- Understand your fundraising objective. Set a specific goal, if possible. Write down what is needed, who will benefit, and how much will it cost? I have found that potential funders like knowing they are contributing to something specific, and that there is research behind what is needed (get quotes, etc).
- Write your story about why YOU are fundraising for this cause. Write about why this cause is important to YOU and introduce the cause (in a way that is easy to understand). Get pics/videos to support (use with correct permissions, of course!)! Funders love hearing about why you care about the cause, and in turn, they will care too.
- Set up a BackaBuddy/GivenGain campaign and share it with your network - you would be surprised at who is interested in supporting you! (I will write another article about using these platforms)
- Once you start getting donations, send a personal thank you note to each donor! Address your donor by name and say how much their donation will mean to the cause. Use inclusive language - make it their cause too! "Together we can achieve this goal!"
- Donate to your own cause. Whether it's R50/R100/R1000. It is important that you financially invest in your cause as well. Donating to your own fundraiser creates additional ownership and drive within you, and also demonstrates to your network that you are serious about fundraising for this cause. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also".
- If you see your friends are fundraising for a cause - help! However, you can.. whether it's sharing the story on your feed. Or if you can financially invest that's even better! Remember, no amount is too big or too small. If you want people to help you... start by helping others!
