Fundraising Tips

2008's Top Fundraising Team - Max's Oyster Bar

Almost every person you know has been touched by cancer in some way and therefore we all have a personal stake in defeating this disease! Here are some suggestions we have to help you meet your fundraising goals for the 2009 NBC 30 Jim Calhoun Cancer Challenge Ride presented by CIGNA and the law firm of RisCassi & Davis.

• It all starts with you! Fundraising is a difficult task for some, but truly, it is something to be proud of and enthusiastic about. You are giving your time to help fight a terrible disease that many people have been impacted by in some way. Most people feel good about being given the opportunity to support their friends or family members in a campaign to fight cancer. So, don't be afraid to ask!


• Get creative!

* Use cyber space to help you. If you have My Space , Linkedin, a Blog or a Facebook account - use it to tell your friends about this event and why you are participating. Give them your testimony and then make sure to share the link to your personal page on the www.calhounride.com website. You might just be surprised at the number of people who will donate to your cause or join your team and ride with you!

* Email your friends and family members to encourage them to get involved through riding along with you, donating on your behalf or volunteering that day! Always include a link to your ride webpage!

* Contact the places your frequent often and ask them to sponsor you! If you've been a loyal customer to a certain restaurant, dry cleaner, tavern, etc. ask them to sponsor you in the ride. You can create a simple letter, explain why you're riding with Coach to fight cancer and ask them for their support! Then follow up with a phone call!

* Hold a mini fundraiser of your own! There are all sorts of ways to raise money for a good cause. Tag sales, baked goods sale, car wash, book sale! Get your kids involved and make it a family fundraiser to fight cancer.

• Be clear about where the money goes. Make sure your supporters understand the money raised goes to the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center at the UConn Health Center and Coaches vs. Cancer.
• Matching Gifs. Many companies offer matching gifts when their employees make donations to charity. This is a great way to sometimes double the amount of money you've raised by having your supporters fill out a matching gifts form with their employer! Make sure to tell your donors that the UConn Foundation, Inc. does accept matching gift forms.
• When all is said and done make sure to thank your donors and let them know the outcome of your fundraising efforts and the difference their contribution has made!

Remember this fact - 76% of donors are motivated by friends and family. (Statistic from 2006 Cone Nonprofit Research)