FUNdraising
How to raise $2,500 in just six weeks:
Week 1: $1230
• Start by sponsoring yourself = $30. • Send out at least 40 letters and emails to friends and family (ask for a minimum donation of
$30) = $1200.
Week 2: $300
• Follow up on your fundraising letters and emails. • Ask four additional family members (minimum donation of $30 each) = $120. • Ask four friends to sponsor you (minimum donation of $30 each) = $120. • Ask two co-workers to sponsor you (minimum of $30 each) = $60. • Check with your company’s human resource department to see if they offer matching gifts.
Week 3: $310
• Ask two additional co-workers to sponsor you (minimum donation of $30 each) = $60. • Plan a fundraising party with at least 25 people (e.g. 50% of split cover charge of $20 for a
happy hour) = $250.
Week 4: $210
• Ask five neighbors to sponsor you (minimum donation of $20 each) = $100 • Send out an e-mail to all of your friends and ask them all to forego buying coffee or lunch out
one day this week and donate the money they save instead. Challenge 10 friends to participate and do it yourself. 11 people giving $10 = $110
Week 5: $300
• Ask your boss for a company contribution = $100 • Send out an update on your training and fundraising progress and your honored hero and
requesting that there’s still time to donate if recipients haven’t yet done so. • Ask your friends and family to send your fundraising letter to their e-mail address book.
Challenge them to help you raise $200 by getting 20 people to donate $10. = $200
Week 6: $150
• Ask three businesses you frequent for a donation (e.g. doctor, dentist, dry cleaners, etc., $50 each) = $150
Grand Total $2500
Fundraising is even easier now with online fundraising. When you register for Team In Training you will receive your own personal Web site which you can personalize and encourage people to visit your site, see what you are doing for LLS and donate immediately.
Top 10 Fundraising Ideas
10. Do not think of fundraising as asking for money or a loan. You are asking as an advocate for those in need.
9. Do not discount anyone. While you may not have talked to that high school friend for awhile, it’s never too late to resume a friendship by telling them about your involvement with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
8. Use those who are close to you as a “mini-committee” to reach your goal. Ask them to share their Rolodex, send out letters, help plan a party or find raffle prizes.
7. You do not need to know all of your potential donors; it’s okay to accept donations from people you do not know. Just remember to thank them. By carrying their fundraising letters everywhere they go, many Team In Training® (TNT) participants have received donations in bars, the subway and from passengers in elevators, in their offices or apartment buildings.
6. The best way to fundraise is to use a combination of techniques, including a fundraising letter, online fundraising, a party, corporate involvement, etc.
5. Start early! There’s a lot to be said for those people who get all of their fundraising done so that they can concentrate on their training as event weekend nears.
4. Involve everyone you know. Most people find that their daily contacts supply plenty of potential donors. You’d be surprised at how many people you know – even casual acquaintances – who will support your efforts. Leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers affect more than those diagnosed with the disease.
3. Follow Up! Following up with those you have already asked is just as important as the initial ask. Find creative ways to follow up such as sending an update on your training or fundraising with a reminder to give, send a picture in your TNT training gear, or make a personal phone call to tell your friend or colleague about why this is so important to you.
2. TNT is a program that allows people to experience the joy of helping others vicariously through you. When you participate in Team In Training, you represent not only your honored patient, you also represent all those who donated to your campaign. Make sure everyone realizes that their contribution will last much longer than the 30 seconds it takes to write a check or make an online donation. Mention your efforts whenever possible – you never know when someone has $20 burning a hole in their pocket.
And the No. 1 fundraising tip from Team In Training is…
1. Ask, ask, ask!
