Fundraising Tips & Ideas
Design a brochure to distribute to people telling them what you are asking money for and why you want to be a part of it. Then even if they do not have time to talk with you or say "no" at first, it gives them something to carry with them and keep on the kitchen table to possibly reconsider.
Send out a letter to 35 people asking each for a minimal contribution of $10.
Approach your church and area community service clubs (VFW, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Political Clubs, Chamber of Commerce) and ask if they will sponsor you for $50.
Approach area businesses and ask that they sponsor you.
Ask local or state elected officials to sponsor a portion of your fee.
Don't forget about family, friends, and neighbors. The people close to you will be happy to contribute $10 to assist you in fulfilling your goal.
Find a donor who will match contributions. Some will agree to a 2 to 1 match; others will commit to less, but it is a way to motivate people to contribute knowing they are not responsible for the entire amount.
Have a garage sale.
Have a bake sale at your church or school.
Have a car wash.
Do chores, such as mowing or raking lawns, or shoveling driveways and sidewalks for the elderly in your neighborhood.
Ask 5-10 people to save their spare change for you for the entire month.
Invite people to a birthday party and in lieu of gifts, ask that they contribute to your fundraising effort.
Have an auction of items donated by friends, family, or businesses at your church, school or community organizations.
Ask a Christian veteran. Explain that you appreciate his service and sacrifice to protect freedom. Tell him you want to accept the torch and be prepared to pass it on to your children. Seeing your interest and appreciation of his contribution to the freedom you enjoy is moving and may inspire him to sponsor you.
Tips
Be sure to keep a detailed list of your contributors, their addresses, emails and phone numbers, and the amount they contribute.
Mail thank you notes to your donors both when the contribute and again after your SSI experience to tell them how much you enjoyed what they made possible.
If your donors want to claim their donation on their taxes, they must make the check out to SSI, and we must receive the original check - please do not collect checks then cut one large one - instead, forward the original checks (made out to SSI) to SSI. If your donor gives you cash, do not send it through the mail. Instead, draft a check yourself, and clearly notate who the contribution is from, as well as their mailing address. Feel free to use this Fundraising Record to help you keep track.
