An annual appeal to a core group of constituents is a great way to build and sustain a local donor base. Funds raised are usually unrestricted (available for any use) and may represent a substantial percentage of your annual income. Some form of data management system to record mailing information, gift information, and giving history is key to managing annual campaigns and tracking donor relationships over time. Promptly mailed receipts, thank you letters (or phone calls), and recognition of past gifts are all critical to developing and stewarding relationships with donors who give through direct mail.

Many programs have annual or seasonal fundraising events. The Edible Schoolyard Berkeley hosts a plant sale every spring. This includes a raffle, food, and plants that are propagated by the students and staff. By including student-led tours and gardening advice from staff, events of this kind not only raise money but also bring the community together to experience the program firsthand.

Members generally feel more ownership and involvement than donors and often expect to be asked to contribute things in addition to money, like volunteer time, political support, expertise, and influence. Levels of membership allow for different degrees of investment and involvement. What motivates people to become a member depends on your mission. In some cases, members may simply want a stronger sense of affiliation with the work you do or gain satisfaction from knowing that they are making a bigger difference. In others, members may be looking for concrete benefits, such as program participation or CSA shares.

Foundations and individuals may provide seed funding to help you conduct research and develop a plan for a new program or initiative. This investment and the resulting plan, can be extremely helpful in approaching supporters when it comes time to raise funds for piloting and implementing.

Funders may provide restricted funding for a particular project or program, or unrestricted funding, which leaves use to the discretion of the organization and can help cover operational and overhead costs.

A capital campaign can raise grants, gifts, and secure loans. It is typically a multi-year fundraising campaign with a particular goal such as funding a new building or a particular project with a specific scope.