The characteristics of fundraising organizations such as American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC) involve great efforts with minimal cash costs. These features also suggest a value chain contrasting from goods production. Their special value chain can be considered through an example of an organization’s regular activities – Radiothon – a campaign to raise funds held on the radio. Inbound logistics, in this case, involves receiving materials to create the necessary equipment and agreements with radio stations on scheduling the date and determining size of the event. At the same time, the operations are voluminous processes in which many employees are involved. Operations begin with the organization’s personnel and require significant coordination, as they gradually include many active parts, such as command centers, volunteers, radio employees, and technical support. Coordination also comes from radio to the organization and volunteers. The main operation that happens is attracting the attention of donors who call and donate money.
Outbound logistics includes equipment created for Radiothon and recordings made by volunteers about the funds received. There are two types of records – about the donation itself or the information pledge when people want to learn more about ALSAC. RDA – an application developed by the organization that plays a crucial role in the mentioned processes. In marketing, radio stations help to attract attention by advertising the upcoming event, and sales (donation) are carried out with the help of RDA. Support is essential – during broadcasts and preparation for them, there is a single number of the call center, where a person can always solve the problem. In this way, the primary activity of the value chain takes place.
Firm infrastructure includes ALSAC’s ITS team and leaders’ work with technical support and volunteers. They deal with financial and legal matters of the organization. HR management performs the activities to attract talented employees and provide them with decent working conditions. At the same time, funds are saved due to the work of volunteers. They register on the organization’s website and participate if an event occurs nearby (“Volunteer to support St. Jude,” n.d.). Moreover, ALSAC provides training material for each task volunteers can do (“Volunteer resources,” n.d.). The Tech aspect is assigned to the RDA – an organization’s advantage, as it helps to receive work faster than with the old paper system. Procurement includes T-shirts ordered by participants for radio staff and donors and food for the volunteers, usually donated by local establishments.
References
Volunteer resources. (n.d.). St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Web.
Volunteer to support St. Jude. (n.d.). St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Web.