Annual Fund: The Ultimate Guide
What is the Definition of an Annual Fund?
An annual fund is the catch-all term for general nonprofit fundraising. It encompasses all fundraising efforts including online solicitation, direct mail asks, email appeals, and more. It does not include money raised during capital campaigns or for endowment funds.
Why is an Annual Fund Important?
An annual fund helps nonprofits cover their everyday expenses. Since other fundraising efforts (like grants) are usually intended for specific purposes, an annual fund allows nonprofits to have unrestricted funds that go toward general operations.
Resources Needed for an Annual Fund
Your nonprofit will use a variety of solicitation methods to raise money during your annual fund including direct mail letters, emails, phone calls, face-to-face asks, and web-based appeals. It’s crucial to have the right kinds of resources before asking for donations.