Funding & Fundraising

Photo by Bart Bullock

AJ Bullock and C.C. Capone enjoy the bird-shaped cookies developed by baker Peggy Capone as a fundraiser for the Atlantic Audubon Society (NJ).

As Chapters develop ideas for new programs and projects, they find that it costs money to do the things they want. As a result, fundraising has become an increasingly important part of Chapter goals and activities. There are two ways to bring in much needed money for expanding Chapter programs. One way is to raise it through special projects; the other is to convince someone who believes in what you are doing to support the Chapter’s programs. Chapter bird seed sales, raffles and potluck dinners fall into the first category. Foundation, business and individual contributions fall into the second category. Birdathon falls into both categories.

The events and projects discussed in this section include those carried out by large and small, urban and rural Chapters. All have proven successful at bringing in big dollars and spreading the word about Audubon Chapter programs in communities across the country. Let these descriptions stimulate your own ideas. Chapter fundraising ideas are infinite and the potential dollars you can raise for the Audubon mission are limitless.

Legal Considerations

Chapters should be aware that certain legal requirements may apply to fundraising activities. The IRS website provides guidance on two of these requirements in particular.  First, most states require registration by charities that solicit contributions from the public. The IRS website provides a portal where you can review the requirements for the states in which your organization solicits funds: http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=129028,00.html. In addition, a charity must comply with the IRS acknowledgement and disclosure requirements when receiving certain contributions. The IRS website also provides a publication aimed at the general public that provides more information on these requirements: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1771.pdf. Chapters are encouraged to consult with their legal and financial advisors on these and any other applicable requirements.

External Resource:

Fundraising (Marc Smiley)