Fundraising 101
Fundraising is fun! Check out our tips to get started.
Before you get started, keep the #1 rule of fundraising in mind: people like to asked. Whether it's asking their opinion, for input or for a donation, being asked is appreciated. Ask your potential donors to give what they can, and they will! And always keep in mind you are contributing to a great cause with your efforts, it makes asking easier!
We have a bunch of fundraising tips and ideas that will help you meet your fundraising goal. Scroll down or click on a link below to learn more about how to fundraise.
8 Tips to Help You Reach Your Fundraising Goal
1. Set a goal.
2. Make a plan.
3. Remember, every dollar counts.
4. Who should you ask?
5. Cast a wide net.
6. Ask! Ask! Ask!
7. Ask all over again...twice.
8. Say thank you.
1. Set a goal.
It's so useful to know where you are headed in fundraising! Make sure you let potential donors know your goal, and keep them updated on your progress. Give your goal some thought- if you want to raise $1,000, how are you going to get there?
2. Make a plan.
If you want to raise $1,000, there are plenty of ways to go about it! Here's how it breaks down: collect 40 donations of $25, 20 donations of $50 or 10 donations of $100. All potential donors have a different level they can give at, so odds are, you'll get a variety of donation amounts. Big amounts are great, but remember...
3. ...every dollar counts.
Remind people that a donation, no matter what size, matters. Every dollar contributed to MicroBike makes a difference in our programs.
Show your potential donors what $25, $50, $100 or more can do >>
Introduce them to our inspiring clients >>
4. Who should you ask?
Anyone and everyone, of course! The big groups of potential donors are friends, family members and co-workers, but we all know a lot of people and it's helpful to narrow it down. Consider the following types of people first as potential donors:
- People whose events you've donated to in the past.
- Microfinance or small business enthusisasts.
- People who are concerned about social justice or international development- tell them about the power of microfinance as a development tool.
5. Cast a wide net.
Definitely ask people you see or talk with on a regular basis, but it's also worth shooting an email to a friend you haven't spoken to in awhile. Even if you don't get a donation, you'll get back in touch. It's worth asking as many people as possible, you'll be surprised at some of the donors!
6. Ask! Ask! Ask!
The more you ask for donations, the easier it becomes and the more likely it'll be that you'll reach your fundraising goal. Be sure to let people know what they are contributing too.
- Reach out to your network- post a link to your fundraising page on Facebook or Twitter.
- Send out an email to family and friends detailing what you are doing and why it's important.
- Ask friends you see in person or leave a jar on your desk for co-workers to make a donation.
- Ask colleagues to sponsor you and if your organization matches gifts, get their gift matched!
7. Ask all over again...twice.
Keep in mind that sometimes people forget to donate or forget you asked. Send a reminder email with an update on your fundraising progress. Send one more a few days before the event- often the third time is the charm!
8. Say thank you!
If someone donates to your ride, be sure to follow up with a thank you call, email or note (or all three if it's a big donation!) Let all your donors know how the ride went and how much money you ended up raising. Donors like to know how your event went, and how their donation is being used.
Get started today!
Hey, we're used to fundraising here at MicroBike, but we understand not everyone feels comfortable asking other people for money, even if it is for a good cause! We hope the above tips have helped you form a plan, so take the plunge and get out there.
Take 10 minutes now to:
1. Type out a list of people to ask for donations.
2. Grab one of our email templates in your My HQ, and send it out!
3. Post on Facebook about MicroBike and your fundraising goal.
...Sit back and wait for those donations to come in! Nice job- you're a fundraiser, MicroBiker.
Other Fundraising Resources
More great resources on fundraising coming soon!