You’ve registered for the Janus Charity Challenge and are eager to start fundraising. Here are some ideas to get you – and keep you – going.
Get personal. Once you’ve created your Blackbaud Participant Headquarters site, you can customize the page with a unique title and web address, a photo, your goal amount and your story. Potential donors will respond better to a website that makes a personal connection to your cause. Use the email center to send emails to family and friends directing them to your personal fundraising website to make online donations. You have the ability to edit and manage your fundraising account, see who has donated online and register any offline contributions.
Engage your charity. Utilize the resources and expertise of your charity.
Engage your charity and ask for their support and advice. Send them an introduction letter provided under the Fundraising Tools tab to introduce them to the Janus Charity Challenge (be sure to update the template with your personal information). The letter contains some suggestions on how they can help make you more successful.
Spread the word. Reach out to as many people as possible and share your remarkable story. Whether it’s by word of mouth, email or a letter, this is worth sharing! The cardinal rule of fundraising is ASK, ASK, ASK! If you don’t ask, people won’t donate. The more people know about what it is you are doing, the more likely they will contribute to your efforts.
Build your network. Raising money can be a breeze with the help of your family and friends. Ask a few people to help brainstorm some ways they can help you fundraise. Know someone who is a gourmet cook, graphic designer, jewelry maker? Host a social function that includes a silent auction and auction off a homemade dinner for two, web design services or a one-of-a-kind necklace. Other fundraisers such as a wine tasting, car wash, 5K fun run or yard sale won’t be as overwhelming with the help of your friends.
Seek the support of fellow triathletes. Contact your local triathlon club and ask for support via an article in the club’s newsletter, a speaking engagement at the club’s next meeting or sponsorship. Also send a letter to the editor of your favorite triathlon publication sharing your story. In all cases, include the link to your personal fundraising page.
Seek the power of the press. Two press release templates are included in this tool kit - one to help solicit donations and the other to report on your success post-race. Simply fill in specific information about you and your charity and send it to your local newspaper, community newsletters or triathlon club. If an article gets published, we’d love to hear about it. Please send a copy to Janus, Attn: Janus Charity Challenge, 151 Detroit St, Denver, CO 80206 or email us at januscharitychallenge@janus.com. If your article is published online, send us the link and we will publish it on the News & Information section of this website.
Look for local business support. Ask local businesses to donate a portion of proceeds from their sales on a particular day to support your charity. They may also donate goods or services such as certificates, a hotel stay, dog grooming services, spa day, etc. for a silent auction. Or they may simply put out a donation canister next to their cash register. Again, ASK, ASK, ASK!
Additional suggestions and fundraising ideas:
• Take advantage of your employer’s matching gift program. Ask all of your donors to do the same.
• Everyone is "going green" these days, so host a green fundraising program. Offer to collect and recycle old ink cartridges, cell phones, or other items and collect a donation for your services. Recycling companies often give money for items brought to their recycling centers. Check out the Go Green websites below for more ideas.
• Have a pool in your office to guess your race time or the miles you log during training. The person who comes closest to your actual time/mileage wins a portion of the pool.
• If you have children, inquire whether their class, girl/boy scout troop, youth group might operate a car wash, shovel snow/rake leaves as a service learning project. This is a great way to introduce young people to the spirit and importance of philanthropy.
• Print business cards with your name, contact information, charity and the link to your fundraising page, and hand them out to your network. There are several websites that provide free or discounted customized cards: Check out Vistaprint or BusinessCardsUSA for ideas.
• Hold a benefit party at a local restaurant, bar, or nightclub where the business is willing to donate the cover charge for the evening to your organization. It's a win-win situation since the business benefits from the sales of food and drink.
• If you're a handy man or woman, offer your services for a donation. Painting, auto maintenance, bicycle repair, basic home maintenance are all useful services.
• Candy fundraisers are very successful events. See the websites below that offer discounted candy and other treats that you can sell to your family and friends. There are even some healthy options!
• Arrange a training ride or run for friends, co-workers or a tri-club and ask for donations from those who participate.
• Set up a volunteer day at your charity so your donors can see first-hand where their contributions are going.
Important Reminders
• Tell people why you chose the organization you’re raising money for and share facts of interest. Donors will feel more connected to your cause after hearing your personal story.
• Educate your donors and encourage them to learn more about your charity by linking them to your charity's website.
• If you send a letter to solicit donations, enclose a self-addressed, stamped return envelope.
• Always send a thank you letter upon receipt of a donation.
Go Green Fundraising Sites:
http://www.go-green-fundraising.com
http://www.greenraising.com
http://school.familyeducation.com/school-fundraising
www.wirelessfundraiser.com
http://globalre-sourcefunding.com
Other Fundraising Web Sites:
http://www.easy-fundraising-ideas.com
http://www.fundraising-ideas.org
http://www.fundsraiser.com/fundraising-ideas
http://www.fundraising.com
http://www.fundraisingideas.com
http://www.usafundraising.com
|
