This study cites examples of fund raising ideas and activities of neighborhood and community improvement groups in Seattle. The intent of the study is to offer documentation and analysis of successful fund raising activities to other nonprofit, voluntary community groups which are interested in seeking financial support for their activities. Information is presented in six major parts. Part I discusses factors which community groups should consider in selecting the most appropriate fund raisers. Information is presented on targeting the amount of money the group wishes to earn, analyzing the make-up of the community, and identifying talents of community group members. Part II describes steps involved in planning fund raising, including preparation time, allocation of responsibilities, and selection of a date for the fund raising event. Part III focuses on publicizing fund raising events. Part IV describes fund raising events of nine Seattle community groups. Details are presented on selecting, planning, publicizing, implementing, and evaluating the events. Part V offers a list of successful fund raising activities of 16 additional Seattle community groups. The final section contains a discussion of how a system of collecting dues from members of community groups can serve as a means of raising funds. The document concludes with an appendix which presents the 50-item questionnaire on which case studies in the report are based. (DB)