Tips for Fundraising
So, you signed up to fundraise, now what?
It’s time to take the first step to support a cause you love, but where should you start?
1. Get the Ball Rolling
Nobody likes to be first. That’s why it’s always a good idea to get your fundraising off to a good start by making the first contribution. Other people are more likely to donate when they see that someone has already contributed. An opening tally above $20 is a great start.
· If you are team captain, there are many things you can do to inspire your teammates to participate, keep them motivated and raise funds for the kids Lutherwood serves. Don’t worry, it may seem like there is a lot to learn, but it is easy and fun!
· Starting early maximizes the time that potential donors have to donate and allows you room to experiment, work through any learning curves and ask us for help. That’s right – we are here for you, reach out to foundation@lutherwood.ca and we can work through any roadblocks together
2. Get your Fundraising page in tip top shape – for individual or team pages!
· Before you start asking for donations and inviting people to join in, make sure your page hits the mark!
· Upload a photo, use a catchy name that people will remember. Try using a name that includes a call to action “Join in” “Help raise awareness” “Step up for kids”.
· Set a realistic but challenging goal – it should be high enough to encourage donations and motivate you and your team, but low enough that it is attainable.
3. Start with your Closest Contacts
Ask your family and closest friends for donations first. Getting your “inner circle” to donate to your page will help you build up some momentum. Reach out to co-workers, friends of friends, distant relatives, or even your entire address book. Having someone share your fundraiser with their network expands your reach to people who may not otherwise find!
Download our pledge form here.
There are social media icons you can click and share directly on your fundraising page!
4. Expand your Audience with Social Media
Start fundraising through social media after you’ve sent your initial e-mails. One of the best strategies to use on Facebook and Twitter is tagging and thanking people that have already donated while you are still asking for new donations. This spreads the message further and lets the people you are asking to know that people are already getting behind you.
*Always link back to your personal fundraising page so people can easily donate.
5. Share the impact of a donation!
It feels great to know how your support helps out – here are some great examples.
· A gift of $25 buys a pair of pajamas for a youth that may come to Safe Haven Youth Services with only what they are wearing
And if you have a goal, a great way to showcase how bigger gifts or total funds raised will support Lutherwood is: $300 supports a two-night stay at Safe Haven Youth Services, $500 supports a week of healthy lunches for the kids in our school program, $1000 provides three days of care from a Registered Nurse on-site.
6. Follow Up
Don’t hesitate to send a few follow up e-mails. E-mails are easily to overlook and people often open them up quickly and then forget to get back to them. Include progress updates on your follow up messages.
7. Continue Thanking and Updating Social Media
Keep thanking your donors on social media and make sure you continue to share your progress towards your goal.
8. Don’t forget to have fun!
