Tips on Raising Pledges

Fundraising makes a huge difference and every dollar helps support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation fund vital research and projects for finding a cure for breast cancer. If each participant was able to raise $75 in pledges, not only would their registration fees be waived, but over $37,000 would be added to total donation amount for the CBCF from the Bustin' Loose Race to End Breast Cancer event.

Ten Easy Fundraising Tips

  1. Set a goal and be prepared to share it with everyone! Don't be afraid to ask for a specific amount, and for a specific purpose - explain that the money raised for Bustin' Loose will be donated to the CBCF whose impact on a future without breast cancer is reknown.
  2. Be prepared with a compelling story as to why you’re involved with the Run, why it’s important to you and how breast cancer has impacted your life.
  3. Wear a pink ribbon pin or if you’re adventurous, perhaps something more noticeable like a pink hat or feather boa (to work or events); it starts conversations.
  4. Make a list of all the people you know and ask, ask and ask them again to support you. Someone saying “no” may just mean it‘s not a good time for that person. Don‘t give up!
  5. Think about who you could ask for a large donation, and ask them first. Ask the first person to sign your donation sheet for a significant contribution, (i.e.: $50) then challenge subsequent donors to match it!
  6. Keep a print version of the donation form hand, in your purse or pocket and use it to ask for donations on the spot.
  7. Find out if your employer will match your fundraising – it’s a great way to double your donations! Send out a personal note or letter to all the suppliers and external contacts you work with asking them for their support.
  8. Tell those who support you that once you hit a certain goal you will do something daring like shave your head; dress in a crazy outfit for a day; or even pledge to donate whatever amount works for you for each person who sponsors you. This is an economically feasible fundraising option for a participant that also offers a wonderful example to donors.
  9. Host a movie party at your house – Rent a new release, make popcorn, and invite your friends for a movie night. Ask them to donate what they would have spent if they had gone to the movie theatre! Challenge your office to bring coffee from home or use the office coffee machine and donate the money they would have spent on a gourmet coffee.
  10. Change your answering message and let everyone know you’re fundraising for the race. Add a line to your email signature about the race and ask for support with a link to your personal donation page.

Always Say Thank You

One of the most important things you can do is THANK YOUR DONORS! Think of a creative way you can show your appreciation. Say thank you with a handwritten note, an e-mail or a phone call. After the event, tell your donors about your success and fundraising total. Share a photo or two and direct them to the website so they can see how much money the event raised for the CBCF.

Source: CBCF Run for the Cure. http://www.runforthecure.com/site/PageServer?pagename=fundraising_tips. Retreived July 2010.