From Joanne Fritz,
Your Guide to Nonprofit Charitable Orgs.
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Definition: The Annual Fund is an organized effort to obtain gifts on a yearly basis to support, at least in part, general operations of a nonprofit organization.

Any organized effort by a nonprofit institution or program to secure gifts on an annual basis to support yearly budgets or general operations. Funds are typically raised through mail or direct solicitation efforts.

An Annual Fund solicitation may take place more than once a year but is distinguished by its regularity. Annual gifts are usually unrestricted income. The Annual Fund often represents a substantial percentage of a nonprofit's income.

Also Known As: Annual Giving

Examples: "Most nonprofits derive a significant part of their income from an Annual Fund."