Fundraising Tips for Individuals
Email Your Friends and Family
Send emails to everyone you know using the easy and fun-to-use Active.com email tool. Import your address book, use one of the email templates or create your own, track results, and follow up. Soon, credit card donations will start rolling in.
Make a List and Check It Twice
Make a list of potential donors. Include everyone you know. Start by making a donation to yourself online. Your gift will set the tone for others to give.
One a Day
Ask a different person each day to make a contribution. If you get four $25 gifts, you will have raised $100 in less than a week. Don’t be afraid to ask for smaller or larger gifts. Diabetes is an issue that touches everyone in one way or another.
Double Your Money
Many employers offer matching funds programs. Your $50 donation could turn into $100. Inquire with your personnel/HR department to complete the paperwork required to get your gift matched.
The Mighty Pen
Send a letter in the mail to friends, family, and co-workers asking for their support. Let them know if you are walking in honor of someone. Explain why the cause is important to you; heartfelt messages get the best response. Don’t forget to send a thank you note to people who donate.
Bring It Along
Take your Web site’s address and contribution form everywhere you go and ask everyone you interact with to sponsor you. Remember, the fight against diabetes is a great cause, and most people want to help.
Talk It Up
Ask for a few minutes on the agenda of any meetings you will be attending. Explain why you are walking and ask for everyone’s support. If you are dedicating your efforts to someone who has had diabetes, tell that person’s story.
Offer Food
Offer healthy treats or baked goods to your friends, family, and co-workers for a small gift to the Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center. Most people can be tempted to donate.
Clean House
Clean out your garage or home and set up a Get Going Oregon donation booth in exchange for your finds. Ask your friends and neighbors to donate their stuff to you, explaining that all proceeds go to the fight against diabetes.
Celebrate
If a birthday or holiday is coming up, tell your family and friends that in lieu of a gift, you would like them to make a donation to the Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center for Get Going Oregon.
Pin It Up
Post your Web site address or walk paper on the bulletin board at church or temple, in the office, at the gym, or at school. Make sure to highlight your name, phone number, email address, and team Web page address
Send the Message
Change the recording on your voicemail or answering machine to mention Get Going Oregon and how callers can make a donation. Then, when you call people back, ask them to sponsor you. When emailing friends, add a “PS” asking for their support.
Fundraising Tips for Teams
Challenge Each Other
Hold weekly challenges within a company that has two or more teams. Drive your fundraising effort through healthy competition.
Go Casual
Dress down for a cause. Arrange for your office or school to allow people to dress casual in support of Get Going Oregon by giving a dollar or two or even five.
Reduce Stress
Find a masseuse through a health club, training school, or chiropractor’s office. Have them come to your business and provide a 5 or 10 minute neck and shoulder massages for a gift of $10. Have employees sign up beforehand, and the masseuse will come right into their office.
Give Rewards
Ask your boss to offer an extra vacation day to the team member who raises the most money. If your team is the highest fundraising team within the company, see if everyone on the team can have a day off.
Give Prizes
Get some great prizes donated to your team. Try gift certificates at a restaurant or spa. Then auction them off to the highest bidders.
Honor Loved Ones
Create quilt squares in honor of, or in memory of people with diabetes. Accept varying donations for different sizes: a 4” square for $5, an 8” square for $15, and a 12” square for $25. Display the quilt in the lobby at work, school, health club, or place of worship. If you can’t use fabric, try something else like card stock
