The Force Can Be With You

To overcome this challenge, he explains, the NLEOMF starts with local communities.

“We also continue to mail, publish articles and market the organization broadly through other channels,” he adds.

Ron Hampton of the National Black Police Association also has found that appealing to local communities can have a broader impact on fundraising efforts. His organization serves as an advocate for minority police officers.

“We’re trying to raise money for specific causes: getting a lawyer for a class-action suit, advocating for blacks being denied promotion or women being denied positions,” Hampton says, adding that creating specific asks often results in a more successful campaign than simply trying to raise funds to support the organization in general.

“We talk about creating a legal or building fund,” Hampton says. “When our campaign is wrapped around a particular issue, it has a broader effect. If a woman in D.C. is being denied opportunities, most likely women in other communities are also being denied.”

Hampton says that NBPA’s most successful campaigns reach out to its 10,000 members using simple, direct language.

“We don’t send a two-page, two-sided letter,” he explains. “We say in two to three paragraphs: Here is what we want, here is how you can help.”

He also points out that NBPA’s diverse membership is not always in a financial position to give large donations, but the organization finds great value in smaller gifts.

“When people count pennies, the dollars will take care of themselves,” he says. He finds that by making it as easy as possible for members to contribute — even as little as $5 — the campaign can be successful.

Reaching out to the right rank
Another important consideration for campaigns soliciting support from the police and firefighter community is ensuring you are contacting the right position.