Asking for Support: Make A Difference By Connecting With Others
Now that your fundraising campaign is set-up, it’s time to get started on your quest to raise funds to protect children. Think about your fundraising strategy like a dart board. The best fundraisers start by asking their closest contacts first (the bullseye) and progressively working their way to more distant contacts (the outer rings).
Below you will find some helpful tips and tools to ask your contacts for support this Giving Tuesday.
TIPS TO GET YOU STARTED
1. Get the Ball Rolling
Nobody likes to be first. That’s why it’s always a good idea to get your fundraising started by making the first contribution. This will make others more likely to get involved. You may even be able to make it anonymous if you like.
2. Add Your “Why” to the Email
We’ve put together an email template below that you can use. The most important thing you can add to this message is why you are fundraising. Let your family and friends know why child protection matters to you, that’s what they care about most! Be authentic. Use your voice and give them a glimpse of why this cause is close to your heart.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
How else are you going to reach the goal you’ve set? You have to ask! There are lots of ways to ask, whether it’s a general ask to participate and give, or a very specific dollar amount to a specific friend. Just remember, your friends want to know how they can help, so don’t be afraid to give them a dollar amount that will help you reach your goal!
4. Start With Your Close Contacts
It’s always best to start by emailing your close contacts because they are the most likely to donate. Try sending some quick personal messages to your inner circle to build up some momentum. Then use the email template you customized to reach all of your other contacts.
4. Now Use Your Social Media
Once you’ve sent your first batch of emails out, it’s time to turn to social media. One of the best strategies to use on both Facebook and Twitter is tagging and thanking people that have already donated while you are asking for new donations. This spreads your message further and lets the people you are asking know that people are already getting behind you.
5. Reengage With Email
Don’t hesitate to send a few follow up emails. Emails are easy to overlook and people often open them up quickly and then forget to go back to them. Use email to keep people up to date with your progress as you hit different milestones (50% raised, 75% raised, etc.) and ask supporters to help you hit the next milestone.
6. Continue Thanking and Updating Social Media
As more of your network gets behind you, keep thanking them on social media and make sure you continue to share your progress towards your goal.
TEMPLATES (So you don’t have to start from scratch!)
Email Template
Use the sample email below to send personal emails and be sure to include a link to your campaign page. Use the guidance in the tips above to help you reach your goal!
“Hi Lauren,
I’m fundraising for Darkness to Light’s Giving Tuesday Campaign. Giving Tuesday is a global day dedicated to giving back, and this year Darkness to Light is raising money to protect children from sexual abuse. How awesome is that?
I’m trying to raise $200 by the end of Giving Tuesday, November 28th. Would you consider donating to help me reach my goal? I’m passionate about protecting children, and if we can protect even one child, we can stop the life long consequences of sexual abuse and in turn not only save a childhood but also a life. I hope you will support me and children across the globe by making a gift to my fundraising page. Thanks in advance!”
Social Media Template
Sharing your fundraising page on social media is another great way to ask for support from your network. It will show your friends, across the country and world, that you are passionate about protecting children and give them a chance to join you. With your social media outlets you can post multiple times leading up to Giving Tuesday. Be sure to use the hashtag #GivingTuesday and feel free to tag Darkness to Light in your post. Use the below sample posts to share with your fundraising link.
“This Giving Tuesday, I have a goal of raising $200 to protect children from sexual abuse. If we can protect even one child, we can not only save a childhood but also a life. Will you join me to make a difference? #GivingTuesday”
“I’m passionate about helping children and I need your help! I have a goal of raising $200 to protect children from sexual abuse by Giving Tuesday. Together, we can make a difference. #GivingTuesday”
Fundraising often takes a little creativity and persistence, but it’s vitally important to our mission and you can do it. Know that your effort will make a big difference! THANK YOU!
Stay tuned! Next time we’ll talk about the final push to bring your families, friends, and contacts over the finish line.
This is the second blog in the Giving Tuesday series. Throughout this blog series, we’ll help you get your campaign set up, give you tips for asking your friends, family, and contacts for support, and give you the encouragement you need in the final push to Giving Tuesday!
Got questions? Comment below and let’s talk about them.
Darkness to Light is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (Federal Tax ID 57-1095108)
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