Fundraising Tips

Don't let the idea of fundraising keep you from helping others. It is actually quite easy to do and you will find that most people you know want to help you to help others. You need to remember that this is going to a good cause and that because of your participation, children will have a chance to live.

Fundraising ideas »

 

Steps to successfully fundraise

  1. Make a list of everyone that you know - friends, family, co-workers, professors, wedding guests, spouses/significant other's family, people you do regular business with—dentists, doctors, gas stations, stores you regularly frequent, coffee shops, insurance agents, bakeries, brokers, gyms, anyone.

  2. Prioritize - put the people you know best first. Remember, people give to people. By asking the people you know best first, you will have success and it will make you more confident in asking those you know less well.

  3. Set personal goals for fundraising. Most people commit to raise at least the amount of money to give one child the life-saving medicine they need for a whole year plus the registration fee: $360 + $25. But, please…raise as much as you can since every dollar gives a child another day of life.

  4. Download the sample letter and pledge form or create your own. Personalize it…make it exciting by printing it on brightly colored paper.

  5. Be specific. People like to know what is expected of them. If you know someone can only give $5.00 then ask them for $5.00. If someone can give $50, ask them for $50. By asking for a specific amount, you will be more effective.

  6. Keep track - get a 9x12 envelope and every time someone fills out a pledge form attach the check to it and put it in the envelope. Keep a record of everyone who has given you money and the amount and keep this record in the envelope along with the forms and checks. If someone gives you cash, deposit it to your account and write a check for that amount. Never send cash through the mail. Use the record form for recording your pledges.

    Mail checks and the record form ahead of time to:

    American Foundation for Children with AIDS
    6221 Blue Grass Avenue
    Harrisburg, PA 17112

  7. Get the word out. You can hand people the letter, you can email it or you can mail it to them. To ensure that people will return the form with a check at a higher rate of return, put an extra size 9 self-addressed stamped envelope in the letter with your address on the outside.  You should also include a note on the pledge form, telling donors where to mail their check and form.

    Do you know someone with AIDS? Tell your friends that you are climbing in memory of or for someone battling the disease.

  8. Emphasize charity. American Foundation for Children with AIDS is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization so all donations you receive are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Make sure that checks are made out to the AFCA and make sure you keep track of who gives you cash and their addresses so we can send them a thank you note.

  9. Give thanks. It is important for you to personally thank your donors.  AFCA will send a formal thank you to donors by mail.

You are ready to go! Keep remembering that you are asking people to help make a difference in the lives of others. Remind people that by giving a dollar a day, less than what they would spend on a cup of coffee, they can save a child’s life.