Things You'll Need:
- computer, printer, energy and confidence that you have a good cause!
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Step 1
Ok, so I have never done a charity bike ride or tried to fundraise on my own before. But, I read somewhere that 90% of people who don't donate to a worthy charity, do not give because they were NEVER asked! My first piece of advice, ASK EVERYONE! I didn't believe that this was true at first, but when I started mentioning that I was trying to raise $10,000 for a cancer charity event that I was participating in, I thought people might just offer to give me donations to help out. Although a few people did, most people gave the pat on the back "That's great" and went on with the conversation. However, sending out notes, actually asking for a donation, provided MUCH better results. So, I sent them to everyone I could think of. Old bosses and co-workers, friends, local businesses, my doctors, dentists, etc. You never know who might help. I got donations from places I wouldn't have ever expected. My husband's work, my dry cleaner, my dentist, and my eye doctor, not to mention, my favorite restaurant in town. It all adds up!
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Step 2
Second, it is important to get your name, face and cause out in the community. I wrote a letter to the local newpaper, and they put in an article about me, and what I was doing. This brought about several donations. I also printed out flyers and donation postcards with my information on them and hung them at various locations throughout the area. I also took some empty water jugs, and put a description of my fundraising efforts on there and asked a couple of local businesses to put them on their counters, for customers to put change in. It isn't going to make you thousands, but every little bit helps! And, who says the community is local. The internet makes it easy to reach thousands of people! I made a Twitter page (McDreamyBiker) and a Facebook page specifically for my 100 mile bike ride for cancer. I make sure to keep updating them and to ask for donations often. You never know who is reading. I have gotten several hundred dollars worth of donations from people that I have NEVER even met this way. People believe in a good cause and are willing to support you. You just have to find a way to reach them!
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Step 3
Third, use the skills you have. For me, I decorate cakes. I decided to donate all the profits from my cakes during my fundraising to the cause. Also, I had a yardsale and sold items on ebay to raise more money. As of right now, I am #3 out of more than 1,000 fundraisers, and quickly closing in on #2 and then #1. You can be a great fundraiser, you just have to get creative! You can watch my progress here http://tinyurl.com/cwlo5f
Comments
ca6one said
on 10/27/2009 great!!!! lets try i think i will be able to raise sum for our orphaned children in Nepal.
tsewang
ca6one@yahoo.com
amylaine said
on 9/17/2009 Wow, it sounds like you on your way to your fund raising goal. Great steps for those who want to follow in your foot steps. Good luck and great job.