Creative fund-raising for nursing homes. An additional revenue source in tough economic times.

Nursing home administrators and sponsors should look to fund-raising as a way to increase their facilities' revenues. The board should first appoint a development coordinator and a special board to be responsible for the fund-raising program. The nursing home can reach potential contributors by regularly sending printed material to specially selected persons from its mailing list. The staff must know the procedures to follow when someone wants to make a donation (e.g., to whom the check should be made payable). To generate interest and to motivate contributors, the fund-raising board should identify specific needs for which the contributions will be solicited. A computer program can help keep track of to whom acknowledgements must be sent. Options for a fund-raising program include memorial and honor gifts, gifts in kind, grants and special gifts, special events, deferred gifts, educational programs, and membership clubs.