Fundraising 101
Each team member is asked to raise a minimum of $250 and many will raise much more. Raising support for this event can be fun and simple if you follow these steps.
• First - make a list of 20-30 family, friends, co-workers and other people you know. (Gather as much contact information on them as you can--name, address, phone numbers and email. You're going to need all of this information later.)
• Next - speak to each person on your list in person or over the phone. Tell them what you are doing and ask them to consider sponsoring you in the amount of $10, $15, $20, $25 or $50 range. (See "Tips" for more ideas.) Use a basic script like the “Sponsor Letter”. After you ask if they would be willing to donate ...
• Then - help those who are ready to make a pledge know how to do it. Get as many to donate via www.turnthetideride.com as possible. Send the sponsor letter with a pledge card and self-addressed return envelope for those who do not have internet access. (Be sure to write their pledge amount down next to their name to check-off as it comes in. Also, be sure to gather missing contact information. Your going to need this for your follow-up thank you note and for those dontaing by cash or check.)
• Finally - follow-up with each person on your list in person, by phone, snail-mail or email.
> Those who said they would consider-- Ask how much they decided to pledge
> Those who pledged--Thank them and ask how they would like to go about sending their pledge in and then help them to do it.
All checks should be made out to The Exchange Network and cash donations should include contact info so we can send a thank you note and IRS charitable giving statement. Donations are tax-deductible and will be collected by your team captain one week before the event when we hand out the team shirts.
If your donors have any questions, send them to this website or put them in touch with your team captain. Don’t forget to invite them to join you on the ride.
Good Luck and have Fun !