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Worried that people
might think you’re raising money to get a nice vacation? They
won’t if you state clearly that the trek includes the commitment to
raise money for Room to Read. The more you explain what Room to Read
does for a potential donor – what their money will support, and why
they should give – the more they will understand how important and
valuable your activity is. |
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Remember to always
communicate the 'four Ws': What you plan to do, when it will
happen, why you are doing this and why others should support you. You
can get a lot of background on this website and the
Room to Read homepage;
let me know if you have further questions. |
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Start early and be
organized – it will be September soon! And don’t stop after the
initial communication or activity; people often agree to make a
donation but then get distracted. A quick reminder and an update on
your activities might come in handy. |
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Make the most of your
contacts (family, friends, colleagues or people in your local
community, your child’s school, or local businesses). Ask your old
school, college or university for a donation and give a talk about
Room to Read and this trekking tour in return. Let me know if/how I
can be of help! |
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Leverage your emails.
Add a brief line about your commitment and the request for support –
you will raise attention for your activity, and each email you send
potentially can lead to a donation. |
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Publicize yourself
and what you're trying to achieve. Your local media – print and
radio – might be interested in that challenge - particularly if you're
doing something quirky to raise the money. You company might have an
internal newsletter. You are a member of a local business club? Offer
to give a talk about Room to Read – and let me know in case you need
help. |
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Arrange a themed
dinner or party and ask friends to attend for a small entrance fee.
Forgo birthday, Christmas or anniversary presents and ask for a
donation towards your challenge instead. And if you’ve got any kind
family members who have a milestone occasion coming up – ask them to
do the same for you. 20€ will secure one month of school for a girl
who otherwise would not have the chance to get a basic education. That
scholarship will not only change the life of that one girl, but the
social and economic situation of a family, community, and future
generation. |
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Check with your
employer. Many companies like to promote the charitable and
public-spirited efforts of their staff and may have a Corporate Social
Responsibility program in place. Also, consider arranging a soccer
game or a cake sale in support of Room to Read at the next company
party. |
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Leverage the
Internet. If you have a personal site on Facebook or similar
networks, make sure to publicize your charity work here. Encourage
people to re-visit your page by continually updating it. Change your
picture, post updates on your progress or keep a training diary. Make
your page as interesting as possible so your fundraising efforts
remain at the forefront of people’s minds. |
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Report on progress. Your supporters will want to know about your
progress. A short email every now and then is a good idea for those
who already donated and a nice reminder for those who had meant to but
forgot. |
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Keep going. Some 20 per cent of all donations come in after the
actual event. So don’t stop fundraising once you’ve boarded that plane
to Morocco. Update your page and email your supporters with news of
the trip and your success. Remind those who haven’t yet donated to do
so, and ask others to donate again in recognition of your achievement. |
