Challenge Your Friends and Family to Match You
Make the first donation of $50, $100 or even $250 and challenge your friends and family to match it with their donations. Since all the donations show up on your page, everyone will be able to see who rose to the challenge.
One Month Between Ask and Follow-up
The rule of thumb for time between your initial and follow-up asks is one month. Shoot for two to three asks because one is not nearly as effective as two since people often put things off and then merely forget.
Time Your Last Ask Accordingly
Send out one last reminder the week before the campaign ends and remind people in your Subject line that this is the final week to donate. That way, you’ll catch a few of those procrastinators.
Follow-up in Person or Over the Phone
Although email is a great way to hit a lot of people at once and good way to start your fundraising, a lot of people need that personal phone call or gentle personal reminder. Make a joke out of it if you feel uncomfortable asking in person or over the phone.
Find Out How Your Employer Prefers to Give
You'd be shocked at how much employers love to support their own employees. Do they have a foundation? Would they be interested in sponsoring the team? Do they match employee contributions? Do they match employee volunteer time? If so, see if training counts – you'll be sure to build up a ton of hours.
Drive Facebook Contacts to Your Fundraising Page
Send out a message through your Facebook account with a link to your fundraising page. To do so:
- Go to your Facebook page
- Click on Friends (on top toolbar)
- Click on "Make A New List" on the lefthand toolbar
- Name your list
- Add friends
- Click on "Message This List"
- Write your message
- Click on "Post Link"
- Type the web address of your fundraising page into the box
- Click "Send"
Ta da. It will send an email to everyone you selected.
Put a Cap on Your Donations
If you have a lot of friends who can give a little, ask them just to give $20. Most will abide and be happy to not feel guilty about giving just a little while others will disregard your request and give more.
Add a Mention to Your Email Signature
Add a mention to your email signature line to gently remind people to give if they haven't already. Something like. "Support me as I (ride/run/participate in the event) to raised funds for (nonprofit). Just visit (fundraising page address) to make a donation."
Plan an Event for Your Friends
Plan a pub crawl, wine tasting, volleyball game or just brunch at your house. Get all your contacts in the same room and make “the ask” or ask them to pay to participate. You could ask for a small donation and encourage your friends to ask their friends. $10 from 50 people adds up fast.
Thank Your Donors
Even though your donors will receive tax receipt thank you letter from Sweat Equity, be sure to thank them personally via phone, email or snail mail. A personal touch will leave them with a good feeling about their donation – they get hit up a lot so a little gratitude can go a long way!