How to Raise Funds - The Basics

Human rights work costs money. Whether you are raising funds to support your group's activities at the

local level or to support the life-saving work of Amnesty International worldwide, fundraising is an absolutely

essential component of your human rights work. But raising cash need not be burdensome or onerous. In

fact, it can be fun. Here are some basics.

Fundraising Is Human Rights Work

Yes, you are raising the money to finance your group’s activities at the local level. Beyond that you are

raising money to support the work of Amnesty International USA and ultimately Amnesty International’s

vital, life-saving work worldwide! Does that make you feel important? It should. You are part of the world’s

largest, most respected and effective grassroots human rights movement.

Did You Know?

Amnesty International receives almost all its funding from its members. That’s you. All Amnesty groups are

asked to make a minimum annual contribution of $50 to AIUSA - some give more - to help cover the cost of

training, resource materials and other support you receive throughout the year. That includes travel

subsidies to Regional Conferences, and the Annual General Meeting and tabling materials. In short, the

money comes right back to you.

Sharing the Wealth

There are other worthy organizations out there doing life-saving work as well. Sometimes we form alliances

or partnerships with them on issues of common concern. But remember, when you are raising funds under

Amnesty International’s name you are raising funds first to support the programs, work and activities of

Amnesty International. Cash donations to other organizations are inappropriate, except under

extremely rare circumstances. Possible exceptions to this policy will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Check with your Regional Office. But as a rule of thumb, all monies raised under Amnesty International’s
name remain with Amnesty International. If you are raising money jointly with an other organization, of

course, you can split the proceeds.

And Remember

You are raising money to support very important work, life-saving work. Your work!

The Basic Principles of Fundraising

1. You don't get money unless you ask for it.

2. Keep it simple and fun.
3. The best approach is the direct, personal approach.
4. You have to give people something for their money, even if only a sense of accomplishment in
knowing their funds will support your good work.
5. When you do fundraising right, people give you money because they want to, not because they're
trying to do you a favor.
6. Funds raised in the name of Amnesty International are to be used either in support of activist group
activities, or donated to AIUSA.

General Tips

Know Where You Are Going: Identify specifically what it is you want to accomplish. Set clear,
reasonable financial goals and stick to them.
Have A Plan: Selling fair trade chocolate? Staging a Jamnesty concert? It all starts with a plan.
Draw on Your Resources: And that means you, your fellow group members, your Area
Coordinator or Student Area Coordinator, your friends and allies. Contact your Regional Office (1-
866-A-REGION) and other AI groups for ideas. You have a lot going for you in terms of experience,
enthusiasm and energy.
Keep It Positive: If you think you can’t do it, you won’t. You are selling something worthwhile!
Know Your Territory: Good salespeople know their market.

Plan Your Budget Ahead of Time

Before developing a fundraising plan and goals, estimate the amount of money your group needs to carry

out its work for the next year.

Basic categories include:

Your Annual Group Assessment Fee: All AIUSA groups are asked to make a minimum annual
contribution of $50 to AIUSA - some give more - to help cover the cost of training, resource
materials and other support you receive throughout the year.
 Publicity: Costs for flyers, posters, photocopying, brochures, and newsletters. Try to find a printer
who will donate the printing of flyers, or at least give you a discount. Have an overall printing
budget, which includes photocopying costs.
Postage: Some groups expect individual members to absorb this cost, which is fine in the short
run, but can become burdensome over time on those members who do most of the mail. Include
costs for newsletter distribution.
Meeting Costs: Consider costs for rooms for special meetings, refreshments, audiovisual
equipment, advertising, etc. How many meetings will you have? What will happen at those meetings
that might affect costs?
Action Costs: Include transportation, "props" (signs, posters, bull horn, etc.), printed materials,
and postage for mailing letters or postcards.
Travel: You may need to send members or leaders places or bring people to help your group. Some
groups cover the costs of people traveling to lobby their Members of Congress or assisting a certain
number of members to attend Regional meetings and conferences.
Speakers: Costs for speakers should include travel, lodging, meals, and honoraria.
Resources: Many reports and videos are available from AI. Much information can be obtained for
free from the AI website. For merchandise such as T-Shirts, etc. check out the Shop Amnesty online
store.
Fundraising-Related Expenses: It costs money to make money. Costs include publicity,
advertising, facility costs, and everything things needed to do an event (prizes, entertainment, food,
etc.).
Volunteer and Donor Appreciation: Groups may want to recognize donors and members (all or
some who have worked particularly hard on an action or event) with thank-you notes, a token AI
gift (bumper sticker, calendar, or T-shirt), or a gift certificate to a local restaurant or business.

Once your group has made a budget estimate for each category, add all costs together to determine the

total you have to raise. If the amount is more than you can reasonably expect to raise, you will need to

prioritize and decide which items are most important.

FUNDRAISING PLANNING

After you decide what your group needs, you have to figure out how to get it. You can either raise money or

have goods and services donated (known as in-kind donations).

Make an assessment of your group, asking questions such as:

What material resources do we have?

Who do people in our group know? Public officials, religious leaders, college faculty, entertainers,
and local merchants are examples of contacts who can donate time, materials, or food for your
event.
What do we like to do? Are there group members with special talents? Are any group members
artists, musicians, or experienced speakers?
 What other organizations do members belong to that may want to collaborate?

When creating a fundraising plan, keep in mind the following:

Fun: Fundraising activities should be fun for the donors and for the members who have put it
together. Activities that are a drag burn out your members and make people who give feel like
they?ve been burned.
Simplicity: Keep it simple. The more bells and whistles you add to the plan, the more things can go
wrong.
Potential Hazards: Beware of fundraising that requires large up-front investment, includes a high-
risk of losing money, or could harm your group's reputation if you fail to meet expectations. Explore
options for reducing high-priced overhead items, such as getting food donated.
Involvement: Involve members and others in a positive way, without drawing time and resources
from other necessary work.
Donor Appreciation: Make donors feel good about giving. Thank them and, when appropriate, do
so publicly.
Other Events: Add fundraising to what your group is already doing. Consider how you can add a
fundraising element to already planned actions and activities.
Celebration: Celebrate victories and achievements. Reward friends, allies, and hard-working group
members.

Fundraising Ideas And Suggestions

In-kind Donations

Look at each expense and think about ways you can get those needs met for free or at a discount. Examples

of in kind donations include food from a restaurant, printing from a printer, and a free hotel room from a

hotel. Always remember to thank donors (with a letter) and with free publicity if they don't want to remain

anonymous (e.g. an ad in your newsletter or a letter to the editor after an event).

Membership Dues

Membership dues should be a basic part of your fundraising plan. They are an easy, dependable source of

income from your constituents - the people who most want you to keep doing what you're doing. You'll hear

many arguments against group dues: "Volunteers give time, they shouldn't be asked for money." "Our

members already give to AIUSA. We shouldnt ask twice." "Those who can't pay will feel left out." Time,

however, is not money. Group members know you need both to do your work. As for leaving people out,

you can design a system that won't offend any volunteers. Many people who appreciate your work cannot

attend meetings; dues give them a chance to invest in the group. If your members absolutely reject the idea

of dues, offer them opportunities to donate for specific projects or costs.

Hints for determining and collecting membership dues:

 When determining a membership fee, be sensitive to different economic levels among your
members. Groups could have lower membership rates for the elderly, students, and people on fixed
incomes and a regular rate for other members.
Invite people to join at each meeting and event. Wherever you display AI materials, make a
membership coupon available. Put one in your newsletter.
If you have a newsletter, start with a reminder: "Please renew your membership before
Thanksgiving, to receive our special Human Rights Day newsletter."
Determine what membership in your organization means. Are there going to be a particular rights,
privileges, or benefits members get when they pay dues (such as voting rights)?

Offer members a concrete benefit as a thank-you. Include items such as:

Newsletter: a newsletter is a great benefit that keeps members informed of your work and is also
a good forum for further requests. Each issue should include a coupon for gift memberships or
donations.
AI bumper stickers, button, or note cards
Member packets (a letter-writing guide, AI brochures)
T-shirts
Copies of AIUSA annual report

Special Appeals

Some groups separate the funds used for regular operations from special appeal needs. It is often easier to

raise larger sums of money if you can tell donors exactly what the money is for. Large donors in particular

like to be able to see their money at work. If your group has an action or specific campaign coming up, use

it as an opportunity to make a special appeal to your regular donors and others.

Selling Merchandise

Selling T-shirts, pins, and posters requires initial funds to purchase the products. Your group can order

merchandise through Shop Amnesty or you can design your own products.

What to Sell

Start with low-priced items. For groups just starting out with merchandizing as a fundraiser, start with

small-ticket items like pins and stickers instead of t-shirts. For such small items, request donations and then

give items away. For example, you might be able to sell buttons for 50 cents, but if you request a donation

for that same pin, many people are likely to put a dollar or some larger amount into your collection jar.

AI Merchandise.

The Shop Amnesty online store includes T-shirts, bags, hats, and other items. Refer to the catalogue for

bulk rates. If ordering T-shirts, note that you must order more than 30 items to get the bulk rate, but you
can mix and match the designs. Full payment, including shipping and handling, must be sent with the order.

Anticipate two weeks for delivery.

A Fair Trade Fundraiser.

Equal Exchange, pioneers in the Fair Trade movement/or the oldest Fair Trade company in the U.S., and

Amnesty International USA are teaming up to provide an easy way to raise funds for your AIUSA group, and

help farmers and their families around the world! Groups earn 45% profits selling organic and Fair Trade

coffees, teas and chocolates.. Your order will come with educational and outreach tools to raise awareness

about Fair Trade on your campus or in your community. Order directly from Equal Exchange by calling (774)

776-7371 and mention Amnesty International USA. If you have any questions please call Equal Exchange or

go to: www.equalexchange.com/fundraiser.

Local Vendor Merchandise:

Your group can also design and sell its own products, produced by a local vendor. Be sure to discuss design

elements, which will affect the price of the merchandise (e.g. number of colors used, number of sides of a T-

shirt on which there is printing, etc). Be creative with your design, but make sure that it communicates a

human rights message and includes AI's logo. When making an order, be sure to have a written agreement

with the vendor, with dates for payment and delivery.

Group Products

Special Holiday Merchandise:

Many small items, such as flowers, cookies, and cards, can be sold for Holidays such as Halloween, Mother's

Day, Valentine's Day, and religious holidays.

What to Charge:

A general rule of thumb is to charge double what you pay. When deciding your price, be sure to look at "full

cost accounting"; in other words, consider any costs associated with selling the shirts such as cost of booth

and table space, as well as number of shirts you give away to volunteers, guest speakers, or others. If

people complain to you about the price being too high, don't lower it. Always politely explain that the sales

are for a good cause. Don't set your price too low. For instance, if shirts cost you $7 and you sell them for

$10, it will take you 34 shirts to make a profit of $100. If you sell them for $15, it will only take you 13

shirts to make a profit of $100.

How to Handle "Start-up" Costs:

By ordering in bulk, your group can save money on the cost per item, but it is difficult to come up with the

money for this up front. To determine the size of your order, assess the number of potential buyers and the

amount of funds available. To get the money, if your group does not already have it, allow members to pre-

order items such as T-shirts and have them pay in advance. Consider all possible sources for funding. A
group member might front the money or student groups may be able to receive funds from their student

association. Wherever the money comes from, if it is borrowed, be sure that all the money you collect goes

immediately to paying those people and organizations back!

How to Set-up:

Attractive displays always help to sell merchandise. If people can see the items you are selling, they are

more likely to buy them. You can sometimes use clothesline and clothespins or make some sort of simple

rack for T-shirts and other items. If you pin or tape shirts to a back wall, make sure you don't damage the

wall.

STUDENT GROUPS - SPECIAL NOTE ON BANK ACCOUNTS

Except at a very small number of private schools, groups affiliated with schools are always tax-
exempt.
If your student group decides to establish your own bank account, use the local group guidelines
above.

If your school requires your group to keep funds in a pool managed by school administrators, keep

careful records of income and expenses. If you encounter problems, contact your Regional Office for

advice. All groups should ask more than one person to review the bookkeeping ledger. Bookkeeping

is tough, and two heads are better than one. If someone finds accounting errors they are unable to

resolve or evidence of fraud or disappearing funds, contact your Regional Office (PDF) immediately.

AIUSA Mailing Lists

AI groups can request mailing labels for members in their geographic area for the purpose of recruiting

and/or sending out information about group events. Please do not use this mailing list to solicit contributions

directly! Direct-mail donors with a gift in the last 18 months are selected for these mailings. To ensure the

accuracy and integrity of data, the New York office will provide pressure-sensitive labels for one-time use

only. Groups should contact the New York office for a set of labels for each new event. Please be sure to

inform your Regional office about the mailing before contacting New York for labels.

Planning a Fundraising Event

Planning for a Fundraiser

Make a list of all the jobs that need to be done.

Confirm the room reservations, guest speakers, and entertainment.
Get a permit for food and merchandise sales.
Advertise in newspapers and send public service announcements to radio stations.
 Have group members distribute and post flyers.
Reserve and confirm microphones, tables, VCR, and other equipment.
Photocopy information regarding the cases or actions to be presented, including general AI
literature.
Invite other organizations and their members.

Ask a volunteer to take responsibility for seeing that each task is completed.

For jobs that require more than one person, find a volunteer coordinator and as many workers as

needed.

Assign deadline dates for each task.

Plan for “disasters.” Something will surely go wrong, so anticipate all the possible disruptions of the

event (e.g. rain, not enough food, performers not showing up, etc.). Brainstorm a list of all the

possible “disasters” and then brainstorm measures that can be taken as prevention or solution to

each (e.g. “get indoor space in case of rain”).

Budgeting For An Event

Make a budget for your event and do your best to stick to it. In order to come up with your budget, make a

list of all items that will involve some expense. Estimate the cost of each (call vendors to confirm estimates)

and determine if any of the items could be donated. Total all costs, subtract donated items, and you have a

budget.

A Note on Potential Hazards: When deciding how to raise funds, your group should consider factors such

as the amount of money it will need to invest up-front and how much risk is involved. Events that require

little investment and offer high returns include car washes, bake sales, raffles, flea markets, auctions, and

canvassing/membership drives. Events such as dances or dinners require slightly more investment and more

risk.

Fundraisers requiring high investment and high risk include bingo, selling big-ticket items such as Christmas

trees, selling calendars (they only sell for a short period of time), races, walk-a-thons, and concerts. Many

of these fundraisers not only require a large up-front investment, but are costly and time-consuming to

organize and promote. While celebrity events such as concerts have been historically successful for AI,

groups should carefully consider the monetary and time investments required to produce such an event. A

final type of fundraiser that requires high investment and risk is mass/ direct mail. It should also be noted

that groups may not use mailing lists from AIUSA for direct appeals of this sort.
Ideas For Fundraising Events

If you are selling merchandise - make sure selling items is allowed where you set up. Some venues allow

distribution of literature but not sales. Sometimes groups can avoid this difficulty by requesting donations

and giving away products to donors who contribute a certain amount.

Raffles. Raffles are a fun and simple way to earn money. Ask local businesses to donate

prizes and sell tickets for a certain period of time. Some of the businesses that donated might also

be willing to sell tickets. Incorporate the raffle into the group’s work by having the drawing during a

meeting or special event. Be sure to check local and state regulations regarding raffles before you

start.

“- A-Thons”. Write-a-thons, dance-a-thons, skate-a-thons, etc. take a little extra organizing but

can be extremely profitable. Try to collect pledges in advance. You can ask for a block pledge ($10

for the event) or agree to have a certain number of letters, dance a certain number of hours, etc.

and ask for payment up-front. Include a speaker or show a human rights-related movie during a

write-a-thon. Set up a “thermometer” poster that is updated frequently to indicate how close the

group is to reaching its goals.

Literature Readers. Invite noted authors or human rights activists to read from their work, or get

group members to read parts of essays, short stories, novels, poems, or testimonies of victims of

human rights violations. Set up an “Amnesty Café” to sell coffee and baked goods during the

readings. A good time for this type of event would be during Banned Books Week in September.

Benefit Meals. These can range in scope and price. A more elaborate benefit meal might be an

international dinner, focusing on a single prisoner of conscience and featuring food, music, and

speakers from his or her country. A more simple variation of this theme would be to hold a pancake

breakfast or spaghetti dinner followed by a movie or speaker.

Concerts. Concerts can be fun, but need to be planned carefully because they can easily lose

money. There are many ways to hold events with music, and the music you use can vary widely.

Check to verify the musical tastes of your target audience before you arrange the music. Make the

location fun. Consider holding the concert outdoors in a park during the summer or at popular

venue, such as a bookstore, bar, or restaurant.

Performances. Consider putting on performances either using group members or members of a

local drama club or theatre as performers. Charge admission for the show and then sell
refreshments and AI merchandise. Also, be sure to have a table with information on AI and your
group at the show.
Group Use of the National Donor List

Local portions of the AIUSA membership list may be used by local groups, regional offices and other units,

under certain circumstances and according to the guidelines mentioned below. Already, this list is used with

maximum intensity for fundraising. But groups can make use of the list in ways which can directly involve

the members in local human rights programs. Some examples of such uses are rallies, new group

formation, existing group expansion, and ticket sales to special events such as concerts or plays. Requests

for contributions may be made incidentally to the event only of the following, or similar, language is used:

“If you can't attend, would you consider a $5 or $10 contribution to support our local activities. Please do

not reduce your contribution to the national organization on which the entire movement depends.” (from a

flyer done by a local AI group). Note: the $10 request is a maximum. The policy excludes direct appeals

for contribution alone because the AIUSA donor list provides 87% of the national budget. Multiple requests

will jeopardize that income source.

Note: Tickets or sales are only tax-deductible for the amount paid in excess of

market value. Groups should be careful not to make claims without detailed

knowledge of the laws. An excellent phrase to use is: “contributions are

deductible to the extent allowed by law”. If asked, groups can explain to

the individual donor that AI is a charitable organization, but that the exact

amount to be claimed on the tax form should be worked out between the donor

and their tax advisor or accountant.

All requests for the list should be made to the Direct Mail coordinator in the New York office. At the time of

the request, both the regional office and the Direct Mail coordinator will need a copy of all parts of the

mailing, reflecting the above guidelines. We hope to make the list available at all times. However, there

will be occasions when list requests will be refused because of the wording of the appeal or because the

timing will conflict with a fund-raising mailing coming out of the national office. Should this occur, alternate

wording or an alternate date could be agreed upon. Please remember, both your regional office and the

national office need to receive a copy of the mailing before the list request process can begin.

Each list may be used only once, within the time period authorized and with the approved materials. This

requirement is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the AIUSA direct mail program. Do not copy, or

reproduce in any form, or disclose the mailing list.

Finally, in order to keep pace with increasing computer costs, effective April 1, 1986, the group will be

charged a fee of $20 as a portion of the cost of running their labels. A bill will be enclosed with each set of

labels.
Fundraising Ideas And Suggestions

In-kind Donations

Look at each expense and think about ways you can get those needs met for free or at a discount. Examples

of in kind donations include food from a restaurant, printing from a printer, and a free hotel room from a

hotel. Always remember to thank donors (with a letter) and with free publicity if they don't want to remain

anonymous (e.g. an ad in your newsletter or a letter to the editor after an event).

Membership Dues

Membership dues should be a basic part of your fundraising plan. They are an easy, dependable source of

income from your constituents - the people who most want you to keep doing what you're doing. You'll hear

many arguments against group dues: "Volunteers give time, they shouldn't be asked for money." "Our

members already give to AIUSA. We shouldnt ask twice." "Those who can't pay will feel left out." Time,

however, is not money. Group members know you need both to do your work. As for leaving people out,

you can design a system that won't offend any volunteers. Many people who appreciate your work cannot

attend meetings; dues give them a chance to invest in the group. If your members absolutely reject the idea

of dues, offer them opportunities to donate for specific projects or costs.

Hints for determining and collecting membership dues:

When determining a membership fee, be sensitive to different economic levels among your
members. Groups could have lower membership rates for the elderly, students, and people on fixed
incomes and a regular rate for other members.
Invite people to join at each meeting and event. Wherever you display AI materials, make a
membership coupon available. Put one in your newsletter.
If you have a newsletter, start with a reminder: "Please renew your membership before
Thanksgiving, to receive our special Human Rights Day newsletter."
Determine what membership in your organization means. Are there going to be a particular rights,
privileges, or benefits members get when they pay dues (such as voting rights)?

Offer members a concrete benefit as a thank-you. Include items such as:

Newsletter: a newsletter is a great benefit that keeps members informed of your work and is also
a good forum for further requests. Each issue should include a coupon for gift memberships or
donations.
AI bumper stickers, button, or note cards
Member packets (a letter-writing guide, AI brochures)
T-shirts
Copies of AIUSA annual report
Special Appeals

Some groups separate the funds used for regular operations from special appeal needs. It is often easier to

raise larger sums of money if you can tell donors exactly what the money is for. Large donors in particular

like to be able to see their money at work. If your group has an action or specific campaign coming up, use

it as an opportunity to make a special appeal to your regular donors and others.

Selling Merchandise

Selling T-shirts, pins, and posters requires initial funds to purchase the products. Your group can order

merchandise through Shop Amnesty or you can design your own products.

What to Sell

Start with low-priced items. For groups just starting out with merchandizing as a fundraiser, start with

small-ticket items like pins and stickers instead of t-shirts. For such small items, request donations and then

give items away. For example, you might be able to sell buttons for 50 cents, but if you request a donation

for that same pin, many people are likely to put a dollar or some larger amount into your collection jar.

AI Merchandise.

The Shop Amnesty online store includes T-shirts, bags, hats, and other items. Refer to the catalogue for

bulk rates. If ordering T-shirts, note that you must order more than 30 items to get the bulk rate, but you

can mix and match the designs. Full payment, including shipping and handling, must be sent with the order.

Anticipate two weeks for delivery.

A Fair Trade Fundraiser.

Equal Exchange, pioneers in the Fair Trade movement/or the oldest Fair Trade company in the U.S., and

Amnesty International USA are teaming up to provide an easy way to raise funds for your AIUSA group, and

help farmers and their families around the world! Groups earn 45% profits selling organic and Fair Trade

coffees, teas and chocolates.. Your order will come with educational and outreach tools to raise awareness

about Fair Trade on your campus or in your community. Order directly from Equal Exchange by calling (774)

776-7371 and mention Amnesty International USA. If you have any questions please call Equal Exchange or

go to: www.equalexchange.com/fundraiser.

Local Vendor Merchandise:

Your group can also design and sell its own products, produced by a local vendor. Be sure to discuss design

elements, which will affect the price of the merchandise (e.g. number of colors used, number of sides of a T-

shirt on which there is printing, etc). Be creative with your design, but make sure that it communicates a

human rights message and includes AI's logo. When making an order, be sure to have a written agreement

with the vendor, with dates for payment and delivery.

Group Products

Special Holiday Merchandise:

Many small items, such as flowers, cookies, and cards, can be sold for Holidays such as Halloween, Mother's

Day, Valentine's Day, and religious holidays.

What to Charge:

A general rule of thumb is to charge double what you pay. When deciding your price, be sure to look at "full

cost accounting"; in other words, consider any costs associated with selling the shirts such as cost of booth

and table space, as well as number of shirts you give away to volunteers, guest speakers, or others. If

people complain to you about the price being too high, don't lower it. Always politely explain that the sales

are for a good cause. Don't set your price too low. For instance, if shirts cost you $7 and you sell them for

$10, it will take you 34 shirts to make a profit of $100. If you sell them for $15, it will only take you 13

shirts to make a profit of $100.

How to Handle "Start-up" Costs:

By ordering in bulk, your group can save money on the cost per item, but it is difficult to come up with the

money for this up front. To determine the size of your order, assess the number of potential buyers and the

amount of funds available. To get the money, if your group does not already have it, allow members to pre-

order items such as T-shirts and have them pay in advance. Consider all possible sources for funding. A

group member might front the money or student groups may be able to receive funds from their student

association. Wherever the money comes from, if it is borrowed, be sure that all the money you collect goes

immediately to paying those people and organizations back!

How to Set-up:

Attractive displays always help to sell merchandise. If people can see the items you are selling, they are

more likely to buy them. You can sometimes use clothesline and clothespins or make some sort of simple

rack for T-shirts and other items. If you pin or tape shirts to a back wall, make sure you don't damage the

wall.

STUDENT GROUPS - SPECIAL NOTE ON BANK ACCOUNTS

Except at a very small number of private schools, groups affiliated with schools are always tax-
exempt.
If your student group decides to establish your own bank account, use the local group guidelines
above.

If your school requires your group to keep funds in a pool managed by school administrators, keep

careful records of income and expenses. If you encounter problems, contact your Regional Office for

advice. All groups should ask more than one person to review the bookkeeping ledger. Bookkeeping
 is tough, and two heads are better than one. If someone finds accounting errors they are unable to

resolve or evidence of fraud or disappearing funds, contact your Regional Office (PDF) immediately.

AIUSA Mailing Lists

AI groups can request mailing labels for members in their geographic area for the purpose of recruiting

and/or sending out information about group events. Please do not use this mailing list to solicit contributions

directly! Direct-mail donors with a gift in the last 18 months are selected for these mailings. To ensure the

accuracy and integrity of data, the New York office will provide pressure-sensitive labels for one-time use

only. Groups should contact the New York office for a set of labels for each new event. Please be sure to

inform your Regional office about the mailing before contacting New York for labels.

AIUSA FUNDRAISING POLICIES

For more information visit Finance Guidelines (for Local Groups and Clusters - members section).

1. To protect impartiality, never take money from a donor who sets conditions or a contribution that creates

financial dependence up on any political organization or interest. Donations should not be raised from

sources that limit AI's freedom of activity, expression or concerns that AI chooses to undertake.

2. Many corporations have funds set aside to support social justice issues and events. Do not approach

businesses that conflict with AI's mission. In general, AI should not be identified with, or be seen to be

promoting any product. Check with your Regional Office before you seek funding or agree to put a company

logo on AI materials or merchandise.

3. AI's 5 percent rule, which protects impartiality, applies to each group. If you receive a donation in excess

of 5 percent of your annual budget, contact your Regional Office for advice. (In-kind donations of goods or

services don't count.) You can ask a donor to write two checks, one to your group for no more than 5

percent of your budget, and one to AIUSA for the rest. Contact the Development Department to explore

ways to cultivate this new donor.

4. The IRS requires that all local groups and clusters operate on AIUSA's fiscal year, October 1 to September

30.

5. If you cultivate major donors, AI asks that you seek new contributors who are not already major donors

to AIUSA. National donors are needed to fund basic research, materials, and services. You can find the

names of national donors in your area by contacting AI's Development Department.

6. Do not give tax advice to donors — it could lead to liability. State that “AIUSA is a 501(c)3 organization

and contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.” In-kind donations are rarely 100 percent

tax-deductible; encourage in-kind contributors to consult their accountants or lawyers.

7. There is one exception to rule #6: You must tell donors the fair market value of anything they receive. If

you sell $50 reception tickets, you must tell purchasers what the food and drink is worth. If you give a T-

shirt for a $30 contribution, you must tell buyers what the shirt is worth.

8. If you develop a foundation program, consult with the Development Department in the New York office

before contacting national foundations. Because AIUSA submits many proposals at the national level, we

need to avoid competing applications.