In fundraising, you don’t usually get what you don’t ask for.  A lot of beginning nonprofits, often founded by artists, find it hard to solicit individuals for support.  If that’s you, remind yourself that if your work’s good enough for your sacrifice, it’s worth the support of others.  Your passion can capture people’s imaginations, you need only share it.  The trick is to find the right language, focus, and means.

First prepare. Make sure you are ready to manage key information about your potential donors.  Be ready to keep accurate, thorough records of each contribution and every contributor.  Buy or create a database or filing system that lets you know how much and how often someone gives, what shows they attend, where they live, where they work, what other organizations they help and who they know.  Many fundraising software programs are costly, so you may want start with a simple spreadsheet, and use the Foundation Center's Prospect Worksheet (.doc) as a guide.  And always (always!) keep track of your correspondence and contributions.  The fastest way to lose a donor is to solicit him for a contribution he already promised on a previous call.  Or to not return her call that is asking who to make a check to.

Now that you’re set, let’s start with the easiest prospect – your current audience.