Fundraising

Jeanne Malgioglio has been running Binky Patrol's Connecticut chapter for years, and she's figured out something a lot of volunteers never do: how to ask for money without hating every second of it. In this episode, Susan Finch sits down with Jeanne to talk through what actually works when it comes to local fundraising — and what's mostly a waste of time.
Jeanne shares why she skips the big community foundation grant cycles (too many hoops, too many closed windows) and goes straight to Rotary clubs, utility companies, car dealerships, and local businesses that want to be part of something good. She walks through how she builds her outreach letters — short, authentic, and focused on a specific urgent need — and why she tailors each one rather than sending a generic blast.
They also dig into the power of Facebook community pages and neighborhood groups, how to make your events visible without being pushy, and how the next generation of volunteers — including students — are already taking initiative and learning to fundraise on their own.
If your chapter needs materials or money and you're not sure where to start, this one's for you.

In this episode, we're joined by Keri Banghart from Microsoft's Corporate, External and Legal Affairs team in Seattle. Keri recently organized a blanket-making event for her team as part of Microsoft's annual giving campaign. We'll discuss how they set up the event, its impact on local and remote team members, and the creative ways they're supporting their community. Keri shares insights on coordinating volunteer efforts in a large corporation and how these initiatives foster team bonding while making a difference. We'll also explore the power of hands-on volunteering and its ripple effect in raising awareness for local needs. Join us for an inspiring conversation about corporate giving, community impact, and the joy of creating comfort for those in need.
Action Item List: Lot of ideas here - https://binkypatrol.org/ways-to-help/
Organize a blanket-making event for your team or company
Research local shelters or organizations in need of blanket donations
Set up remote participation options for team members who can't attend in person
Prepare materials in advance (e.g., pre-cut fabric) to streamline the event
Track volunteer hours and utilize company matching programs for donations
Take photos of the event and completed blankets for sharing and promotion
Consider partnering with other organizations or nonprofits for larger events
Explore options for regular or annual volunteering events
Involve family members and friends in blanket-making activities
Share your experience with other departments or companies to inspire similar initiatives
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