What is a Cause 'Wishlist'?
Each Cause registered on www.GreaterGoodSA.co.za is required to have a Wishlist. A Wishlist is an innovative way of asking for donations of new goods, second-hand goods or consumables that your organisation requires for improving your work, facilities or services. It is a list of actual items that you wish to be donated to you or funded by a giver. Thus, a Wishlist contains ‘bite-sized asks’ that make it easy for givers to respond with small, manageable donations in the form of money or the items you have requested.
What are the benefits of a Wishlist?
- A Wishlist is a 21st century fund-raising tool that you can use to get additional resources.
- A Wishlist provides your organisation with a new and different channel to raise awareness of your work and programmes.
- A thoughtful and well-formulated Wishlist gives the public more understanding of the work that your organisation does. Deeper understanding of the work of non profit organisations leads to greater appreciation and paves the way for long-term support.
What can I ask for in a Wishlist?
- Your Wishlist may include items that you need for your core operations such as stationery, small kitchen appliances or small office equipment.
- Your Wishlist may include items that you need to run a programme more effectively such as watches for your home-based carers or toys and books for your community early learning centre.
- Your Wishlist may include items that relate to improving your infrastructure such as beds for a new dormitory or paint for renovating your offices.
- Your Wishlist may include combinations of the above.
What is the monetary value of a Wishlist?
The maximum value of each item on your Wishlist needs to be less than R10 000. The reason for this is that a Wishlist is a collection of clear, ‘bite-sized asks’ that catches a giver’s attention. Potential donors need to be able to browse and find something on your Wishlist that they feel is an easy and worthwhile contribution that they can make to your organisation. Some givers may fulfil entire Wishlists, but it is much more likely that they will donate towards one or two of the items on your Wishlist. If you have a need for one item that is valued at more than R10 000, you may consider submitting a project proposal which enables you to request funding in excess of R10 000 for discrete projects.
How do I formulate a Wishlist?
- Give your Wishlist an attractive title.
- Line by line, describe each item on the Wishlist and provide an estimate of its monetary value. (Remember that each item must valued at under R10 000.)
- Write a brief overview of the Wishlist describing the context of your request.
- Describe the positive impact that will result from having these items. Who will benefit? How will the giver make a good difference?
An example of a Cause Wishlist:
1. Wishlist Name:
Tools and seeds to help our food garden grow
2. Item description & Item value:
6 X spades @ R80.00 each (R480.00)
6 X forks @ R80.00 each (R480-00)
2 X 20m hosepipes and fittings @ R300.00 each (R600.00)
2 X wheelbarrows @ R280.00 each (R560.00)
50 X packets of vegetable seeds @ R15.00 each (R750.00)
10 X bags of compost @ R30.00 each + transport @ R100.00 (R400.00)
3. Wishlist Overview:
One of our new groups, consisting of 6 unemployed mothers, is eager to create a community food garden in the grounds of the local primary school. They have secured the site and have already received training in organic gardening. These enthusiastic women need basic tools, seed and compost so that they can get started. The fresh produce from the garden will be used to supplement the school’s feeding scheme. The gardeners plan to set up a stall and sell surplus product to the local community, generating the income that is needed to keep the project going. They have the skills and drive to make this work, all they need is a bit of help to get them started.
4. Impact:
By donating towards any of these items on our Wishlist you will be helping these women to help themselves and make a valuable contribution to their community. They will be empowered productive members of society improving nutrition for the school’s learners and supplying fresh, organic vegetables to others. This is a great example of South Africans working to improve food security in their disadvantaged community.
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