Fundraising Tips and Ideas

Fundraising made easy

General ideas

• Reaching your fundraising goal is easy if you break it down into smaller amounts.
  Ask 5 friends to pledge $10 each = $50
  Ask 3 co-workers to pledge $20 each = $60
  Ask 2 family members to pledge $25 each = $50
  Ask 2 businesses you patronize to pledge $50 each = $100
  You get the idea!

• Let your donors decide how much they wish to contribute towards your cause. Don’t limit yourself or them by suggesting a smaller amount than what they may have in mind.

• People want to help. People also do get busy. They will appreciate a reminder from you!

Online fundraising

• Personalize your pledge page
  When you register for the Yogathon you get your own personal account on the Yogathon web site. Included in this account is your very own pledge page which will be viewed by your donor supporters. Customize the text on the page with your personal message. Let it reflect you and your dedication to the cause of making our schools free of stress and violence. Tell everyone why you are participating in the Yogathon and ask them to join you or make a donation towards your fundraising goal.

• Send out fundraising emails
  Your online account also enables you to easily send out emails to your friends and family inviting them to your pledge page and join you in the Yogathon or donate to your cause. You can use the default donor email template or write your own. Enter one or more email addresses separated by commas into the email list field and have the web site send emails to all your friends with the click of a button. Recipients will receive an email with your name, your personalized message, and a direct hyperlink to your personal pledge page. Remember, the more emails you send, the more potential donors will visit your pledge page to contribute towards your goal.

• Collect online donations directly on your pledge page
  Your donors can make online credit card donations towards your fundraising goal directly from your pledge page. They specify the amount they wish to donate and they are directed to a secure web page where they enter their payment information. It takes just a few minutes and they instantly receive an email receipt for their tax records. It’s that easy!

• Promote your personal pledge page in every way possible
  Be creative – include a link to your personal web page in your email signature, on your Facebook and other social networking sites, and by word-of-mouth. Your supporters can also find your pledge page from the Pledge for a Yogathoner page by entering your first and last name.

• Remember to say “Thank You”
  Be sure to acknowledge the contributions of your donors. You may choose to make phone calls, write personal emails, post on your blog or find some other way to thank your donors for their support.

Offline fundraising

• Face-to-Face
  Ask potential donors for a few minutes of their time so that you can talk without interruptions. Use information available online to inform them about how the funds raised will be used for Stress-Free Violence-Free Schools and why their personal participation is important to you. Remember, you are not asking donations for yourself but for a worthy cause that affects the very future of our society.

• Telephone
  Be considerate and choose a good time to call. Communicate your passion for the cause and why you are participating in the Yogathon. Regardless of the outcome, always end your call with a thank you.

• Company Matching Program
  Find out whether your company has a gift matching program. If so, your fundraising can be quickly multiplied. Also, be sure to ask your donors if their companies will match their donations as well.