Fundraising is the term used for solicitation and gathering of monetary funds by requesting from individuals, businesses, charitable foundations or government agencies. This is the primary method used by non-profit organizations to maintain operations. Usually organizations use this method to raise money for religious causes, to fund independent research, to help veterans or injured military personnel, or to fund academic scholarship for students, human rights advocacy, or disaster relief projects.

One method of fundraising is to organize a special event. This is referred to as a fund drive or fund pledge. If the event is broadcast on television, it is usually called a telethon. An alternative source of the fund is an endowment, in which an individual or group pledges to support an organization on a yearly basis.

Some non-profit organizations employ the services of professional fundraisers. These professionals are either paid with non-monetary compensation or a percentage of the funds raised. The latter method of compensation is not preferred, in fact, it is forbidden by a regulatory board in the United States.

Although fundraising is usually the territory of non-profit organizations, it is also a method used by politicians during political campaigns. Campaign fundraising has been condemned for the corruption it often breeds after the candidate is elected. Nevertheless, campaigns cost money, and politicians who arent independently wealthy (and even those who are) view fundraising as a necessary evil in a bid for election.

Though fundraising usually entails solicitation, there are other organizations that sell products for profit for the purpose of donating the proceeds to support the organization. Churches usually have food fairs or cook-offs to raise funds for church activities.