by: Treasurer Charles E. Blot, E.E.

Financial resources are a critical requirement for any organization to function and evolve. Non-profit entities in particular depend heavily on their fundraising capacity to garner the funds necessary to finance their operations. Consistent revenue streams in the form of Membership dues, donations, and sponsorship are critical for long-term sustainability. Funds are needed to pay for operating expenses, to provide services to our communities at various levels, and to support research and development projects that foster our goals. 

It is imperative for HAES to continue to devise and implement a fundraising strategy that continually renews the financial health of the organization. Bold actions must be implemented to bring about infusions of funds. Goals must be set, and challenges must be met. We must understand that fundraising is an ongoing process, one which requires an aggressive approach and the proper utilization of human resources within the organization. It must involve all the members, not only a small group of people who are usually selected to lead the effort. 

Fundraising activities vary in scope, but as the purpose is to raise money, every function and every event must be planned and executed in great detail to bring about the maximum benefit possible. The HAES leadership, through its committees, has the responsibility to coordinate all activities, to identify strategies that work and are more likely to have a successful outcome, while spending wisely and being efficient in our expenditures. 

HAES will experience financial growth through aggressively promoting the organization while building relationships among the membership, with our sponsors, and with the community at-large thus creating a pool of mutually beneficial contributors. Recruiting new members must be a priority in order to make the continuous renewal of both human and financial resources happen for the association. As treasurer of HAES, I take great interest in the financial well-being of the organization. I encourage my colleagues to get involved, to participate, and to lend their support in all activities. Together, we can make the difference.