Key Term

What is Grassroots Fundraising?

Definition

Grassroots fundraising is a method of raising money that focuses on collecting small to medium-sized donations from a large number of individual donors, typically within a specific community or social network. This approach emphasizes building relationships with donors at a local level and often involves person-to-person contact, social media campaigns, community events, and direct appeals to individuals rather than pursuing large grants or major institutional donors.

Significance

Grassroots fundraising is particularly important in charitable giving because it helps organizations build a broad, sustainable base of support while fostering community engagement and ownership. This approach not only provides financial resources but also creates a network of committed supporters who can become advocates, volunteers, and long-term partners in the organization's mission. Unlike relying on a few major donors or grants, grassroots fundraising reduces financial vulnerability by diversifying funding sources and can lead to more stable, predictable revenue streams. It also helps organizations maintain their independence and stay true to their mission, as they're less likely to be influenced by the priorities of major donors or institutional funders.