10 Fundraising Tips
1.Start early. The best part about starting early is that you can finish early, giving yourself more time and energy to focus on your training as you get closer to your event. It also gives you more time to exceed your goal!
2.Contact EVERYONE you know.
Create a list that includes friends, family, colleagues, your dentist, doctor, hair dresser, friends of friends, clubs and associations you are a member of, businesses you frequent etc. If they know your name, put them on the list!
3. Customize your communications.
Whether you are sending an email or a letter, make them personal and specific to the people you are sending them to. Tell them why you are raising funds and the difference their support will make to people living with diabetes.
4. Ask, ask, and ask again.
A lot of donors need reminders so don’t be shy about following up with them a few times. We have all had emails get buried in our in boxes or been distracted by something more urgent. Make it easy by including a link directly to your donation page, include a pledge form and return envelope with your letter or pick up the phone to tell them more about how important their support is.
5. Customize your personal fundraising page.
Reinforce the message from your letter or email on your personal fundraising page. If you have a photo with you and the person you are fundraising in support of, add that too!
6. Add social media to the mix.
More and more people are using social media such as facebook, myspace and twitter so include this as part of your strategy. It’s a great way to remind people you need their support and to give them updates on how your fundraising and training is going.
7. Get creative.
Whether adding a unique twist to your donation ask or organizing a specially themed event, being creative can boost your fundraising efforts and make it more fun for you and your donors. Going to Rio? How about a Carnival themed party. Cayman Islands? Backyard barbeque with a tropical twist!
8. Join a team.
Being a member of Team Diabetes is a great way to commit to, and achieve, a personal goal. The camaraderie of being part of a larger group will help keep you motivated and when you start collecting donations, you become accountable to everyone who is supporting you and the cause – a great motivator to succeed!
9. Stay focused.
Keep your fundraising plan front and centre and remind yourself why you are doing this and the difference it will make. Update your plan regularly and keep a progression chart or other milestone indicator on your fridge at home, in your office or other location where you will see it frequently.
10. Send a personalized thank you.
Amid all the fundraising, training and everything else we have to do, it is sometimes easy to forget to say thank you. When you receive a donation thank the person by phone, e-mail or letter – whatever is most appropriate for that particular donor. When you are done your event, send another thank you to let your donors know how much you raised and that you crossed the finish line. A postcard from the event location is a nice touch. They will be glad to hear you reached your goal and may be more likely to donate to your next event as they know you appreciate their support.
Looking for more ideas? Join us for our free webinars, check out past editions of Pacesetter, connect with other fundraisers on the Team Diabetes facebook page and contact us!