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.
