Quinn Tierney is president of Q & A Creative Fundraising in Minneapolis. He works with non-profit leaders who want to cultivate their donor base. Below, he shares some ideas for businesses in collaborating with not-for-profit organizations. -ed.

Non-profits are small, medium, or large-sized businesses organized to serve the public good that need your products, services, or advice, just as any for-profit business would. There are many non-profits, more than 5000 in Minnesota alone, and they are conveniently situated all around you, making them less expensive to get to than, say, the cost of expanding your business out of town.

Non-profits are generally very welcoming when approached on a problem-solving, mission strengthening basis. These organizations tend to be quite visionary, at least in their mission of providing service, practical know how and expertise. They often are grateful when presented with a cutting-edge time-saving solution to their problems. Non-profits also really appreciate any ideas that could create additional revenue streams or help operate more efficiently (i.e. selling merchandise or taking contributions online, etc.). It may be possible to avoid a long lead time while waiting for another budget cycle to come around before a non-profit can budget the unplanned expense for your work by simply helping the non-profit develop external sponsorships to pay for your work. (i.e. a local bank or other business sponsors it).

Your competition, unaware of the opportunity at their front door, often overlooks cultivating and marketing to non-profits and developing them as customers. Successfully doing business with non-profits can become a great resource of referral business to other non-profits and to the businesses and contacts of the members of the Board of Directors.

Non-profits are easy to find through simple research at local libraries, local or statewide non-profit associations, or through referrals. Non-profits websites articulate their vision, mission and services and are a great place to start. Don't hesitate to contact the non-profit leadership via email. They can be easily contacted through targeted advertising, direct mail, and non-profit trade shows and networking events sponsored by non-profit associations.

Working with non-profits may provide substantial publicity opportunities for you, either in their own publications, in outside publications on your behalf, and provide you with testimonials and useful quotes in your own literature and materials. You may find that your involvement with a non-profit organization may bring you great pleasure and satisfaction for helping fulfill a mission in which you truly believe.

"The nonprofit organization has money. Management may regard it scrupulously and penuriously, but the money is there. The key is to convince the buyer that an investment in your value will further the goals of the nonprofit within budgetary constraints. Return on investment is the same in both worlds in terms of being a compelling force." -- Alan Weiss, Million Dollar Consulting - the Professional's Guide to Growing a Practice, McGraw-Hill 2003

To find out how Q & A can help your not-for-profit organization or to target the not-for-profit market, contact Quinn Tierney at quinn@quinnandassociates.com or 612.760.0562.