Boost your fundraising with these top tips and tools
Do you know the number one reason people donate to charities? Because they were asked! It's that simple. So it goes without saying that the more people you ask to sponsor you, the more you can raise!
So who could you ask? Here are some suggestions:
- Get things started by making a donation yourself. You will always feel better about asking someone to do something you've already done. So perhaps you could kick in $25 and get your fundraising off to a great start!
- Ask your local butcher, hairdresser, gym or any other local business you visit regularly to make a donation of $25. Remember you can issue a tax-deductible receipt for any donation over $2.
- Tell your family what you're planning to do and ask them to support your efforts with a $20 donation.
- Talk your co-workers into sponsoring you $10 each.
- Negotiate a donation from your boss. Work out a good place to start money-wise and go for it!
- Find out if your workplace operates a scheme to match what you raise.
- Mention your plans to people from church, day care, school, etc and ask them to donate a few dollars.
- And last but not least call on your lifelong best friends! Ask them to sponsor you $20 each.
Just by approaching the people listed above and using your networks you could have already raised around $500.
Great ways to promote your efforts
- Send one email with a link to your web page. You may be surprised by the amount of support you receive in such a short space of time
- Send an invitation for your friends to sponsor you (or take part in the event) on Facebook
- Send a short PowerPoint presentation to communicate your message
- Place a message on your company intranet, or your sporting or community newsletter
- Ask if you can send a note out in any communication or paperwork your company sends to employees
- Put posters up around your workplace asking for support
- Insert your fundraising goal on your auto signature (just ask first that it's OK!)
Match Giving
Asking your employer or workplace for matched funding or a company donation is a great way to double your contribution instantly.
Many companies and organisations are more than willing to support their employees on belhalf of a good cause by matching their fundraising efforts dollar-for-dollar. A number of businesses also have specific budgets for charitable donations. The least you can do is ask.