Now it’s time to spread the word and ask for support. But where should you begin? There are many things you can do to inspire people to donate to your campaign and help you reach your fundraising goal.
Share the impact of a donation. You can share this in all communications. People tend to give more when they know how their donation will make a difference.
Choose a symbolic gift that resonates the most with you, and feel free to use the text below to demonstrate the impact of each $50+ donation.
Grasslands - $75 per acre - Temperate grasslands, including Canada’s prairies and parklands, are one of the most endangered ecosystems on the planet. The Nature Conservancy of Canada’s work on Manitoba’s prairies include building on and linking existing protected areas, working with producers, farmers and local communities to maintain native grasslands, and support recovery efforts for species at risk.
Poweshiek skipperling recovery - $50 - Even more threatened than the giant panda, the Poweshiek skipperling has only been observed in seven Canadian locations within the last five years, all of which are located in the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Tall Grass Prairie Natural Area in southeastern Manitoba. With this symbolic donation you can help support recovery efforts for this prairie butterfly.
Boreal - $50 per acre - Did you know that Canada has its own forest region of Amazonian proportions, stretching across 60 per cent of the country? It’s the boreal forest. In fact, Canada’s boreal forests are some of the largest and most intact forests left on Earth. With this symbolic donation towards Boreal forests, you can help ensure these woodlands, and the species they support, are conserved for future generations.
Lake Winnipeg Watershed - $75 - Canada has approximately 25 per cent of the world’s wetlands and more lakes than the rest of the world combined. This includes Lake Winnipeg which is the 11th largest lake in the world and the largest lake contained within a single province. The Lake Winnipeg Watershed supports thriving cities, 17 million livestock, some of the richest farmland in the world and some of the most ecologically important and threatened natural areas in Canada. Help support the work being done to support wetlands, and waterways across the watershed with this symbolic donation.
Make a face-to-face ask.
Talk about why you are participating in Paddle for Nature and what support means to you. A direct request will often result in donations.
Send an email.
It is quick and very effective! This can be done directly from your fundraising page.
Promote on social media.
Promoting the event on social media is an easy way to connect people to your fundraising page.
Gifts in lieu.
Ask for donations in lieu of a gift. If you have a birthday or event coming up and are willing to forego gifts for a great cause, let people know!
Do one final push.
A final call for donations on the day before and the final day of the fundraising event can really help move the needle. Once your friends and family see how close you are to reaching your fundraising goal, they’ll want to help you get past that finish line even if it means making a second donation.
Don’t forget to say “Thank You”!
A successful Paddle for Nature challenge is a wonderful personal accomplishment and major cause for celebration. Send a thank you note or message to each person that donated and participated to show your gratitude.
Update everyone who was involved, summarizing what was accomplished and the impact it will have. After all, they may love to join you again next time!