Tips for the Fundraiser
How to get your fundraiser started with a bang! Inviting people to participate in your fundraiser can be uncomfortable, especially the first time around. Be transparent, honest and proud of your project, and you will no longer feel like you are asking for money. If you believe in it, you will be that much more convincing.
Here are some tips and tricks to help you set up your fundraiser:
Write a sincere and motivational text: First, ask yourself why you want to participate and try to put into words what is pushing you to step up to this challenge. Your motivation is what will make your loved ones want to encourage you, along with helping a good cause of course J. You can tell a story or simply talk about yourself by clearly explaining why you feel compelled to take this challenge.
Make an initial donation to your own fundraiser : The first donation to appear on your page should come from you! This way you show your involvement in the cause!
Start by sending your fundraiser request to your family and loved ones. The people most likely to encourage you are the members of your family. It’s a great way to start receiving donations and get some encouragement before sharing your fundraiser with other contacts. To share your fundraiser with your family and friends by email or in a private message on social media, you will find many tools your particiant page. Click here for more details about your participant page. You can also copy your fundraiser’s URL link to share it with your family and friends by email or in a private message on social media.
Create a snowball effect. Invite your friends and family members to display their donations and write words of encouragement to incite other donors.
Keep the pace. Don’t leave your fundraiser hanging once you’ve started. Write a personal note to your contacts and don’t hesitate to politely follow up with them. The worst that can happen is that they will say no. Above all, do not be discouraged. Some people wait until the very last minute to take part in a fundraiser.
Share your fundraiser on social media. Once you have convinced your loved ones, the best way to reach your contacts and your friends’ friends is to share your fundraiser on social networks (instructions can be found in the Fundraiser Procedures document). This second circle of support that comes from acquaintances usually happens when trust has been established. However, you should already have a few contributions and encouraging comments before you share your fundraiser on Facebook for instance.
A donation for your birthday. Is your birthday around the corner? Why not take this opportunity to ask your loved ones to make a donation as a gift?
Thank your donors. Remember to extend warm thanks to your donors both during and after the fundraiser. If you exceeded your objective, say so when thanking your donors. People will be more likely to support you again in the future.
Don’t leave empty-handed, be creative and organize activities. If you are worried about not meeting your goals, have a plan B. For instance, why not organize other fundraising activities (within Public Safety guidelines of course): a garage sale on Market Place, a car wash, sell homemade pastries. A few virtual ideas: a game night, a karaoke evening, a half and half virtual draw. You can even create and sell personalized creations if you are an artist at heart, etc.
Have questions or need assistance?
Feel free to contact Mélissa Anne Grenier, Advisor for the St-Hubert Foundation, magrenier@st-hubert.com.