In every group there’s always that one person on the Fundraising Committee who knows how to beg. That would be me.
Here’s 15 things that have worked for me:
- Have a clear goal. If you don’t know what you’re begging for in terms of quality and quantity then you won’t know who to target
- Aim higher than your goal. You will get some no’s so you need to build in some insurance and buffer
- Send the proverbial “letter” but follow up with a call or a personal visit to tell of the event and make the beg
- Give your targets at least a month’s notice before the event (e-mail letter) and circle back 2 weeks before the event
- Remember to use your school network. Some of your friends are now in decision making positions
- Get to people you don’t know through friends who know them = Friend of a friend network
- Offer the donor to advertise at the event (e.g. banner), if that is appropriate
- Try to find donors who are not high profile because everyone goes to high profile donors and thus they are over subscribed
- Don’t only think of physical products and cash. You can also get support in kind e.g. media advertising, vouchers and company branded materials
- Send some pictures from the events showing how the donor’s product was used. You’re sure to stand out from the crowd for this
- Get other committee members to help collect stuff once you receive the commitment. That way you are sharing some of the burden
- Say thank you in every communication and say thank you again after the event. You can’t say thank you too often
- If appropriate send an invitation to donors to attend the event and follow this up with a call
- Offer donors to sample and promote their products/services at the event if appropriate
- Build a network of donors so you don’t ask the same people for help on your various projects
