The Rebbe's guidance on raising money for shuls, schools, yeshivos and communal projects:
The mission comes before the money. Spreading Chassidus and bringing young people closer to Torah take precedence over fundraising (IK 854). Don't let fundraising crowd out an organization's spiritual goals or the content of its gatherings (IK 3234, 3609), and balance it with one's own Torah study (IK 656). Money alone doesn't build an institution; it needs responsible people who take it on from the start (IK 555).
Trips abroad. Think carefully before sending a fundraiser abroad: coordinate with others, make the most of local efforts first, and make sure the trip also spreads Yiddishkeit, not only collects money (IK 1134, 1135, 5735). Wherever you travel to raise funds, use the opportunity to spread mitzvos — spiritual efforts bring down material blessing (IK 4180). Act professionally abroad and make the most of visitors at home (IK 6087).
Coordinate and work together. Institutions should set distinct times for their campaigns so appeals don't overlap, including internationally, and keep peace among everyone involved (IK 4216, 6245). Decide on campaigns together, with consultation and unity (IK 289, 8198), and divide roles clearly and transparently (IK 8165). Involve supporters who are temporarily abroad (IK 7932), and keep unity among yeshiva supporters (IK 8977).
What works. Written appeals alone rarely succeed; someone on the spot must lay the groundwork and inspire people personally (IK 5734). Engage visitors and tourists, and pursue official channels too (IK 3653). Choose fundraisers with the right expertise and suitability (IK 7955). Consult the local community before launching projects such as publishing (IK 3454). Commemorative sponsorships are effective (IK 7815). Design building plans to help fundraising, but let actual results guide final decisions (IK 6318, 6344). Act promptly, stay focused, and follow projects through to completion (IK 844, 4615).
Plan prudently. Manage carefully from the start to avoid deficits (IK 1608), put the most urgent needs first (IK 4319), and don't mix fundraising into unrelated material such as Torah publications (IK 4332).
Treating donors properly. Treat donors with dignity (IK 309). Use funds according to halachah and the donors' intent (IK 7546). Communicate clearly about pledges to prevent misunderstandings (IK 9726), and don't let projects stall — delays damage donors' trust (IK 9535). An institution may be named for benefactors who take on its expenses (IK 8117); in a shul, the main areas should keep their Chabad names while side sections may honor donors (IK 9428), and donor names belong on a separate plaque, not on the walls (IK 10255).
The merit of giving. Supporting Torah institutions brings everlasting merit (IK 3654), and communal campaigns for Jewish education draw special blessing (IK 1717, 1750). Even after a loss such as a fire, maximum effort with faith can bring growth beyond limits (IK 7493).
See also: Communal finances – Money troubles in shuls, schools and organizations.