Fundraising: Who to Ask?

We are back with more fundraising ideas. There are a ton of resources out there about fundraising, so we will help summarize those sources, add in our own experience and provide you recommendations weekly!

Now that you have read and thought about how to ask, it is time for the who!

Grab a sheet of paper or open up a spreadsheet on your favorite device. Write down the names of:

• everyone in your family that you have spoken with in the last year
• friends you have donated to in the last few years
• friends who you speak with regularly
• coworkers who you donated to in the last few years
• coworkers who you interact with regularly

Now label each of these potential donors with a "how"; Should you reach out to them via email, letter, phone call, or in person? Choose whichever way suits your connection best. Does your brother have two kids and you can never catch him on the phone? Well maybe an email would be best, along with a follow up text a few days later. Your grandmother may live on her tablet, or maybe she would prefer an actual paper letter.

Using the "ask" you worked on a couple weeks ago, rehearse, take a deep breath, and ask! What is the worst thing that happens? The worst thing is someone says "no". And a "no" is usually accompanied with a reason, but most likely you will get "yes" and "how much?"!

As your first round of asks wrap up and you see the donations, which will help to improve your community, add up, it is time to get started on round two.

Round two includes some people and organizations you may have never thought to ask! Write down the names of:

• your primary care physician
• your dentist
• the supermarket you visit most often
• the coffee shop/restaurant/gas station you visit most often
• your hair stylist
• your insurance agent
• your car dealer/auto shop
• any other business you frequent often

Most businesses, not matter how big or small, have a fund set aside for donations, you just have to ask! The best way to ask these types of establishments is with a letter. The letter does not have to be formal, but should state who you are, how you support and appreciate their service, what you are doing, and how you would like them to help you. Include the link to your fundraising page and, to go above and beyond, include a self addressed envelope. You will be surprised how easy it can be!

We really look forward to seeing how these tips and tricks work for you!