If this is your first fundraising event or even if it’s not you may feel a little intimidated asking people for money. However, raising money for a great cause is not as hard as you might think in fact, the number 1 reason people donate to the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk is because someone asked them to!

Whether you are walking on your own or are part of a team, your first step is to reach out to as many people as possible and ask them to support your effort with a donation of any amount. There are more than 2 million people who have been treated for breast cancer, and many others who have been touched by the experience of friends and loved ones. Because nearly everyone has been affected by this disease in some way, it’s easy to find people who want to support your effort with a donation … all you have to do is ask.

Once you sign up online, you will be able to send personalized emails to friends, family members, coworkers, and others, asking them to support your efforts to fight breast cancer. You will receive an email every time someone donates to you online, and you will quickly see your fundraising thermometer rise. It’s amazing how quickly a few small donations can add up.

To help you get started, we’ve included a few fundraising tips below.

Sign Up Online
Sign up for your Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event online and customize your personal fundraising Web page with photos, stories, and your reason for participating in Making Strides. It’s quick, easy, and offers a personal touch for friends and family members who visit your site to make a donation.

Send Emails
The number 1 reason people donate is because someone asked them. So don’t be shy; email everyone you know asking for support.

Double Your Money with Matching Gifts
Many employers offer matching gift programs. Your $50 donation could turn into $100 just by asking your human resources department if they have a matching gift form and reminding friends and family who support you to do the same. For more information please visit Matching Gifts.

Talk It Up
Ask for a few minutes on the agenda of your local parent-teacher organization or weekly department meetings. Tell the group about your participation in and commitment to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Share with them the reason you’re dedicating your efforts to this important cause, and how they can join or support you.