Fundraising Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fundraising

[ˈfʌndˌreɪzɪŋ ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

for a cause

Fundraising is the practice of gathering voluntary contributions of money or other resources, by requesting donations from individuals, businesses, charitable foundations, or governmental agencies. It is commonly used by non-profit organizations, schools, sports teams, and other groups to support their activities.

Synonyms

collection, fund collection, fundraising campaign.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fundraising	General efforts or activities to raise money for a cause, organization, or event. The school is planning a fundraising event to build a new library. They are involved in fundraising for the local animal shelter.
collection	Gathering contributions, often money or items, for a specific purpose or organization. We are doing a collection for the victims of the recent flood. The church holds a collection every Sunday for charity.
fundraising campaign	An organized series of actions or events designed to raise money for a specific cause or project over a period of time. The organization's fundraising campaign to help endangered animals has been very successful. They launched a fundraising campaign to renovate the old theater.
fund collection	Activity focused specifically on gathering monetary contributions, typically for a particular reason. The committee organized a fund collection for the new community center. We need to start a fund collection to support the event.

Examples of usage

Her school organized a fundraising event to raise money for the new library.
The charity relies on fundraising to continue their important work.
We need to come up with creative fundraising ideas for our community project.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The practice of raising money can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where communities would come together to support each other in times of need.
In the 18th century, fundraising began to formalize through charitable organizations designed to support causes like education and healthcare.
The first known fundraising event, a 'fundraising dinner', was held in the 1800s by a charity in London to support the homeless.

Modern Techniques

Crowdfunding has transformed fundraising, allowing many people to contribute small amounts online to bring big ideas to life.
Social media plays a crucial role in modern fundraising campaigns, with platforms enabling quick sharing and wide outreach.
Peer-to-peer fundraising allows supporters to create their own fundraising pages, leveraging personal networks for greater impact.

Psychology

Studies show that people are more likely to donate if they feel a personal connection to the cause or understand the benefits clearly.
The act of giving can release feel-good hormones like oxytocin, making donors feel connected and happy.
Donors are often motivated by the desire to make a positive impact and leave a legacy, influencing long-term giving patterns.

Pop Culture

Numerous celebrity-led fundraising efforts have gained attention, from musicians organizing concerts to raise money for humanitarian causes.
Reality shows like 'Shark Tank' have further popularized the concept of fundraising by showcasing entrepreneurs seeking investors.
Television marathons, like those for cancer research, can raise millions in donations, blending entertainment with philanthropy.

Education

Many schools engage in fundraising through events such as bake sales, car washes, and sponsored runs to support programs and resources.
Educational institutions often set up alumni networks to raise funds for scholarships and campus improvements.
Learning about social responsibility through fundraising teaches students the importance of community support and collaboration.

Origin of 'fundraising'

The concept of fundraising dates back to ancient times when individuals and communities would come together to support various causes. In the modern era, fundraising has become a structured practice, with various strategies and techniques utilized to raise funds for specific purposes. The evolution of technology has also had a significant impact on fundraising, making it easier for organizations to reach a wider audience and collect donations more efficiently.