When I first became involved with Susila Dharma I thought that fund raising would involve me wearing beige and shaking a tin on a street corner for pennies. So I tested about it and received ''There is lots of money out there. Go and harvest it in your own way.''

Here are some of the ways that have been used by SD individuals and nationals: the list is not exhaustive, simply the beginning of a discussion.

''There are many different donation styles ''

Individuals

Many people have challenged themselves with duration events and been sponsored for the achievement of the tasks. For example 'Walk your Age', an event where you celebrate your years by walking miles, kilometers depending on your level of fitness. One Seventy year old did one mile a day for seventy days; 'Miles for Mithra' was a long distance bike ride from Canada to Mexico. However, not all countries have the sponsoring tradition of by donating money to encourage an individual to endure marathon feat and to support a project.

After a visit to a project members can feel moved to give talks and raise money in their local community. Vivid stories of projects are effective in raising interest, especially by project leaders.

Volunteering with a project, especially professionally skilled individuals.( See 'Get Involved' SDIA website)

A Canadian member was inspired to paint portraits of homeless people as her subjects. All the proceeds were used for the construction of a Center for homeless people.

See the SDIA Library, 'Basic Tips for Fund-raising for Small NGOs in Developing Countries'.

Groups


Make a connection between latihan and action in the world. Talk about Subud as though the world matters.

The range of ways that groups have raised money are numerous. Only bounded by their creativity and, as you know, we have the source of creativity in the latihan itself. Here are some examples: (ref.http://www.fundraiserhelp.com)

• Art and craft auctions Extend customer base through bidding on face book.
• Silent auctions. Services are offered, eg baby sitting for four hours, Slave for the Day.
• Night of a hundred suppers
• Themed evenings eg An Indian night with meal . To raise funds for Indian projects.
• Club nights at a Subud venue, a concert for up and coming music groups.
• A USA group committed to contributing $300.00 a month to fund a project . The idea is to provide some kind of predictable level of donation from the center.
• Change for change: A collecting box in every latihan hall for loose change.

Grant Writing

If you have a legally registered charitable organisation , for example an SD National, consider applying for funds to grant awarding bodies.

• International Development departments of Government. eg. BMZ (Germany,) DFID and National Lottery (UK).
• Charities Aid Foundation (UK) Directories are available listing the specific interests of a vast number of grant providers and how you may qualify.

Do not ask for support without knowing the project inside out and creating a professional proposal. These organisations will not look at unsolicited 'begging letters'. Talk to experienced proposal writers or fundraisers.

Resources

World wide ideas http://www.raisingfunding.co.uk/raising-funds-online-through-your-website.html

Convio Guides for Non-Profits (Proposal Writing Course): http://library.susiladharma.org/tools_promotionfundraising/2010_06_convioGuidesForNonprofits.shtml



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These Spotlight articles are intended to focus on issues facing SD national boards and to raise discussion between interested members. So, please add any further thoughts and experiences to: Raphael at randhbate@gmail.com