Fundraising
Getting Started
Until you’ve been touched by breast cancer in some way, it’s difficult to understand just how much it can change a life. That’s why so many of those who walk the Georgia 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer do it for someone dear to them. When you think of it in those terms, fundraising somehow seems like a pretty simple task. Here are 10 steps to get you started.
1. EDUCATE YOURSELF. Know who you are supporting and what they give back to the community. Successful fundraising is supported by name recognition, community visibility and NOTABLE actions. Learn to talk about your cause and know your organization. Visit About Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer and Where Your Money Goes!
2. DON’T ASSUME that people will say “no.” Stay positive, stay focused and remember that you are asking for and supporting a GREAT cause. There is a 50 percent chance they will say “YES,” and if you don’t ask, there is 100 percent chance you will get nothing.
3. DON’T LET THE DOLLAR AMOUNT OVERWHELM YOU. Remember why you are walking. A simple way to look at it is that you can ask 25 people for $40 or 40 people for $25.
4. START TODAY! Tell everyone what you are doing and focus on getting the word out.
5. LETTERS ARE A GOOD PLACE TO START. Personalize your letters; don’t start with “Dear Friends.” Send out a letter and donation form with a stamped and self-addressed envelope enclosed. Speak from your heart and with passion. Giving is emotionally based. Enthusiasm is contagious, so spread your enthusiasm about your cause.
6. ASK EVERYONE you know and then ask everyone you encounter, including doctors, dentists, insurance agents, neighbors, teachers and others. Don’t forget the people you work with, the people you do business with and the people at any other organization or club you belong to. The worst they can say is no!
7. FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES are another way to raise funds and awareness. Bake sales, garage sales, lunch parties and more are all possibilities. Use your imagination. Also, look for ideas on our website. Review all of your fundraising activities, enhance those that work and be open to trying something new.
8. TAKE ADVANTAGE of online tools to spread the word: Email, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
9. GENUINELY APPRECIATE any amount that you are given. A “thank you” is a must! Try to get notes out within one week. Acknowledging the donation is your way of expressing your appreciation and helping to ensure a donation for next year.
10. TRACK YOUR SUCCESS. Keep up with your donations by utilizing your personal website to maintain accurate records.
People give money because they want to make a change for the good and because PEOPLE GIVE TO PEOPLE WHO ASK!
Fundraising Ideas
You might be asking yourself, “How am I going to raise $1,000?” Well, here are a few fun ideas to consider:
- Send out letters and e-mails to family and friends telling them about the event and your reasons for participating.
- Jeans Day at Work: If allowed, charge a $5 donation to wear jeans at work!
- Host an auction or raffle: local merchants donate goods, your boss donates a vacation day, etc.
- Hold a bake sale or yard sale.
- Hold The Pampered Chef, Mary Kay, etc. parties to donate a percentage of sales.
- Do a 50-50 raffle. Charge $1.00 per ticket; the winner gets half of the raffle proceeds and the other half goes back to your fundraising account.
- Pick up Spare Change canisters from the ITJ office to distribute or keep on your desk at work or at home, getting everyone to donate their change.
- At work, keep a chart of your progress with a jar for extra donations. Share your milestones, and others will find ownership in your success.
- Plan a spaghetti-dinner party, a church auction or other event and charge for admission.
- Host a golf or tennis tournament.
- Have a car wash.
- Have a restaurant or bar donate a portion of sales for a day or a weekend.
- Speak to other walkers for ideas. You can easily do this on the Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer Facebook page or email the office for ideas and contacts!
Sample Fundraising Letters
Please feel free to use these sample letters or review them and then create your own!
Basic: Download
Making Goals and Stomping Out Breast Cancer: Download
Personal Story: Download
Personal Story and/or Survivor Story: Download
