CFF Charity Drive

[CaptainTux]

Hi Everyone!

CommanderTaggert has been generous enough to allow me the opportunity to use some of the resources of the CFF and the the board at the CA to launch a CFF charity fundraiser. This fundraiser will allow us to help a worthy cause and increase our exposure. This is not a task I wish to undertake on my own. I need people with ideas, capabilities, and a genuine desire to make a difference to join me in doing something good while remaining true to the spirit of the CFF that others have worked hard to establish.

At the moment I see a need for people with:
-Charity and fundraising experience.
-Experience with writing effective press releases.
-Web design experience.
-Research experts (google gods or goddesses who can obtain contact information for media, bsg cast and crew, charity contacts, etc.).
-People with a general desire to help and be good worker bees while not afraid to contribute their ideas.
-People with BSG Costumes willing to attend possible check presentation.


Though I have a few initial ideas, I do not have a charity locked down yet. I am willing to read suggestions on worthwhile charities. They have to be something universal, not tied to such a small political or religious view that they would limit universal interest from folks of all walks of life.

Please PM me as soon as possible to express interest in being a part of this, or with constructive advice to ensure the success of this operation

Cheers!!!

CaptainTux

PS Feel free to read http://www.cylon.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1287 to see how this all started.

[cranky1c]

I have a bit of research expereince and would be willing to contribute in that way.

[julix]

I am interested, it kind of depends on a lot of factors...time commitment etc....
Did you think about American Heart Association....then we could have fun with heart Like Warriors with heart.....etc...just an idea. I am sure any children charity would be great! Kind me in mind!

[Rowan]

-Charity and fundraising experience. (I have a little experience here )
-Research experts (google goddesses who can obtain contact information for media, bsg cast and crew, charity contacts, etc.).
-People with a general desire to help and be good worker bees while not afraid to contribute their ideas.

I'd be interested in helping out as well Captain Tux :D

oops I forgot to mention that I would suggest a Cancer organisation of some sort as so many of us here and the world over have been touched in some way by this disease.
I would suggest that what ever we pick that it would be wiser of us (if this is both a charity and BSG awareness raising activity) that we pick an organization with a high profile.
The other thing I like is to pick a childrens organisation since most of fell in love with BSG as children and many of you see it as a family show. The Ronald McDonald House Charities comes to mind as an organisation that is all about family, with a focus on children, has a high profile and often deals with Cancer. We could donate copies of the original BSG to many of these places all over and bring joy to many children while at the same time indoctrinating a whole new generation ;) :D

http://www.rmhc.com/mission/index.html

[Sci-Fi]

Just a suggestion:

Why not follow the Farscape model and divide up geographical areas or assign regional coordinators and raise money and let the coordinators decide which local charity to give the money to? Then CFF can just post on their website the charities and amounts given to each and act like a national clearinghouse of information. If the collected amounts are too small, then as a group, you can decide to combine the money and which charity to give it to. Of course the books must be kept in perfect order and the people that collect the money must be trustworthy and honest people. Any black eye would damage credibility.

That's assuming you are taking the charity efforts directly to the streets. If not and it is only going to be an internet based charity collection effort, then disregard the previous paragraph.

Read these articles:
Online Fundraising - A Dangerous Proposition - Legal Compliance is Difficult but Necessary (http://nonprofit.about.com/library/weekly/aa040703.htm)

The Unified Registration Statement (http://www.multistatefiling.org/)

Internet Fundraising (http://www.afpnet.org/public_policy/internet_fundraising)

The Ten Rules for ePhilanthropy

Rule #1: Don't become invisible

If you build it, they won't just come. Building an online brand is just as important and just as difficult as building an off-line brand


Rule #2: It takes "know how" and vision

Your organization's website is a marketing and fundraising tool. NOT A TECHNOLOGY TOOL. Fundraisers and marketers need to be driving the content, not the web developer.


Rule #3: It's all about the donor

Put the Donor First! Know your contributors, let them get to know you.


Rule #4: Keep savvy donors; stay fresh & current

Make online giving enjoyable and easy. Give the donor options. Use the latest technology. Show your donor how their funds are being used.


Rule #5: Integrate into everything you do

Your website alone will do nothing. Every activity you have should drive traffic to your site.


Rule #6: Don't trade your mission for a shopping mall

Many nonprofit websites fail to emphasize mission, instead turning themselves into online shopping malls, without even knowing why.


Rule #7: Ethics, privacy and security are not buzzwords

Many donors are just now deciding to make their first online contribution. They will expect that your organization maintains the highest standards of ethics, privacy and security.


Rule #8: It takes the Internet to build a community

Many nonprofits (particularly smaller ones) lack the resources to communicate effectively. The Internet offers the opportunity to cost effectively build a community of supporters.


Rule #9: Success online means being targeted

The website alone is not enough. You must target your audience and drive their attention to the wealth of information and services offered by your website. Permission must be sought before you begin direct communication via the internet.


Rule #10: ePhilanthropy is more than just e-money

ePhilanthropy is a tool to be used in your fund raising strategy. IT SHOULD NOT be viewed as quick money. There are no short cuts to building effective relationships. But the Internet will enhance your efforts.

:salute: