FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES OF NPOs OPERATING IN CROATIAN TOURIST DESTINATIONS

Abstract

Purpose – To fund their missions, non-profit organizations (NPOs) use a variety of fundraising activities such as applying for public funds (grants), contacting potential donors by phone, email, or through social networks; organizing various events; renting property, collecting membership fees, and selling their own products and services. The aim of this paper is to investigate whether there are any statistically significant differences between NPOs operating in Croatian coastal tourist destinations and NPOs operating in continental destinations with regard to selling products and services to raise funds. Methodology – For the purpose of obtaining answers to the research questions, primary research was conducted using an online structured questionnaire. Research in Croatian coastal tourist destinations was conducted from May to June 2018, while in continental tourist destinations from November 2019 to March 2020. The sample numbered 756 NPOs, and a total of 389 correctly completed questionnaires were returned. Findings – The results of the research show that almost all activities relating to selling products and providing services, with the exception of activities in organizing guided tours, are carried out more often by NPOs operating in Croatian coastal destinations. Activities relating to the organization of guided tours are more often carried out by NPOs operating in continental destinations. Contribution – The theoretical contribution of the paper show that the coastal NPO as a non- profit destination stakeholder led effective policy in the most cases but not in all. The paper’s practical contribution is that it provides the representatives of NPOs with a new approach about the activities of fundraising. Future research needs to be done to estimate the impact of NPOs on tourism sector, before fundraising strategies becomes widespread.