Fundraising this Month: March
Assuming you’ve created your pitch and a donor prospect list (see 8 Steps to Charity Running Success), it’s time to start fundraising! But there is one important quick step to take before you do: donate to your own fundraiser!
Donating yourself shows your prospective donors that you have made a financial commitment too. And that goes a long way! Statistics show peer-to-peer fundraisers who donate to their own fundraiser are considerably more successful.
By making the first gift, you are assured that no one else has to be the first one. Plus, your gift will set the tone for everyone else’s so be as generous as you can. Once you’ve done that start asking your prospects.
Start with your inner circle – family and close friends. Whenever possible, make these asks in person. These are the people most likely to support you simply because they love you, are proud of what you’re doing and want to support you. These asks shouldn’t be scary or too far out of your comfort zone. Because most of these people are most likely to say yes, they will get you well on your way to your fundraising minimum.
The next group is everyone for whom you have an email address. Don’t try to email everyone at once. While that might sound like the most efficient way to do it, a more personal ask will yield better results. Take some time every day just to send a few personalized emails sharing why you think the mission of Mercy Home for Boys & Girls would resonate with this particular individual.
Save social media for last. When you get to that point, the first two groups should have you close, if not all the way, to your fundraising minimum. Make it a goal to use social media to push you over and earning some incentive prizes. Include pictures from your training runs with a link to your fundraising page. There are some great opportunities as you hit training milestones: first week of training complete, first double-digit long run, etc.
For some more ideas on how you can excel at fundraising, read More Fundraising Tips.
