What is the question that those who donate money often ask? "Where is my money going?" Most folks do not want to donate money to pay an electric bill or to buy a new computer for the office. Most people want to support a cause; they want to know their money is helping the community.

As a non profit, you can use scrapbooks to help solicit funds for your organization. Photos in a scrapbook tell the story much better than a written appeal for funds.

What is the purpose of your organization? Do you help low income women learn job skills? Great, take photos of the women not only while learning but also in their new positions. Choose a few women and chronicle their lives. Take photos that show exactly how the organization was able to help. Do you help underprivileged children attend camp? Show photos of the kids both at home and at camp. Does your organization build learning centers? Show photos of the blue prints, the construction, and then the actual classroom teaching. Show how these classrooms helped others. This can all be done through photos and scrapbooks.

If I was given the opportunity to give money to help buy new carpet for the non profit organization or to pay for a child to go to camp, my money is going to help the child go to camp, no questions asked. And if I see the photos of the kids, I just might sponsor two kids to go to camp.

Does your organization bring in experts to work with the staff? Show photos of the staff taking these classes. Now use these photos to find a sponsor to pay for the classes for the staff, so that the staff can better work with those they are supporting.

When we think of the Katrina disaster, everyone has visual images. Folks have been donating both time and money since the disaster occurred. Each appeal for money has been accompanied by photos showing the devastation and also showing the people, real people whose lives were impacted by the disaster.

When you ask for volunteers for your non profit, entice them with photos. Show them with photos what they'll be doing. Show them how their time will benefit the community.

Next time you solicit funds for your non profit, do it with photos, and show the scrapbook of your organization.