Fundraising Tips
Within schools, nearly everybody seems to be fundraising for something: the school band, clubs, sports teams and more. We want you to spend your time WISELY on fundraising. So here are some tips and pointers to review BEFORE you start your fundraising campaign.
Establish Goals
First, it will be helpful for your group to talk about the financial objectives for your fundraising program. Discuss whether you hope to raise 100% of the program costs through fundraising only 1/3 or somewhere in between. Determine a specific dollar amount that you would like to raise and make this your groups’ target. Try to develop a plan and set deadlines as to how much money you need to raise by certain dates. Use a “goal chart” (possibly in the shape of a thermometer) to monitor your progress. Once you’ve made these decisions it will be easier for you to proceed accordingly and maintain your focus. Remember, as a group sponsor, you will be busy teaching the curriculum and preparing for the field workshop. With this in mind, you will not necessarily have extra time to organize fundraising activities on your own. Assign an eager parent(s) to assist you with fundraising and this will allow you to stay focused on the educational content of our program.
Start Early
It is very important to start fundraising as early as possible. You will be much more successful if your efforts are well planned out and organized, instead of thrown together at the last minute. Remember, when planning your efforts, it is much easier and more successful to arrange one or two large fundraising events rather than several smaller events. This way you’re maximizing your profits and everyone involved won’t get burned out. Another point to be aware of is that potential donors will often willingly donate to your cause once, but if asked repeatedly they will become less interested, FAST!
Make a List
A good way to start thinking about whom to ask for donations is to make a list of everyone you know. Identify your support system. Include friends, family members, teachers, your spiritual community members, local businesses, your parent’s companies, etc. Don’t leave anyone out! The more potential contributors you have, the better off you’ll be, especially since not everyone can contribute large amounts. Remember, “If you don’t ask, you won’t receive!”
The more people you talk to, the more reactions you will receive, allowing room to learn from mistakes and/or inconsistencies. Keep a list of which approaches were successful and which were not. Was there something to learn from an interaction with someone who didn’t donate? What was the point you made which helped someone else decide to sponsor you?
Be Specific
Always ask for a specific amount of money. When you are fundraising tell people how much money you need to meet your goal. One idea is to outline the cost per day of the trip, and ask people to sponsor you for just one day. In a letter or email, provide boxes for specific donation amounts, but be sure to also include an “other” category with space for potential donors to write in however much they can afford. This will encourage those who want to help to give whatever they can.
It is important to keep it simple. Keep your letters and emails to one page or less, too much information is overwhelming. Remember that plenty of people are willing to donate to a good cause (education, sustainable environmental studies, etc.), so be positive.
Convey a sense of urgency. Give potential sponsors your deadline (make this date even earlier than your true deadline in order to help you tie up loose ends) so they know that their donation is time sensitive. If someone wants to think about it, schedule a date that works for the both of you to talk again. Let them know how important their donation is to you, but remember to be gracious and not pushy!
Finally, make it convenient for individuals and/or businesses to make donations. Be prepared to accept cash, check, credit card, in-person, on-line, etc. The easier it is for potential donors to contribute, the more likely they are to do so!
Make it Personal
If you receive a donation, make sure to send a HANDWRITTEN thank you note right away. Add a printed list of all contributors (DO NOT INCLUDE AMOUNTS DONATED!) and send it along with your thank you notes. If possible, host an open house or banquet dinner to publicly acknowledge and thank your supporters. Remember that these businesses and individuals are doing you a huge favor by helping to sponsor your trip. A thank you means a lot to even the smallest donor. Plus it is important to keep people’s experiences with fundraising positive; you never know when you’ll be fundraising again!
Examine All your Options
Start Locally! Local businesses are likely to contribute to your cause, especially if you regularly spend your money at their institution (clothing boutiques, health food stores, music stores, restaurants, etc.). Establishing a link between your group and a local business can lead to a strong (and profitable) connection. First, provide the targeted business (in person if possible) with a “Making the Pitch Packet.” The “Pitch Packet” (check out your Administrative Guide for sample “Pitch Packets”) typically includes a student letter of introduction, a GEx letter of support and the “Adopt a Group Worksheet.” Then follow up with a phone call.
You also need to decide if you or your group will be willing to do anything to help benefit the sponsor. Would your group be willing to give a presentation to the business owner’s employees about what you did on your GEx adventure when you complete the GEx program? If a business owner is hesitant, another option is to ask them to take part in a challenge donation. If you raise a certain amount by a specific deadline, would they be willing to match your efforts?
Take advantage of the media. Contact local radio, newspapers (even school newspapers), local television channels, church bulletins, even use your own personal websites and blogs to get the word out about what you’re doing. You might reach someone via websites and blogs that you wouldn’t have reached otherwise.
Research possibilities of receiving grant money. Grants, scholarships, and awards are often difficult to obtain because they are one of the most common ways to raise large amounts of money, and a therefore a lot of people apply. For this reason it is imperative to be unique and creative in order to get noticed. Also, be aware of deadlines and funding cycles. If receive a grant will you receive the money in time for your trip?
