How to Be Successful at Fundraiser Solicitation

Have you been given the job to solicit products, services, and money for a fundraiser? Not a simple task in today's economy. Here are some tips to help you be successful at fundraiser solicitation and make the process more profitable for your cause.

Instructions

1. 

   Be prepared. Before you hit the streets, put together a simple solicitation letter. See Resources, below for information on how to write it.

2. 

   Start early. Most businesses have a certain amount of money or products that they donate each year to charitable organizations. The key is to send the solicitation letter or visit the business during the earlier part of the year before they've filled their quotas.

3. 

   Think about where you shop. Merchants will be more likely to donate if they've seen you purchasing their goods so target those businesses first. Think hair salon, nail salon, grocery store, bakery, restaurants, car wash, barber shop. You get the picture.

4. 

   Don't forget services. Dentists (teeth whitening), Photographers (free sitting fee), accountants (free tax service), and eye doctors (free eye exam) are just a few businesses to approach for service donations. Does your child take music lessons? Maybe the teacher would offer a free 1/2 hour lesson (he/she might get a new student from it). The possibilities are endless here.

5. 

   Look at your inner circle. Do you have a friend or family member who owns a business? Has season tickets to a local sports team? A summer home they would be willing to donate for a weekend getaway during the off season? A service they could contribute?

6. 

   Sell raffle tickets either at the event or beforehand. The prize can be whatever you like but people always like to go home with money in their pocket so a good idea is a 50/50 cash split with the organization.

7. 

   Sell advertising. Print an event program and sell ad space (1/4 page, 1/2 page, and full page). The merchant gets a chance to advertise their business while you get money for your organization's cause.

8. 

   Be professional. Remember that you are representing your organization and should always act accordingly (a handshake would be a nice added feature). Even if the merchant cannot donate to your cause, be polite and thank them for their time anyway.

Resources

• How to Write a Fundraiser Solicitation Letter