Fundraising Tips

FIRST THINGS FIRST
Be sure to sign up to participate right away and customize your personal fundraising page.  Spend some time telling your story -- you can be as simple or as elaborate as you like, but be sure to tell your visitors the specific reasons why you are participating in the GWB Challenge.

THEN COMES THE ASK
Did you know that the number one reason people say they don’t donate is because no one ever asked them? Whether you are fundraising on your own or with a team, be sure to reach out to as many people as possible.  Explain what you are doing and how they can help you.  Ask people to be as generous as possible, and let them know that every gift of every size makes a difference.

• Within your Personal Participant Center, you can send emails right from this website, asking people to read your story (which you've typed up for your Personal Fundraising page) and make a gift online.
• You can start a letter-writing campaign. Put together a letter that tells your story, include a photograph or two of yourself and the person who is your Reason to take the challenge, and mail the letters to everyone in your address book.  If you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with the letter, you'll be sure to get a reply!
• If you can meet people in person, that's great, too. Ask for permission to set up a table outside a business that you patronize, or at a community event. 
  

MORE SPONSORSHIPS WILL SAVE MORE LIVES!
Online or Offline, it never hurts to ask! Fighting cancer is a cause that’s easy to rally around. These suggestions can get you started.

MAKE A LIST AND CHECK IT TWICE
Make a list of potential sponsors. Include everyone you know on your brochure/pledge form. Start by sponsoring yourself and listing the amount of your gift at the top. Your gift will set the tone for others to give.

REMEMBER WHY YOU ARE ASKING
You are not asking for the contribution for yourself. You are asking in order to raise funds for the fight against cancer, and for all those affected by this disease.

ONE A DAY
Ask one person each day to make a contribution. If you get four $25 gifts, you’ll have raised $100 in less than a week! Don’t be afraid to ask for larger gifts. Cancer is an issue that affects us all, and most people are happy to donate.

TALK IT UP
Ask for a few minutes on the agenda of any meetings you’ll be attending. Explain why you’re participating in the GWB Challenge and ask for everyone’s support. Personalize the issue by telling why you are participating in the challenge

SPUR QUESTIONS AND START A CONVERSATION
Wear last year’s GWB Challenge t-shirt to spur questions and start conversations about the event.

SEND THE MESSAGE
Change the message on your answering machine to mention the GWB Challenge and how callers can make a donation. Then, when you call friends back, ask them to sponsor you. when emailing friends, add a “PS” asking for their support.

WHO DO YOU PATRONIZE?
Ask the manager or owner of your local gas station, dry cleaners, convenience store, beauty parlor, or restaurant to support you in return for your frequent patronage.

USE ALL FORMS OF COMMUNICATION
use e-mail, bulletin boards, memos, paycheck stuffers, newsletters and word of mouth to let everyone know about the Challenge and your goal. Send out e-mail requests, place your request in the company newsletter, and ask your HR department to include a flyer about the event and your request for a donation in the paycheck envelopes

REMEMBER TO SAY "THANK YOU"
Be sure to thank all of your donors.  When friends and family make a gift in support of your efforts, give them a call or send them an email to express your gratitude.  After you've experienced the Relay event, be sure to send a follow-up note or email (with photos!) telling them about your experience. It's a great way to share how much their support means to you.

10 Quick and Easy Fundraising Tips! (Click here)

Raise $200 in 2 Weeks! (Click Here)