Grassroots Fundraising and the “21st Maine”

As one of the judges for SPNovations, a new award program offered by the State Policy Network, I get to see terrific examples of creativity and innovation on the part of our state-based think tank partners. Let me share a recent winner that takes high marks across the board – from the Maine Heritage Policy Center.

Anyone who’s been involved with fundraising for their organization recognizes the multi-level development challenges that typically arise. HCPR’s “21^st Maine” program has an answer for several of these challenges, many of them creatively involving the number “8” – the number of key projects the center is focusing on for 2009.

• It offers a bit of Maine history as a teaser to attract involvement –The 21st Maine pays homage to the famous “20th Maine” Civil War infantry regiment of the Battle of Gettysburg.
• It helps to expand its base of donors by asking for a minimum monthly donation of $8 – who can turn that little amount down?
• It reduces bureaucracy and outreach costs by securing the funds via electronic fund transfer.
• It offers a small menu of 8-minute ways to volunteer for the organization – 21^st Maine recruits agree to become more involved with MHPC’s work by participating in monthly action requests like writing a letter to their state legislators or bringing a guest to an MHPC event – each monthly action takes a maximum of eight minutes to complete.
• In keeping with successful fundraising campaign models, the program offers a measurable goal — When MHPC reaches their goal, it then has an additional $8,000 in  steady monthly income.

All in all, it’s a fabulously simple program that gives people a chance tobecome engaged in making a difference in their state.

For more information about MHPC’s grassroots efforts, see the article Grassroots Grow Deep in Maine, or check the MPHC’s website