Tips on Fundraising
Tips on Fundraising
This year, we are asking each of our participants to raise just $100 each in donations or pledges. To help ensure your success, here are some simple fundraising tips to get you started and help you reach your goal.
Create Your Personal Fundraising Page
Don’t forget to create your very own personal fundraising page, and e-mail the link to everyone you know! You can include your own personal story of why you are participating in the event, along with a photo of yourself or your pet, and you can let people know what your fundraising goal is. To create your page now, click here.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask!!
Remember…you are raising funds for a very worthwhile cause - canine cancer. Most people know someone who has been affected by cancer, and will be willing to give to the cause – if asked! Remember - “Nothing ventured, nothing gained” – so don’t be afraid to ask! The worst they can do is say no – and no one will fault you for asking!
Use your Contact List
Consider all of the people you come in contact with on a daily basis, such as neighbors, co-workers, vendors, friends, relatives, etc. Send them a personalized e-mail asking for small donations (click on link for example). Remind them that any donation is tax deductible. Make sure to let them know where the money is going, and why you are asking them to donate. Let them know that they can also make a donation in honor, or in memory of, a loved one or pet.
Use Technology
Web sites like Facebook and MySpace are great ways to keep in touch with friends and family. Consider using your Facebook or MySpace page to ask each of your online friends for donations. Include the link to your personal fundraising page, along with a picture. Post regular updates regarding your fundraising progress. If you ask each of your Facebook or MySpace friends to donate just one dollar, you can easily meet your goal!
10 for 10 Method
Ask 10 of you contacts to pledge just $10 each and you will have easily reached your goal of $100 – it’s that easy!
5 to 5 Method
Ask 5 of your closest friends, family members or colleagues to send a personalized donation e-mail to 5 of their contacts. Create a competition – offer to buy lunch for the individual that raises the most money for you.
Create an E-mail Signature
Include a tagline and link to your fundraising page in your email signature.
Involve Your Employer
Check with your company to see if they will match the amount you raise to double your contribution! Or, ask your company if they would be interested in sponsoring the event (click here for sponsorship details). This is a great way for your company to show that they support their employees, and give back to the community they serve.
Create a Team
Encourage friends and family to participate in K-9s Against Cancer, as well! You can create a team, order customized t-shirts, set team fundraising goals, and spend some quality time together the day of the race! This makes a great teambuilding exercise as well.
Collect Spare Change
Ask your employer for permission to place a donation jar in your company’s lunch or break room. You can even provide a small giveaway like dog treats or pink jelly beans to encourage people to give. Everyone usually has some change rattling around in their pockets that they are happy to get rid of, and you’d be surprised how quickly it adds up!
Think Global
Remember – cancer affects people all over the world. When sending out your donation e-mails, don’t forget to include your contacts in other states and countries. Since folks can donate online, it doesn’t matter where they live!
Host a Fun-Raising Event
Events are a fantastic, fun way to raise money for your cause. Here are a few great examples:
- Host a “Yappy Hour” at a local bar/restaurant and ask them to donate a portion of their revenue for that night to you. Remind them that the donation is tax-deductible.
- Host a party for your dog and ask guests to donate instead of buying gifts. If not for your four legged friends host a b-day party for a human friend and ask guests to donate too!
Get Creative
There are lots of fun and creative ways to get your friends and family energized about your cause. They require little effort on your part, and are guaranteed to result in good times and generous donations! Here are a few examples:
- Ask your local coffee shop to host a “Doggy Donation Day” and donate a small portion of their daily proceeds to you.
- Reach out to the fellow dog lovers you see in your local dog park. Customize and print out the attached flyers (link) and hand them out.
- Ask your local vet, doctor, clinic, hospital etc. to make a small donation. Sadly, everyone knows a person or pet affected by cancer and they are usually willing to “lend a paw” for a good cause.
- Ask you local pet store, doggy day care, dog walker etc. to donate to your cause and remind them of the exposure they will get on your donation page.
Don’t Forget Thank-You!
Don’t forget to personally thank everyone who donates to you – anyone who donates online will receive an automatic e-mail thank you message.