This page is changing! Check back very soon for a greatly expanded 'Fundraising Toolkit' section, including a Team Recruitment poster, downloads, tons of tips and tricks, and a brand spanking new iPod! What? Yes! Watch this space, exciting things are happening! |
The Joy of What?
That's right - fundraising.
This year I'm riding 50 km. I know for many of you that isn't very far but for ummm, a larger guy, it's plenty far :) What I have found is that people don't mind giving to people who are genuinely putting themselves out for a cause they believe in. And I believe in this cause deeply. Problem is, they can't give to my "cause" unless I tell them.
So here is a Top 10 List of fund-raising tips for you to review and use as you begin.
- Ask your Mother first... today! Explain how important the first donation is to your cause - beg her for $50 or $100 and remind her how much she loves you J Then, get going - the sooner you get at this the easier it is.
- Tell a story. Talk about why you are riding. Talk about a refugee you read about. Stories are better than anything (as long as they aren't too long).
- Ask for a specific amount. For example, "I'm riding 25km on October 18th for refugees, would you sponsor me $25 please?" This gives the donor a clear idea what the "cost" is. They will probably ask more questions about the event and you can use the ride brochure to explain that better. Don't be afraid to ask for larger amounts with people you know both like and respect you.
- After you ask - be quiet. Don't talk your way out of their desire to support you by getting nervous and mumbling words like "I can come back later" etc...
- Get Online. It's fast and easy to fundraise online. You can email friends and family from around the globe to support you and the online fundraising tool allows you to customize your fundraising efforts and track all your sponsors online.
- Set Activity Goals. When I fundraise I set activity goals because they are always achievable. I can't control if people will support me but I can control how many people I ask. So set activity goals - as a rule you will see at least 50% of those you ask give. So, if you ask 20 people you'll gave 10 people give - at an average of $50 per gift you'll raise $500 pretty fast.
- Be Nice. People like giving to people they like. So smile; be courageous, don't talk too long and if you have to fake your smile at the beginning you will find you won't have to at the end. This can be fun...
- Don't assume - just ask, ask, ask.
I've found that most people, if they know me even in passing, are willing to hear me out and consider my request for support. So don't assume you know someone "will" or "will not" give. Your job is to ask. Their job is to give.
- Remember your cause. Last summer I visited a UNHRC refugee camp in Rwanda, I will NEVER forget that visit. If you log on to the www.UNHRC.com site and check out the refugee stats you will share my passion too. Our cause is worthy. 35 million people matter. This Ride is having impact. Every mile does matter.
- Remember to say thank you! It's more than good manners, it's good fund-raising protocol. Say thanks using the online tools or with a personal note. And if you can, follow-up with a quick letter after the ride as well to share a few great pictures and your comments.
I'm with you in this. Email me if you think I can help or contact your regional ride coordinator.
brian@rideforrefugees.com
Brian Carney
Ride Chairman (and exhausted bike rider...)
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