Add “un” to restricted – Freeing up funds to pay operating expenses

Description

Abstract: Selling prospective donors on unrestricted contributions isn’t always easy. A few profligate — and well-publicized — nonprofits, not to mention campaigns against administrative “waste” by nonprofit watchdog groups, have made donors sensitive to the issue. But such funds are necessary to pay salaries, utility bills and other operational expenses. This article discusses how nonprofit fundraisers and boards can raise unrestricted funds, and even convert already-committed restricted funds to unrestricted use. A sidebar notes the effectiveness of personal appeals in fundraising.