With today being the 30th June, it is absolutely tooooo late for people in Australia wanting to raise money and offer a tax deductible receipt to do anything for this financial year.

But it is an excellent opportunity to start thinking about fundraising for 2010 – 2011 and how to engage audience, supporters, friends and believers.

There is no best and surefast way to raise money – but there are some basics which apply whether you are supporting the scouts, the symphony or a large charity.

This blog and future postings will focus on fundraising in the arts in Australia, which is where my experience is based – and the number one thing I have learned in my time dealing with artists and arts organisations is that your relationship with your donors and supporters is of paramount importance.

Here are three things to keep in mind as starters:

1) Acknowledgement is essential – people love to be thanked, to see their name in program notes (unless they have asked to remain anonymous) – and the goodwill a well written thank you note generates is immeasurable.

2) Make it easy to donate. Don’t hide your request for support – have a clear page or pointer to it on your website and marketing materials such as programs, flyers and postcards. Don’t make people have to search for it and don’t intimidate them by making them telephone you to enquire about donating.

3) Keep your donors up to date – a regular newsletter, dropping them a line by post – sending them updates of good news about your work, performances or awards makes them feel involved. They have helped you along – they would like to know how you progress – and this encourages them in a very way to think that supporting you is something worth continuing.

to come – deductible gift recipient status and tax charitable concession status – what it means for organisations – and how individual artists, musicians, dancers, theatre practitioners and writers can gain access to it to support their work.

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