Fundraising tips
Fundraising tips to help your ChildFund Challenge go further
The power of the Internet is amazing. Now you can create your own personal fundraising webpage, send your message worldwide, promote your cause, collect donations and thank contributors, all from the luxury of your own computer.
Aim for a goal higher than the set target
Fix your personal target above the set target and aim high - you're more likely to strive to achieve your goal if it’s slightly more than you think you can achieve.
Personalise your page
Make your page as compelling as possible by adding your own photograph and text. Make sure your page communicates the reason you have chosen to raise money, and why you believe ChildFund New Zealand deserves support. Be creative!
Promote your webpage
The easiest way to do this is to add a link to your page into your email signature line. Maybe like this. "I've decided to do the ChildFund Challenge at "enter your fundraising event name here" and need your help to make a difference. Visit my webpage to learn more
www.childfundchallenge/yourname"
Keep a blog
Family and friends will love to read about your journey and adventures. Try and keep them coming back to your site regularly to learn about what you are doing and to watch your fundraising tally grow. If anything unusual or exciting or amazing happens in your journey to your event, then send out another email, inviting people back to your website.
Make it personal
Share your story or that of the children you are trying to help. Remember that your supporters are keen to help you and are more inclined to donate if they can relate to your cause. Share something about your cause and why it’s important to YOU.
Check out
www.childfund.org.nz
Follow up
Just before your big day send a last reminder to those who haven't yet donated. You could even update your page to show your supporters news of your last minute training.
Start with a bang
Make sure the first person on your webpage gives you a large donation as this sets the level for everyone else - peer pressure works very well. Maybe this first person could be YOU. Show a commitment to ChildFund.
Ask for help
Email your address book using the template email available online with your webpage. Ask your supporters to forward it on to others that they know too.
Stay positive
Keep a good attitude. Remember the reason. Fundraising can come with a few "Nos." Forget those and keep going for the "Yeses." Plan for this so it doesn't take you by surprise.
Get a manager
Raising money can be a breeze with the help of your family and friends. Ask a few people to help you brainstorm some ways they can help you fundraise. Form a ‘mini-committee’, and have FUN. Maybe ask a close friend to support you by driving your fundraising campaign for you.
Keep your page updated
Encourage people to re-visit your page by continually updating it. Change your picture, post updates on your progress or keep a training diary. Make your page as interesting as possible so your fundraising efforts remain at the forefront of people's minds.
Communicate the difference
Let your supporters know how their donation will help ChildFund support children in need. It is more compelling to tell someone the money will go towards giving a child the basic necessities of life such as food, medical care and protecting vulnerable children, than to ask people to support a generic cause.
Reassure your supporters
Be sure to tell them that your website is secure and that any donations they make will be transferred directly to ChildFund's trust account. They will also be issued with a tax receipt for their donation immediately.
Top tips from the ChildFund team
- Get your work colleagues involved: organise a dress down day with a $5 contribution per person.
- Start a swear box: $1 a swear word (you’ll be surprised how much this will fill up!). Charge your senior managers more!
- Have a spring clean: Clean out your house and have a garage sale!
- Ask the boss: Approach your employer to see if they will ‘match’ your fundraising efforts dollar for dollar.
