Are you interested in becoming a more effective personal or peer-to-peer fundraiser? Or, do you work for a nonprofit and need to find ways to better equip those who raise funds on your behalf?
If you're an individual raising funds for a cause you're passionate about, or a nonprofit organization looking for ways to equip and motivate your supporters to raise funds on your behalf, these tips are for you.
Here are ten simple fundraising tips that will increase your effectiveness:
1 Make a List
Make a list of friends, family, coworkers, workout buddies, and so on.. (i.e. potential donors).
Think outside the box here. Do you have any neighbors, doctors, or sports club members who might be willing to help you?
Remember, it doesn't hurt to ask, so make the most comprehensive list possible, including everyone you can think of!
2Establish a fundraising goal and work to achieve it.
Make a goal for yourself
Having a goal to strive for is always beneficial. And 9 times out of 10, you'll end up doing better than you expected, so aim high!
Most supporters will set a lofty personal fundraising goal in order to motivate themselves and their donors (i.e. friends and family). Normally, you set your goal when you register, but don't forget that you can go back and raise it as the fundraising dollars come in.
Remember, you're raising funds for a good cause. Push yourself to raise more than you thought possible.
3Send handwritten letters first, rather than emails
Email is faster and can provide instant results, but handwritten letters provide a more personal touch.
Consider sending your initial requests in the form of a handwritten letter. If at all possible, deliver it personally!
Although it is unlikely that your friends will discard your handwritten snail-mail letters before opening and reading them, even the best-intentioned friends can easily lose or forget your email in an overcrowded "inbox."
Email those who do not respond to your letter as a follow-up.
4 Recall Your Inspiration
You are supporting this cause for a reason.
Remember that and bring that same enthusiasm to your fundraising efforts.
Try including a personal message about why you're supporting the cause and what the fundraising efforts mean to you as you set your fundraising goal and send out personal appeals to your friends and family.
The more personalized it can be, the better.
5Utilize Online Fundraising Resources
It should go without saying that using an online tool will assist you in managing your fundraising efforts.
Everydayhero by Blackbaud allows you to create your own fundraising page, complete with the ability to set a fundraising goal, write a personal message, send email appeals, and track progress.
This is a valuable resource not only for your donors (the friends and family you're asking to help you), but also for you as you track the progress of your fundraising campaign. All of your contacts should be directed to your personal website.
6Meet in Person
When you're fundraising, make it a point to ask your regular friends and family to help you out by donating.
Dinner parties, soccer games, church, family reunions, and other events They are all excellent opportunities to make in-person inquiries.
Remember that when you speak with someone in person, it is difficult for them to say "no."
Consider making simple "fundraising cards" with your personal fundraising page URL on them
(for example, http://www.nonprofitname/event/boostlane).
When you see someone in person, you can hand them a card and ask them to donate online when they get home.
7Make It Your Own
People will give because YOU ask them to. It's as simple as that.
They like you and admire your dedication to a worthy cause.
You have space on your fundraising website and in your emails to explain why you are supporting this cause. Share your enthusiasm with your friends, family, coworkers, and other potential donors. It's an essential component of your fundraising success.
8Follow-up
People are prone to putting things off. We all lead busy lives and have a lot of other responsibilities. A gentle reminder never hurt anyone.
If someone has indicated that they want to donate but have not done so, don't be afraid to follow-up with a phone call or an email reminder. Especially as the time to fundraise for the event approaches. Deadlines elicit responses!
9Form a Group
Nothing beats the camaraderie of participating in an athletic event with family, friends, and coworkers.
A team can raise more money more quickly, and the team atmosphere fosters friendly competition, inspiration, encouragement, and participation.
The teams are fantastic! If you can, make one.
10Send Thank You Cards
It's a simple action, but it's also one of the most effective.
Make a point of thanking everyone who has helped you. Send emails, handwritten notes, and thank people in person. Take advantage of every opportunity.
