Individuals in the United States account for nearly 88 percent of all charitable giving in the country. While over 62 percent of household giving in the United States in 1993 was directed towards religious organizations, over $40 billion went towards health, human services, arts and other types of charitable organizations. This document outlines some of the several different types fundraising that can be used to solicit contributions from individuals. Each of these ideas should be considered in the context of an organization's mission and strategic plan, because none of them are appropriate in all circumstances. It may be wise to consult with a professional advisor to construct a fundraising campaign that fits the needs and resources of your organization.

• Ask individuals to support your organization through membership fees or dues. Through memberships, sponsors, supporters, or other individuals can provide support to your organization on an annual basis, often receiving a newsletter or another symbol of membership status. Establish donor membership categories which depend on the amount of a contribution. This can help to encourage higher donations because varying degrees of honorary benefits can help emphasize upgraded memberships.

• Direct mail appeals are an increasingly popular means of reaching a significant number of potential donors. There are several books that describe a full range of direct mailings, and this is certainly an area in which professional fundraisers can assist you.

• Phone appeals may be an appropriate way to reach individuals in their homes. While probably most successful when targeting past donors who are familiar with an organization, they can also be used to educate the public about the organization and its current program activities.

• Highlighting the tax benefits to donors who make gifts of stocks or other tangible personal property may help to encourage larger gifts to an organization. Planned gifts, including trusts, insurance beneficiary designations, forms of deferred giving or other legal means can also attract individual donors. Similarly, bequests or gifts specified by the Will of an individual upon death are commonly made, and also provide possible tax benefits to consider. Consult with a tax advisor before actively soliciting these types of donations.

• Door-to-door canvassing is a mostly seasonal appeal used to reach individuals in Minnesota. While door-to-door canvassing can be expensive for an organization in terms of paid staff time spent on the street, it is a highly personal way of raising awareness about an organization. It can generate community interest and participation, as well as funds, in support of the charity.

• Special events fundraising commonly raises money for and awareness about an organization. Whether it's a banquet, silent auction, car wash or walk-a-thon, this can be an effective way to boost an organization. The key to a successful special event is to minimize expenses through the use of volunteers and donations of related items. Finding a sponsor or patron to underwrite the cost of an event can significantly reduce the expenses to the organization.

• Federated fundraising campaigns are a direct way to reach thousands of people across the state. These are annual campaigns carried out for the benefit of member agencies under some common banner or federation name. The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) for instance, represents pooled federal employee contributions for financial support of eligible nonprofit organizations. The United Ways and the Cooperating Fund Drive are other independent federated campaigns that reach individuals primarily through corporate support and access.