure to:
-Engage with guests. Use the event as an opportunity to build fellowship and support.
-Check in with the friends and make sure they’re enjoying the event.
-Show the friends how excited you are and how grateful you are for their attendance. Smile, have fun, mix and mingle when possible.
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The event might be over, but the work is not. Don’t leave guests hanging after event doors close; follow up and thank the attendees for their support. Promptly send thank-you notes to everyone who was involved with the event, including the friends, guests, and volunteers. Don’t forget to update the friends on the progress of the fundraiser and the amount raised. They’ll want to know how this fundraising event impacted the cause, so be as detailed as possible. To get feedback on the event, have a survey to pass out to all who are in attendance.
Here are some examples of questions you can include in your survey:
-In what ways was the event successful, and in what ways was it unsuccessful?
-How did you hear about the event?
-Do you think this type of event is an appropriate way to raise funds/awareness for this cause?
-Can you remember any specific details about the event that you feel made you more or less likely to contribute?
-How can we make our next event better?
Learning more about the friends after each fundraiser ensures that the events will keep improving and the fundraising dollars will keep climbing.
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A fundraising event (also called a fundraiser) is an event or campaign whose primary purpose is to raise money for a Bahá'í Fund (Local, Regional, National, Continental, Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, etc.) that is contributed directly to the Faith. It’s worth a quick reminder that only Baha’is may contribute to the Baha’i Fund.
A fundraiser is an event undertaken to get money by voluntary contributions for a particular activity or timeframe. To raise funds for books, transportation, travel, or food in order to be able to implement and sustain projects that involve Bahá'í and non-Bahá'í participants.
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Description: To nurture and expand awareness for the Cause, project, or activity that you are raising money for in support of the National Fund.
The objective is to generate discourse in our society about our individual roles in the betterment of the world, to create an environment of research and self-realization, to spark a vision towards the real purpose of giving tied to the world civilization envisioned by Bahá'u'lláh to awaken our spirits towards generosity, to develop a deeper understanding of sacrifice, and to encourage personal familiarization with the sacredness of the Bahá'í Fund.
There are a host of very loving and creative ideas for raising the material means so essential to the growing activities of our international, national, regional and local communities. Each effort has its own merits and often requires the sacrificial generosities of the friends from the local community as well as the wider public in planning, implementing and participating in the fund raiser.
Care should be taken in all efforts of fund-raising to follow the guidance of our faith, including maintaining a spiritual atmosphere around all giving, ensuring Baha’i principles are consistently and assiduously followed and maintaining the confidentiality of all contributors and contributions. In addition to the spiritual guidance offered in our Writings, there are also a host of non-profit and charitable giving tax requirements which must be carefully followed before, during and after these fund-raising activities for the National Fund.
The goal is designed to provide information, guidance and encouragement to the friends who will support and host Baha’i fund-raising events and activities on behalf of contributions for the National Fund.
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Before planning a fundraising event for the Bahá’í Funds, remember that every Bahá’í fundraising event or activity should:
■ Strive to create love in the hearts of the believers?
“Strive, therefore, to create love in the hearts in order that they may become glowing and radiant. When that love is shining, it will permeate other hearts even as this electric light illumines its surroundings. When the love of God is established, everything else will be realized. This is the true foundation of all economics. Reflect upon it. Endeavor to become the cause of the attraction of souls rather than to enforce minds. Manifest true economics to the people. Show what love is, what kindness is, what true severance is and generosity. This is the important thing for you to do.” — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 239
■ Build and strengthen the relationship between the believers and the institutions?
“…It is only evident that unless the flow of donations is regularly maintained by means of generous and continual support by all the believers, individually and collectively, the National Fund will never be able to meet the needs…of the Cause.”— Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 3 February 1941 to the National Spiritual Assembly of United States and Canada
“The supply of funds, in support of the national Treasury, constitutes, at present, the lifeblood of these nascent institutions which you are labouring to erect. Its importance cannot, surely, be overestimated. Untold blessings shall no doubt crown every effort directed to that end.” — Shoghi Effendi, Compilation of Compilations
■ Uphold the dignity of the Faith?
“The House of Justice feels that it is important for the friends never to lose sight of the fact that contributing to the funds of the Faith is a ‘spiritual responsibility’ and ‘privilege’ of profound significance in the spiritual life of the individual believer, and care must be taken not to trivialize this aspect of Bahá’í life by applying to it too many “gimmicks” or treating it with a lack of dignity. At the same time, the Assemblies should not dampen the enthusiasm of those friends who, having only slender financial resources, devise imaginative ways of earning money for the work of the Faith.
Within this framework, there is clearly a difference in the range of activities open to individuals and those which it would be befitting and dignified for a Spiritual Assembly to engage in or sponsor.” — The Universal House of Justice, letter dated 26 June 1982, Developing Distinctive Bahá’í Communities
■ Preserve the devotional aspect of giving to the Fund?
“Such gatherings for collections of funds are permissible if it is done with a true spirit of sacrifice, not when the audience is especially aroused to a frenzy and mob psychology is used to induce them to pay. Shoghi Effendi has repeatedly stated that no pressure should be used upon the friends and psychological pressure falls under that category. But there is much difference between such gatherings often used by religious bodies, and a true quiet, prayerful atmosphere when a person is, of his own accord, aroused to make some sacrifice. The distinction is very delicate, but it is for the Chairman to use his power to see that one desirable form is not corrupted into the other. All the activities of the Cause should be carried through in a dignified manner.
Shoghi Effendi is sure that the funds gathered at the last Convention were not due to the play of mob psychology but to the prayerful attitude of the friends and their desire to make further sacrifice.” — On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 28 May 1932 to an individual
■ Remain consistent with Bahá’í principles?
“Giving toward the Fund, therefore, is a ‘spiritual privilege’ not open to those who have not accepted Bahá’u’lláh of which no believer should deny himself. It is both a responsibility and a source of bounty. This is an aspect of the Cause which we feel is an essential part of teaching and deepening of new believers. The importance of contributing resides in the degree of sacrifice of the giver, the spirit of devotion with which the contribution is made, and the unity of the friends in this service; these attract the confirmations of God and enhance the dignity and self-respect of the individuals and the community.” — The Universal House of Justice, 7 August 1985 letter to all National Spiritual Assemblies
■ Promote unity among believers?
“Until the public sees in the Bahá’í Community a true pattern, in action, of something better than it already has, it will not respond to the Faith in large numbers.” — Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 13 March 1944 to an individual, Promoting Entry by Troops
There are many possibilities for Bahá’í fundraising activities. The careful planning of these many creative ways to meet our Fund goals as individuals, institutions and communities will provide wonderful opportunities to consult and deepen on the devotional aspects of contributing to the Fund. The need to link our material work with the creation of the Divine civilization promised by Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation is prevalent in the Writings and requires special attention that should be a source of inspiration for our work.
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A list of guidelines for fundraising events. Fundraising resources to consider when planning inspiring and creative fundraisers.
1. Consult the chapter on fundraising in Sacred Trust, pages 149-154, to deepen on appropriate fundraising activities.
2. When receiving items for auction the donor’s receipt should only contain a description of the item or items donated. It is up to the donor to value the items for tax purposes. If the treasurer puts a value on the receipt and the IRS disagrees, then the Local Spiritual Assembly becomes liable for the taxes due and a fine.
3. The treasurer can put a value on a receipt for in-kind contributions when the value can be fixed by a receipt for items purchased. An example of this is giving an individual a receipt for Feast refreshments based on a receipt showing the items purchased from a local grocer.
4. When receipting items purchased at an auction or goods or services received at a fundraiser, the fair market value of the items, goods or services must be deducted from the total received to determine the charitable contribution.
5. If an in-kind contribution is valued at over $5,000 the IRS has special rules regarding documentation and valuation of the tax deduction for the contributed item. If you receive a high value item, please go to the IRS website (www.irs.gov) to review these rules.
6. The value of time contributed by an individual, no matter how well documented the value of that time might be, cannot be treated as a charitable contribution by the contributor.
7. Every receipt should have the following:
a. The name of the donor.
b. The date of the contribution.
c. A unique receipt number.
d. The name of the charitable organization receiving the funds.
e. The name or names of the Funds receiving the contribution and the
amounts going to each Fund.
f. If any portion of the funds received are destined for use outside the
United States, then the donor must give the US charitable organization
authority to override the earmarking in order for the donation to be tax
deductible. This is done by the donor saying it is my “wish, hope and
desire” that this contribution be sent to (name funds outside the US).
g. The signature of the treasurer.
8. Gifts of appreciated stock should be put in the name of the Local Spiritual Assembly and sold immediately. Special information to go on this type of receipt are:
a. The date the stock was received.
b. The number of shares received.
c. The high, low and closing price on the day the shares were received.
9. Contributions should never be held in the name of an individual or deposited into an individual’s bank account. All contributions must always stay under the name of the Local Spiritual Assembly.
The Online Contribution System (OCS) - the official application used by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States to receive contributions to the National Funds. OCS allows registered members of the Bahá’í Faith from the United States to make and manage their individual contributions. The Online Contribution System - https://ocs.bahai.us/ocs
Contact us.
Fund Development: The Office of the Treasury can offer a Fundraising education workshop to any community. The workshop can be presented in person or virtually. You can contact the Office of the Treasury at bahaitreasurersoffice@usbnc.org or call 1-847-733-3472 with your preference and availability to schedule a session.