5 Ways to Prevent Your Fundraiser From Failing

5 Ways to Prevent your Fundraiser from failing

STOP fundraising WRONG & START Fundraising SMARTER

Your school or team needs to fundraise. However, your volunteers and supporters do not want to waste their time or money on something bound to fail. Prevent your fundraiser from failing by following these 5 top pieces of fundraising advice:

1. Clear Fundraiser Messaging

A clear and concise message is key to a successful fundraiser.

Fundraisers fail when supporters don’t understand or can’t really “see” what your campaign is all about.

Make sure your mission has a defined goal, objective and timeline
Make it personal and emphasize the connections this fundraiser will have with your potential supporters
Your goal and message need to be clear and detailed but not lengthy
Be specific and tell supporters where their donation will be going and how it will help

2. All the Feels

Supporters have to know that your ask is credible, sincere and passionate. Therefore, tug at those heartstrings with a personal but professional ask.

Here’s an example:

“The Hawks are looking forward to the Edmonton tournament in January. However, they can’t get there without your support. Our team has heart and hustle and they want to share their passion with all their supporters. Your order of $25, $50 or even $100 will help get those sticks on the ice! Our goal is to reach $4500 by the end of the month. Sign up to help TODAY”

3. 💲Talk Ain’t Cheap

“A goal without a plan is just a wish” -Antoine de Saint Exupery

Communication is Key.

Consequently, you will lose supporters if your message isn’t shared clearly, and repeatedly but without brute force. Make sure your ask is:

Well informed
Professional
Does not belittle supporters
Is persistent without pressure
Is specific in $ amount and time frame needed

>> Check out more great advice on how to plan a fundraiser

4. #Engagement

Your campaign needs to catch and keep the attention of its potential supporters.

!RIGHT NOW!

Don’t let your ask get lost in someone’s Facebook feed or email history
Focus on engaging the sellers and not just the sales
Believe in the end result and share your enthusiasm
Know the purpose of the fundraiser beyond just the funds needed
Share your vision and make personal connections

5. Say Thank You (to supporters and volunteers!)

Finally, once you have reached your goal, follow up with your supporters.

In particular, ensure they know where their donation went and how the funds were used.

Send out personal thank-you notes that relay your gratitude. Overall, a well-thought-out and sincere Thank You will go a long way towards encouraging re-engagement and future involvement.

Take our fundraising advice to ensure that your next fundraiser will be successful and meaningful to you and your supporters.