Fundraising
From Democratic GAIN Wiki
Fundraising is part art, and part science.
On one hand, as a political fundraiser, your job requires you to maintain databases, produce invitations and track cash flow, while making sure that your campaign has the resources necessary to meet strategic objectives. On the other hand, you are a cheerleader, a disciplinarian and an ambassador for the campaign.
However, you are not the candidate. The candidate’s primary responsibility on the campaign is to raise money. Few candidates enjoy asking for money and some will even attempt to place the responsibility of making fundraising calls on you. Even under the best circumstances, candidates will be rejected by prospects. You must motivate your candidate to move past rejection by assuring him or her that this is not unique. You will likely spend more time with the candidate than anyone else on the campaign, so it’s important that you gain the confidence of the candidate by running a professional operation. You must also exhibit a high level of decorum as you work closely with key supporters to raise money for the campaign.
Your operation must be integrated with all aspects of the campaign, particularly the earned media, field and research operations. Without cooperation from these departments you will miss precious opportunities to find new sources of money, and you will not accomplish your job. Low dollar donors are great volunteer prospects, and committed volunteers will often host house parties where you can collect small contributions. Good press drives fundraising, and a good filing with the Federal Election Commission or state board of elections can lead to good press. Thorough research on your candidate and your opponent enables you to find additional donors.
Each day you will face new challenges and unyielding pressure. Remember that with proper planning and discipline, you can raise the money needed to win on Election Day.
There are only two objective ways to measure the progress of a campaign before the votes are counted – polling and fundraising.
General: Fundraising | Fundraising Plan | Fundraising Principles | Fundraising Technology
Spending: Budgeting
Compliance: Overview
Techniques: Call time | Fundraising mail | PAC Fundraising | Events | Online Fundraising
