FUNDRAISING IDEAS & TIPS
Start Early
Do not procrastinate
Send an E-mail to Everyone You Know
Send out an email to everyone you know, explaining what you are doing, why you are doing it, and with a link so they can easily donate on-line.
Recruit Volunteers
Family, friends, co-workers and local business are a great way to spread the word about your mission. They can help you fundraise.
Matching Pledges
Many employers will match gifts to Girls on the Run. Have your sponsors check with the human resource departments when they make their contributions. Girls on the Run can provide any documentation support that is necessary.
Make Potential Donors Aware of the Benefits
They are making a difference in the lives of young girls with their tax deductible donation
Keep In Touch With Potential Donors
Update them on your progress and training
Follow Up
Follow up on your initial emails with a reminder email, about two weeks before the race – giving people a deadline really helps them make the commitment to donate to you.
Garage/Yard Sale
It’s the perfect time of year to clean out and pass on the things you never use or clothes you don’t wear. Homemade price tags, lemonade and a warm spring day equal a perfect fundraiser!
Bake Sale
Sweets often brighten the day at work or school. Get your co-workers or friends involved and have a bake sale.
Car Wash
Recruit a team of helpers by using community resources such as local schools, youth groups, clubs, etc. Remember that several groups require their members to do a certain number of volunteer hours thus putting together a car wash to benefit your fundraising campaign could be a great match!
Community Involvement
Ask for support from clubs or recreational organizations that you belong to!
Make It a Family Affair
Teach your children the value of philanthropy. They can donate time doing odd jobs for family or friends, or even giving part of their allowance.
Distribute Change Canisters
Have you ever realized how quickly change adds up? Place a change canister on your desk at work or other high traffic areas in the community (retail stores, banks, etc). Watch your contributions grow every day!
Donations in Stores
Many stores will allow you to put up literature to seek donations. Talk to store managers to see if they can help you set up a process to collect donations. Smaller locally owned businesses are a great place to start.
House Sit/Baby Sit/Dog Sit
Especially in the summer, friends, family and neighbors are always looking for extra help. Lend a hand in exchange for a contribution to Girls on the Run!
Letter Writing Campaign
Send letters to your friends, neighbors, family members and business associates. Remember that most Team Tiara participants are fundraising to support their local Girls on the Run council. Make sure your local contacts know that their donations will impact their community. Many folks are excited and willing to get involved in worthy causes to help their own communities, so just ask! Who should be on your contact list? - Family - Friends - Co-workers - Neighbors - Doctors, Veterinarians, Dentist, etc. - Business Associates - Suppliers - Day Care Centers - Place of Worship - Social Organizations, Clubs, Associations *Let us know if you want any Girls on the Run notecards
How to raise $262 in 10 days
Day 1: Sponsor yourself for $10 Day 2: Ask 2 family members to donate $25 each Day 3: Ask 5 friends to contribute $10 Day 4: Ask 5 co-workers to contribute $5 Day 5: Ask 3 neighbors to contribute $10 Day 6: Ask 3 people from your place of worship to contribute $9 Day 7: Ask your boss for a company contribution of $50 (better yet, find out if your company will match all of what you raise!) Day 8: Ask 2 businesses you frequent to personally contribute $10 (hair salon, dry cleaner, favorite restaurant, etc.)