Fundraising Tips For Success!
Asking someone for a donation gives them a wonderful opportunity to contribute to a cause that they feel passionate about. You would be surprised at how many people want to make a difference in their own special way. Don’t forget that every dollar counts!
1. How do I start fundraising?
· Set a fundraising goal and aim high. Once you hit your goal, challenge yourself further and increase it!
2. Where to collect donations?
· Donate to yourself. This will show your commitment to others.
· Start with your friends and family, then move on to coworkers, clients, neighbours, doctors office, clubs you belong to, etc.
· Ask your company if they have a corporate matching gift program. This is an easy way to double your pledges!
· Are you a member of a team, club or association? Ask to speak at your next meeting to share why you are supporting Ooch.
· Start collecting spare change. It adds up quickly and every dollar counts!
3. How do I collect donations?
· Start with an introduction email and explain why you are fundraising. Let your friends, family and contacts know how they can make a donation by visiting www.ooch.org, calling the Ooch office or direct them to your fundraising page.
· Have face-to-face meetings with family, friends and neighbours.
· Tell them WHY you’re running/fundraising and HOW they can get involved (donate, start fundraising, join the race, cheer you on)
Example:
o Tell them your fundraising goal. Ex. My goal is to send a child to camp for two weeks ($3,500).
· Ask for a specific amount. Tell donors your average donation and ask them to beat it.
Ask for donations on pay day!
· Fundraising Ideas:
o Add a line to your email signature about how you are fundraising for Camp Oochigeas and include a link to the ooch website.
o In lieu of gifts for your birthday or other occasions, ask family and friends to donate to Ooch on your behalf.
o Have a 50/50 draw.
o Organize a dress down day in support of Ooch.
o Raise money in the office by having a bake sale, selling coffee, having a pizza lunch, etc.
o Challenge your coworkers or start a corporate challenge to inspire friendly competition.
o Personally donate a loonie or toonie for every person who donates to you.
o Have a spare change jar at work where everyone can contribute their loose change.
o Use Facebook to get in touch with your contacts. If you have a personal fundraising page, you can click on the share button to connect your page to your Facebook or MySpace page.
How to raise $1000 in 9 days!
There is nothing wrong with setting a big fundraising goal, but it can be helpful to have a plan on how you expect to raise it. Here is a simple strategy on how to raise $1000 in only nine days.
Day 1: Start by donating $50 to yourself.
Day 2: Ask two family members to sponsor you for $50.
Day 3: Ask ten friends to contribute $20.
Day 4: Ask five co-workers to each contribute $20.
Day 5: Ask five neighbours to each contribute $20.
Day 6: Ask ten people from a club, team or place of worship that you are a member of, to each donate $10.
Day 7: Ask your boss for a company contribution of $50 (or find out if your company will match what you raise)
Day 8: Ask five businesses with which your company works to sponsor you for $40.
Day 9: Ask four businesses you frequent (for example your barber/hairstylist, dry cleaner, doctor/dentist office, etc.) to contribute $25
Day 10: Share your success with a friend.
4. Follow Up
· If you have not received a response from someone, make a phone call or send a quick note to make sure that they haven’t forgotten your request.
o You can do this by sending an “update” on your progress towards your fundraising goal.
· When you receive a donation from someone, let them know that their contribution, whatever the amount, is important to you and that you appreciate it. You can send thank you emails directly from your Ooch fundraising page and track who you have sent them to.
· After the event, you may want to send out a newsletter or an email with some photos, and an additional thank you for your donors’ support.
5. Create Excitement!
· Get excited! If you are excited about the cause, potential donors will also get excited. Learn more about Camp Oochigeas at www.ooch.org.
Stay motivated. Remember that the money you raise will help send children affected by childhood cancer to camp where they have the opportunity to get away from the sterile hospital walls to rock climb, waterski, swim, make friends and – most importantly – be a kid.