Getting Started with Fundraising– A Step by Step Guide 

 
STEP 1: Identify your prospects  

Make your ABC list. The A List includes the “shoe-ins,” people you are certain will help you (family and close friends). The B List is those you are less sure about. This list might include friends & acquaintances, neighbors, business contacts, and personal vendors (your hairdresser or barber, dry cleaner, dentist, CPA or lawyer). The C list is made up of people you do not have a personal contact with but may be interested is supporting the cause. People on the C list might be business owners in your neighborhood, churches, bar and restaurant owners or your local grocery store.

STEP 2: Determine your goal

Start with the A List. You’ll gain confidence this way. Can you raise $500 from these individuals; are there five people who will each give you $100 or 10 people who will each give you $50? Then look at the B list. What kind of commitment do you anticipate these people could make? Don’t forget about the C list. Every so often you can raise half or even your entire goal with one well-placed request to a local business or community group.  

STEP 3: Select your approach

Face-to-face
This is the best and most direct approach when you anticipate large donations or when the opportunity presents itself. Approaching someone face-to-face is a more personable step that garners more positive results and support.  Just remember you won’t know unless you ask!

Telephone Call
This is a great way to speak to someone directly without having to meet in person. A telephone call can let someone know you want to speak to them personally. This also allows them the opportunity to ask you questions about your goals and progress. Consider writing a script to use. You can make small changes to personalize it for each contact.

Email or letter
This can be one of the most efficient ways to reach a large quantity of prospects and convey important information. When deciding between email and a letter, be sure to consider your audience. How often do people check their email? Will they be likely to respond if it requires using postal mail? Consider writing a form letter summarizing the details you want to provide. You can add a P.S. for a more personal touch

Social Media
Let them come to you. Social networking sites provide the ability to take your message to the next level. Let people know what you are doing. If you don’t want to ask them they might want to ask you. You never know who will forward your message and who has a connection to the cause.

STEP 4: Make it Personal

By personalizing your message on an individual basis you can emphasize particular aspects of your story and your Strides for Epilepsy participation that will appeal to your respective audience. Although this can be time consuming, the results are well worth it. These people are donating to YOU. Let them know why you are fundraising. Tell them your connection to epilepsy and consider adding one of the following to your solicitation:

• Tell a story. This could be you telling them how epilepsy affects your life or the life of someone else. It could be how you got involved with the Epilepsy Foundation and your experience.
• Pictures paint a thousand words. Show them why you are fundraising. Provide a picture of your participation.  Your team page can host one photo and you can also post pictures using snapfish or shutterfly then provide a link to your donors in an email or letter.
• Provide a video. Record your story, your family, or your experience with epilepsy. People respond strongly to video. You can post videos on YouTube and provide a link to your donors in an email or letter.

STEP 5: Tracking and Thanking  

• Always keep a list of who you have contacted including dates, addresses and phone numbers.
• Record donations as you receive them and keep a running total. This will help you report your progress.
• Follow up, after two weeks, ask again. With people’s busy schedules they often appreciate the reminder.
• Say Thanks!!! Send thank you notes as promptly as possible. Many of our top fundraisers have had great success with sending personal thank you notes. This lets your donors know you appreciate the commitment they are making to help you create awareness for epilepsy.
• Send a note describing your experience after the event.  Include photos and a list of all your sponsors and or donors.
• Set expectations! Let donors know this will be an annual event and it will make asking easier next year.