Fundraising Ideas and Tips

Need some ideas to meet your fundraising goal?
Here you go.

Fundraising Tips to Keep in Mind

Personalize your BFKS Webpage  

Once you team has registered here, and you own page is up, you will notice you can edit several areas when you move your mouse over the page. Change the logo picture next to your own personal story. Place your picture there. If you are a Big, put a picture of you and your Little (be sure to get permission to use the picture of your Little). A picture is worth a thousand words (or at least a few hundred dollars).

Write a personal story. Let your donors know why you are passionate about Big Brothers Big Sisters and why you are fundraising. Let them know who we are, what we do and why! Get them passionate about it, too. Most people are into helping kids in some way.  Let your donors know what impact their donation will make.

Sponsor Yourself

Be the first donor on your webpage. Your potential donors will appreciate know that you practice what you preach and are financially invested, as well.

Who Should I Ask?

Everyone. There is no limit to the number of people you can ask to donate money to help you reach your goal. Make a list of people you think might help. A few ideas to get you started:

  • Your Personal Network: Family, friends, dentist, family physician, your insurance agent, book clubs, dry cleaner, car wash, gas station, clothing stores, grocery store manager, etc.
  • Professional Network: Colleagues, boss, company executives, vendors, clients, etc.
  • Community Network: Churches, synagogues, senior centers/groups, etc.
  • Involve Your Kids: Teach philanthropy early!
    • Ask teachers to sponsor a “Change for Change” or "Kids Helping Kids” coin collection in your child’s classroom.
    • How about a lemonade or hot chocolate stand? Cookie or bake sale?

How Do I Ask?

Don't be a afraid to ask for money for something you are passionate about. Remember you are NOT asking for you personally. Here are some simple steps to asking for money:

  1. Get the pleasantries out of the way.If you know the person well, talk about the kids, the family, work, the last time you saw the other person. Get the small talk out of the way first.
  2. Make a transition. Once the small talk is out of the way, make a transition so that people know the topic has changed to something a little more serious.  Good transitions include, “Listen… I want to talk about something important,” “I’ve got a serious question for you,” or, “Jane, I need your help.”
  3. Make the connection. Once you’ve moved into more serious conversation through your transition, remind the prospect of the connection that you personally have with BBBS. For instance, “Bill, as you know, I’m a big supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters …”  
  4.  Make them cry. Ok, just kidding! But you want to make sure that the person you are talking to understands the impact of the Big Brothers Big Sisters mission.  Remind them what BBBS does, and why it is important.  Good examples are, “Samuel, The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters as America’s premier mentoring organization is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change a child’s life for the better, forever”.
  5. Make them understand why you need what you are asking for. This is the background for your specific ask.  Why are you asking them to give $20? (“BBBS wants to increase the number of children they serve in our community and they have a goal of $25,000 to do that this year”)
  6. Make the ask. Show people how they can make a concrete difference or reach a concrete goal.  People like to know that their donation is doing something specific and concrete.  Remember to make it a question, and to ask for something specific. Ask them to contribute to help do something specific. Or “Would you be willing to donate $20 to help us reach our $25,000 goal to serve 30 more children in our community?”

Finally, remember to always thank everyone who responds to your ask, and be sure to thank those who say no for their time and consideration.

Understand there will be "No's" 

It's OK for someone to say no. Fundraising is like baseball . . . not everyone gets a hit. Even the best, most experienced fundraisers receive a lot of "no's" don't let them get you down. No's are simply a part of the game.

But Expect a Yes!

Attitude matters in fundraising.  If you go into a fundraising ask assuming you will get a no, you probably will.  Remember, our mission at BBBS matters! Go into every fundraising ask expecting a yes, and asking for a yes.  Be enthusiastic about what you are supporting.  You will be pleasantly surprised!

Have Fun!

We call it FUNdraising because it can be fun!  A great attitude = better success!  YOU can reach your personal goal for Bowl For Kids’ Sake 2018!

For more information contact: Erien Haddock, [email protected] or call 575.434.3388 ext. 4

Download more fundraising ideas here