Successful Fundraising: 10 Terrific Tips

  1. Start early. Do not procrastinate. Start now. In fact, kick off your effort by making your own donation. Then ask someone you're close to who's likely to say yes. Then you have two donations and you're on a roll!
  2. Create a plan of action. Be inventive. Strategize.
    • Use a combination of techniques, including online fundraising, a fundraising letter, a raffle, and a party.
    • Many companies match employees' charitable giving-meaning some of your donors' gifts could be doubled! Encourage your donors to talk to their human resources departments about this.
    • Set up your own personal fundraising weblink at http://www.nwpf.org/SignUp.aspx. It just takes just a minute, and it makes giving easy for your donors.
  3. Think big. Don't be afraid to set an ambitious fundraising goal. You'll be surprised at how quickly the donations add up. Start with a goal of $1,000. If you exceed your goal, double it and keep going.
  4. Ask everyone you know.
    • Ask your friends, neighbors, parents, kids, siblings, schoolmates, doctor, dentist, coworkers, boss, the company you work for, and the places where you do business.
    • Do you belong to a service club or religious organization? Ask the members!
    • Anyone ever asked you for a pledge in the past? Your turn to ask them back!
  5. Educate your donors.
    • About Team Parkinson's
    • About Parkinson's disease
    • About your personal quest to complete an athletic event to raise funds for the Northwest Parkinson's Foundation
  6. Make potential donors aware of the benefits of contributing.
    • A chance to improve a life
    • A way to make a difference
    • A tax-deductible donation
  7. Follow through. Send friendly reminders to potential donors.
  8. Recruit volunteers to help you raise funds. Friends, family, coworkers, and significant others can be a great help in soliciting donations on your behalf.
  9. Give back to donors. Say thank you often. And send a personalized thank you letter with a picture of you finishing your event!
  10. Stay positive. Keep a good attitude. Remember the reason. Fundraising can be very gratifying, and it makes all the difference! Remember, you're not asking for yourself, you're asking on behalf of a cause you support. Be sincere. Use humor. Don't be shy. You will be successful!