Public Outreach Fundraising: Job Overview

Summary

Public Outreach is a fundraising company that focuses on creating ethical, team-based fundraising opportunities for charity organizations. Founded in 2002, it works with environmental, human rights, healthcare, and international aid charities. The company operates on a base salary rather than commission, ensuring better team collaboration and ethical fundraising practices. Employees engage in face-to-face, door-to-door, and mall fundraising campaigns, with training and coaching provided throughout their careers. The company values honesty, respect, and effectiveness, aiming to create an inclusive, results-driven work environment. This is an ideal job for those passionate about the nonprofit sector.

Takeaways

• 😀 Public Outreach was founded in 2002 by former Greenpeace canvassers, aiming to create a fundraising company with base salaries instead of commission-based pay.
• 😀 The company works as a third-party fundraiser for various charity partners, including environmental, healthcare, and international aid organizations.
• 😀 Some of Public Outreach's charity partners include Greenpeace, UNICEF, Amnesty International, and the Sick Kids Hospital.
• 😀 The company's primary focus is to sign up new monthly donors for its charity clients, with campaigns running for about 3 to 6 months per city.
• 😀 Public Outreach offers three main fundraising methods: street fundraising, door-to-door fundraising, and mall fundraising.
• 😀 Working hours vary by fundraising method: street fundraising is typically from 10 AM to 6 PM, door-to-door from 1 PM to 9 PM, and mall campaigns follow regular mall hours.
• 😀 No prior fundraising experience is required to join, as new hires undergo a 5-day training period and receive ongoing coaching and support.
• 😀 A typical day involves a team briefing, setting goals, and going out to engage potential donors, either door-to-door or on the street.
• 😀 The company emphasizes teamwork, with constant communication through WhatsApp or Discord to share updates, offer motivation, and celebrate successes.
• 😀 Public Outreach values honesty, respect, and effectiveness in their work culture, promoting ethical fundraising practices and a positive team environment.
• 😀 This role requires working outdoors in all weather conditions, but the company provides necessary support like water, heat packs, and cold weather gear.
• 😀 Employees are evaluated based on results over time, and meeting or exceeding targets may lead to bonuses.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of Public Outreach?

Public Outreach is a third-party fundraising organization that works on behalf of charity clients to connect them with new monthly donors.

What is unique about Public Outreach's approach to fundraising?

Unlike commission-based fundraising, Public Outreach operates on a base salary, ensuring ethical fundraising and a focus on long-term donor relationships.

What types of charities does Public Outreach work with?

Public Outreach works with environmental charities (e.g., Greenpeace), human rights organizations (e.g., Amnesty International), healthcare foundations (e.g., SickKids Hospital), and international aid organizations (e.g., UNICEF).

How long do charity campaigns typically run at Public Outreach?

Campaigns generally run from 3 to 6 months, during which time Public Outreach gathers the necessary monthly donors for their charity clients.

What are the main fundraising methods used at Public Outreach?

The primary fundraising methods at Public Outreach are telemarketing, digital marketing, and face-to-face fundraising, with street, door-to-door, and mall fundraising being the most prominent forms of face-to-face engagement.

What is a typical work schedule like for fundraisers at Public Outreach?

For street fundraising, the schedule is typically from 10 AM to 6 PM or 11 AM to 7 PM. Door-to-door fundraising takes place in the afternoons and evenings, usually from 1 PM to 9 PM. Mall campaigns are usually run from 10 AM to 6 PM, 11 AM to 7 PM, or 1 PM to 9 PM.

What kind of training do new fundraisers receive at Public Outreach?

New fundraisers at Public Outreach undergo a 5-day training period with continuous coaching and skill development throughout their employment, ensuring they are well-prepared and supported.

What is a typical day like for a door-to-door fundraiser at Public Outreach?

A door-to-door fundraiser’s day starts with a team briefing where goals are set, followed by a day of fundraising, engaging with potential donors at their doors, and working together as part of a team. Fundraisers are supported by their colleagues throughout the day.

How does Public Outreach ensure its fundraisers stay motivated and supported?

Public Outreach maintains a team-based environment where colleagues share encouragement, updates, and even funny memes through WhatsApp or Discord. The organization also provides resources like water or heat packs depending on the weather conditions.

What are the core values of Public Outreach?

Public Outreach’s core values are honesty, respect, and effectiveness. These values guide the company’s approach to fundraising and its relationships with donors, clients, and employees.