Basic Tools #2: The Tip Jar

Always Ask For Money. This is an important rule even if it is one I don't follow as often as I should.

Neighborhoods need money. You don't always need a lot but you usually need some even if it's just to buy food or t-shirts for project volunteers. Never be ashamed to raise money for useful neighborhood projects and activities.

My rule of thumb is that if you have any kind of social gathering you can ask for money. Sometimes you can explicitly ask by letting people know that donations will be solicited. Other times you can just place a donation jar on the table.

 In Delmas Park we sometimes have gatherings in which we give a homeowner or business $100 for food and let them host a community-wide event. A donation jar helps recoup the investment for the next gathering. In fact, we had a great gathering at the end of June in which a local contractor hosted neighbors in his showroom. About thirty people showed up to share finger foods and get to know each other. Some brought wine or beer. * And a representative of a local urban advocacy group showed up to informally discuss neighborhood issues with us. So it was both a social and a "business" event. But I forgot the tip jar. If I'd brought it, we'd have an extra $100 in the bank today, for sure. So, always ask for money.

If your neighborhood association or organization is in fundraising mode you can also work with a local business to put a neighborhood donation jar in their establishment. It never hurts to ask.

*Alcohol and neighborhood gatherings is a sensitive issue. Usually the two don't mix for a variety of reasons. Our neighborhood receives a grant from the city each year. But that money is earmarked for specific purposes and alcohol is excluded. It's also excluded from any events on public property such as street parties or ones held in parks. Alcohol is inappropriate for events with children. Lastly, there may be insurance implications. We only allow it at events hosted by neighbors on their own property at their own expense.