Five Fundraising Tips for STANDFast
1. Set a Goal
Create a goal for how much money you’d like to raise for STANDFast. Challenge each person in your chapter or group to recruit 5-10 other people to participate. Encourage members to participate in the Bring It Home Challenge over Thanksgiving and through sample donation letters. Set a goal for the amount of commitments your chapter would like to get from organizations and businesses. Need help setting a goal? Contact your Regional Outreach Coordinator!
2. Ask
You already know all the people you need to know to raise donations for STANDFast. Ask EVERYBODY for contributions, whether it be cash or an in-kind donation. Use your recruitment skills to present the issue in a way that appeals to their own needs. Even if they can only give a little, you can make it go a long way. Start with school officials. Write to rich relatives! Ask faith-based or community groups in your area to participate and make a donation! See our complete list of Funding Sources. Nervous about asking? See our sample STANDFast fundraising script, for asking in person or on the phone, and our sample STANDFast fundraiser letter. And remember, you’re not asking for you, you’re asking for STAND and GI-NET – that makes it easier!
3. Sell Merchandise
Selling merchandise raises money and promotes STANDFast. Sell t-shirts, mugs, candy, brownies, etc. anywhere you can!
4. Offer Sponsorships
Connect larger and smaller businesses. By participating in STANDFast, they can help the cause as well as receive free advertisement (or something comparable) from you. Use this sample STANDFast letter when approaching businesses.
5. Hold an Event
A great way to raise funds, and promote the cause. Examples of low-cost and effective events include: movie nights, “Dinners for Darfur” or restaurant nights, Teach-Ins, Dance Marathons or Walk-A-Thons, going on a “Darfur Diet,” holding a party for peace, or a concert or benefit. Click here for the STANDFast Event Check-List and a list of Fundraising Successes!
Click here to download a STANDFast Sample Fundraising Letter
Click here to download a STANDFast Sample Solicitation Script
