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This is probably running through your head: “How am I going to raise $2500?” The good news is that it’s easier than you think. We’ve participated in many fundraising events and the first step is, well, to take a step. Don’t be afraid to ask. Your friends, family, co-workers, and your local businesses will be interested to find out more about what inspired you to ride 300 miles! Your passion is your greatest fundraising asset.
Whether you are a student, business professional, stay-at-home parent, freelancer, self-employed or retired, the following fundraising ideas can work for you. Here are 10 successful and proven fundraising methods.
“At the end of a local 10k foot race, I held a bake sale with goods donated from the local bakery. I had also collected a number of items from local shops for a raffle- a bike helmet, a GoreTex jacket, and gift certificates for a spa, restaurant, and movies. Sure, there was leg work involved, but between talking about climate change, selling muffins, and the raffle, I raised over $1000 —in just one day.”
— Geraldine Carter
Bicycle Tour Guide
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1) It all begins by writing a letter. A simple letter will amaze people. Familiarize yourself with Brita Climate Ride 2009 and the organizations that will benefit from your pedal power. Read Why We Must Act Now. Think about how climate change is affecting your life. Then begin a letter writing campaign.
A great fundraising letter has the following:
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A personal story about you, climate change and the ride. |
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A dose of the science and/or quotations from top climate scientists. |
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Make it clear that climate change legislation and access to renewable energy is urgent! |
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Use short, simple and personal writing. |
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Direct the potential donor to the Brita Climate Ride 2009 website so she can see firsthand what you are going to accomplish. |
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Remember to include a donation form and a stamped envelope addressed to Brita Climate Ride 2009 for donations.
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The most important thing is to follow up with the letter recipients. We all know how life can be busy, and sometimes you have to ask twice. Remember, you are raising money to combat the greatest threat to our livelihood. If people understand that you are committed to this cause, they will be more likely to donate.
2) Online fundraising: If you use Facebook, MySpace, or any other online community, direct your online friends to the Brita Climate Ride 2009 donation page. Use your online profile to educate and encourage people to donate to Climate Ride. Online communities are a great way to convey your passion about fighting human caused climate change.
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“Keep it local! I went into every local store that skiers and residents visit, reminding them that donating to our cause would create a nice advertising opportunity to their target market. We used the donated products (sunglasses, wine, gift certificates for massages or dinners) for a silent auction and raffle. We also sold "bottomless beer" glasses for $10 a piece. That way every single person went home with something.
After about a week of legwork,
I raised $3000 in one night.”
— Jeannine Poucel, Physical Therapist
U.S. National Telemark Skiing Team Member |
3) Start small, but think BIG! Give your donors options. Present the possibility for donors to give $20, $50, $75, $100 or more. Many people will happily support you with a gift of $20 or more. Smaller donations can add up quickly. Go to local businesses that you frequent: such as your favorite bike or coffee shop, grocery, hardware, or book store, theatre, bank, dry cleaner, boutique, restaurant, financial planner, doctor, florist, and local radio stations (to name a few) and tell them about what you are doing. Print out a page sized flier with a great photo that says that this business contributed to your 300-mile climate ride. Local businesses love to support local people.
4) Be creative. Bake sales, garage sales, and selling crafts (such as hand-made jewelry, knit hats, or wood working) are great ways to earn money and engage people in your fundraising.
5) Host a raffle at your workplace, church, sports event, poker game, PTA meeting, or local pub. Ask local businesses to donate services such as: hair cuts, massages, sports equipment, dining gift certificates, movie passes, printing/photocopying services, clothing, paint, piano lessons, art, gym visits, or other great opportunities you can find near you.
6) Host a fundraising party or event. It can be a poker game, a wine tasting, car wash, movie night or sports game night. You provide the snacks and your guests can contribute to your ride. Ask your local pub if you can buy a keg and then keep the proceeds. Have memento pint glasses made that say “Brita Climate Ride 2009” and sell them filled with beer.
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“When I was 19 years old, I signed up
for a cross country bike trip that I had to fundraise $3000 to participate in.
I immediately wrote a letter to my family and friends asking them to donate to my ride. Then I asked my past and present employers and my high school coaches to donate. I was a freshman at the University of Vermont, so I asked the college newspaper if they would do an article on my ride. As a result, a bunch of students donated too! I was amazed by how many people responded and how generous everyone was.
From that letter and the article
I was able to raise $3000 in two
months and I was on my way to
cycling for a great cause!”
—Denny Gignoux, Owner Montana Raft Co.
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7) Be sure to ask every person and organization with whom you are involved to donate to your Brita Climate Ride 2009. Make a donation box to place at your local organizations and businesses. Involve your service club (Kiwanis, VFW, or Rotary), church, hospital, sorority, fraternity, alumni organization, local colleges and universities, ski club, spinning class, yoga class, book club, babysitting group or day care in your fundraising campaign.
8) Does your workplace have matching grants? Many businesses encourage employees to be involved in community service. If your company doesn’t have a matching grant program, ask your employer if she would be interested in matching your fundraising.
9) Involve your co-workers. Email everyone and then do a lunchtime presentation on the Brita Climate Ride 2009. Encourage co-workers to donate or leave loose change in a donation box.
10) Call your local newspaper or radio station. Ask if they will mention or write about your fundraising party, do a story about you, or make a donation.
Your community will be amazed by your strength and dedication. As a part of the Brita Climate Ride 2009, you are empowered by a worthwhile cause that affects everyone. Always carry information about the Brita Climate Ride 2009 (make fliers, business cards or gift bookmarks with concise information about the cause) and carry donation forms. Keep your mind open to all donation possibilities and always be gracious to those you ask.
Most importantly, you should follow up and complete the circle. Keep a list of your donors and after the ride send them a note and/or a photo of you pedaling from NYC to DC. Keep your donors excited to donate to you again… next year!
The key to fundraising is to try everything, to take multiple approaches, and to have fun while you do it. A smile and a good story go a long way. You are giving your time, your energy, and one week of your life to stand up for the most important cause to face humanity. People will listen. If you have questions, contact us at info@climateride.org. Get started right now!
Good luck and thank you from the Climate Ride team! |
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