Successful Fundraising Essentials

It’s 2012 - a new year with new goals and new fundraising efforts on the horizon. Yet as you move onto bigger, better, and larger levels of achievement, don’t forget the tried & true basics of fundraising success.

Tell Your Story: 

Offer people an understanding of why you’re doing what you’re doing, and give them a reason to give.

• Why are you fundraising?
• Why is the cause important to you?
• What impact will each donation have?  (Ex - $25 buys a new backpack with school supplies for a child).

Set a Fundraising Goal: 

Donors want to see fundraising success; and they want to participate in that success. Some people will even donate again if they see the goal number is within reach.

• Set a fundraising goal on your Fundraise.com page
• Raise your goal once you reach it and be sure to let everyone know you did (it’s a great way to thank people who have helped and motivate people who haven’t yet had a chance to participate in the success)

Add Imagery: 

• Add photos that speak to your potential donors – images that create a personal connection and are aimed to affect people emotionally.
• Embed a video directly onto your Fundraise.com page.

Embed a Widget/Send a Link:

• Embed a personalized donation form directly onto your Facebook page to accept donations from friends.
• Put your goal bar or your donation form onto existing blogs and websites.

Spread the Word: 

• Share your Fundraise.com page with family, friends, colleagues, or anyone you may have vested interest in yourself or your cause.
• Email contacts directly through Fundraise.com or use your email client of choice and include your customized fundraising link.

Keep Sharing: It’s important tosend updates on your fundraising progress. Communicating both challenges and milestones makes donors feel they’re a part of your fundraising efforts.

• Post daily updates to Facebook
• Try to tweet at least a few times a day
• Re-email everyone who has not yet donated right before your event as a reminder or directly after your fundraiser has ended.

Be Persistent:

• Don’t forget to ask people to donate
• Don’t get discouraged – not everyone is going to say “yes,” but if enough people say “yes” for you to reach your goal, your fundraiser was still a success.

Say “Thanks”: Never underestimate the power of two monosyllabic words - “thank you.” Looking for some suggestions on how to thank donors better? Check out this post. 

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