Fundraising

Each climber must raise a minimum of $8,000 (air fare is NOT included) in order to participate in this event. This cost covers transportation from Kilimanjaro Airport to base camp; lodging; food while on the event; guides (not tips); water; snacks; Kilimanjaro Park entrance fees, and a $5,500 donation to AFCA’s work in Sub-Saharan Africa. Not included are: air fare, passport, visas, vaccinations, alcoholic beverages, tips, laundry, and souvenirs.

Fundraising can be a bit daunting, but you shouldn't let that stop you from being part of Climb Up Kilimanjaro.  We are here to help you with brainstorming and to answer any questions you have. Please contact us at tweaver@AFCAids.org with questions but also check out our fundraising tips.  Maybe one or two of them will help you get on your way to your fundraising goal.

  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 don't know too well.

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

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

5.    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

6.    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.

     If you'd like to create an online fundraising page, go to Firstgiving where you will be able to create a personalized page.  Just remember that they do charge a 7.5% fee, so you must add that to your total fundraising goal.  (NOTE: Sponsor are now able to increase their donation to cover the 7.5% fee.) This is a GREAT way to get the word out!    

7.    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.

8.    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.

A climber has three cut-off dates in which to meet specific fundraising goals:

Due dates for August 2012 climb are:

50% by January 15, 2012
75% by April 15, 2012
100% by June 15, 2012

Due dates for September 2012 climbs are:

50% by February 15, 2012
75% by May 15, 2012
100% by July 15, 2012

Please note: Funds raised toward the cost of a Kilimanjaro climb cover guiding fees, food, lodging, park fees, and in-country transportation during the trip. Only a portion of your payment supports the charitable purpose of AFCA’s programs. Depending on your country of origin, the trip’s cost may or may not be tax-deductible. Please consult a tax adviser concerning your specific situation.

Fundraising for airfare: Funds raised in excess of the trip cost will not be used to cover all or part of a participant’s airfare. However, we recognize that some people may want to raise money for their airfare. Please feel free to do so on your own. If paid out of pocket, participants may still be able to claim their airfare as a tax-deductible expense even if the funds are paid directly form the participant to a vendor, as long as the trip is in pursuit of a charitable purpose. Participants will need to contact a tax adviser concerning their specific situation.