During troubled economic times, it might seem like no one is willing to donate to a fundraiser. But if you learn how to fund raise and access all avenues that are open to you, there is a strong chance that your campaign will succeed. Make sure that you’re prepared, organized, and have some good ideas for fundraising.
1. Understand Your Prospective Donors
Before you even begin asking for donations, it’s important that you know who you’re going to be asking. That way, you can tailor your message and decide on the best ways to go about asking.
How to Ask
If your audience is social media friendly, then be sure to create a Facebook event and invite any and everyone that you think might be interested. Put out the word on Twitter. Be sure to customize your message; social media fundraising is all about personal interaction, so try to fine-tune each message to its recipient as much as possible. If you’re appealing to businesses, find out if they’d like to publicize their generosity and connection to your fundraiser. Even if social media isn’t your primary means of fundraising, setting up a group page and event page on Facebook can help raise awareness about your cause. Email fundraising can also be a powerful tool. Like social media though, it requires you to be as personal. Remember that you’re communicating directly with someone via their inbox, so make your messaging convincing, brief, and personalized. While email doesn’t have to be your primary means of asking for donations, it’s still a good way to promote your cause and make connections with potential donors. Online fundraising is a powerful, and often free, form of collecting donations. But some donors still respond best to house calls. When making in-person visits, be sure to dress professionally and maintain a friendly attitude. You want to make the best possible impression.
How Much Should You Ask For?
In this economy, both individuals and businesses have had to be careful with their cash. Consider the amount you’re asking for carefully; it may be a better idea to solicit small donations from a wide range of donors, rather than just asking a few major donors.[1] Even if you adjust your financial collection techniques, be realistic about the results of your fundraising efforts and plan accordingly.
When to Ask
Around the holidays, many dona-tors may face “seasonal exhaustion.”[2] Many donors choose to give to religious and cultural groups, and may have less to donate to other fundraising causes. Time your fundraising campaign so that it doesn’t coincide with any major religious or commercial holidays.
2. Have Goals and a Schedule
One of the most important parts of fundraising is staying organized. Establish goals and set up a schedule based on those goals. Sites like GoFundMe can help you to track your fundraising. They provide a “thermometer” of your financial progress. This can also act as a visual motivational tool for donors as well as those on your fundraising team.[1]
3. Keep Detailed Records
Maintaining a ledger and a list of current and potential donors will help you keep your fundraiser organized. Your efforts will help you stay in control and reduce your stress level while ensuring you don’t send duplicate requests or forget to follow up with potential donors.[1]
4. Reveal the Big Picture
Donors want to give to fundraisers that will make a big difference. While you might just be encouraging a business to support a local children’s baseball team, show your prospective donor how being active is good for children, how being part of a team builds essential life skills, and how these kids can make great friends. Show them that their donations will be life-changing for your organization.[3]
5. Be Prepared to Answer Questions
Know your stuff when you ask for donations. Be ready to answer detailed questions about how the funds will be used.[4] Prepare informational packets, hand outs, or cards that give details about your organization, your mission, and step-by-step donation process.
6. Say “Thank You”
Always conclude any presentation or fundraising request with a sincere thank you. Even if your donor turns you down, maintaining a good relationship means you may be able to reach out to them in the future. Or, if they suddenly find themselves in a position to donate, they’ll be more likely to call your organization.[4] Setting up a fundraising campaign is no easy task. With careful planning and research, you’ll have a better chance of reaching your goals and helping your organization achieve fundraising success. Byline:
Rachel writes articles for Allied Cash Advance about online commerce, responsible borrowing, investment, and budgeting. Allied Cash Advance is a responsible payday loans and cash advance lender.
References [1] “Strategic Fundraising: 10 tips for .” Fundraiser-Ideas.net. n.d. n. page. Web. 22 May. 2012. <http://www.fundraiser-ideas.net/strategic-fundraising/>. [2] “Why Fundraising Timing is SO Important!.” Fundraiser Insight. n.d. n. page. Web. 22 May. 2012. <http://www.fundraiserinsight.org/articles/whyfundraisingtimingissoimportant.html>. [3] Garech, Joe. “7 Tips for Making the Most Out of Your Fundraising Asks.” Fundraising Authority. n.d. n. page. Web. 22 May. 2012. <http://www.thefundraisingauthority.com/individual-fundraising/7-tips-for-fundraising-asks/>. [4] “Sponsorship Requests: How to Approach Local Businesses.” USAFundraising.com. n.d. n. page. Web. 22 May. 2012. <http://www.usafundraising.com/fundraising-tips/blog>.
photo by firstbaptistnashville
