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FUNDRAISING TIPS AND TOOLS
Top 10 Tips for Fundraising Success
To download pledge forms and other
tools, please click here.
- Set Your Fundraising Goal & Plan, Plan, Plan!
Aim high! Set an ambitious fundraising goal & put together
a plan to achieve your target. What steps will you take to achieve
success? Tell others about your fundraising goal – they’ll
help keep you motivated and on track.
- Tell Your Story
It can be hard to ‘ask people for money’. Rather,
think of it as telling your story. Why are you participating in
Scotiabank Aquatics for Arthritis? Why is it important to you? Tell
your story at every opportunity and compel people to donate.
Carry a supply of pledge
forms with you at all times and tell everyone you know –
friends, family, doctors, dentists, lawyers, yoga or sports instructors,
teachers, current & former co-workers, local merchants, hair
stylists, estheticians, librarians, your coffee barista –
the sky’s the limit!
- E-mail – A Great Way to Connect
Through your personal fundraising web page , you can send an e-mail
to all of your friends, family and co-workers and request a donation.
It’s simple for them to donate to you on-line!
- Use On-line Tools & Get the Word Out
E-mail isn’t the only way to connect with your network.
Do you chat with your friends on-line? Do you write a personal
blog? Use these tools to tell your story and be sure to include
the link to your personal fundraising web page.
- Go the Formal Route – Mail a Personal Letter
or Card
Not everyone is comfortable with on-line tools. Think of all those
people on your holiday mailing list….design a special card
& write a personal note to your friends or family. Don’t
forget to include your pledge
form. If you need some help, check out our donation
request letter.
- Follow-Up is Key
Many of the people who you approach will be excited to donate
to your campaign. But, they may get busy with other things, and
forget to make their pledge. Plan to follow-up with these contacts
by e-mail or phone, and gently remind them of your donation request.
It never hurts to ask!
- Involve Your Workplace or School
Approach your workplace for support – will they match your
donations? Could you
organize a casual day? Could you sell doughnuts on site? Think
of all the ways you could get your co-workers involved.
If you’re going to school, could you approach your principal
and organize a hot dog sale? Or a dance? Be sure to ask your principal
for a donation too!
- What a Great Excuse for a Party!
Throw a bash! Choose a theme, and get your friends together a
night of fun! You supply the food and beverages, and in return,
they donate to your fundraising campaign. The opportunities are
endless…
- Clean Out Your Closet or Garage! Or, Organize a Car
Wash!
Organize a garage or clothing sale and donate the proceeds to
your campaign! Take it a step further and ask your neighbors to
get involved. Consider holding a car wash in the spring or summer.
- Most Important of All – HAVE FUN!
Keep the ‘fun’ in fundraising! Be creative, brainstorm
with friends and do what excites you! And, be sure to take the
time to personally thank all of your donors…
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