Recently someone asked me if I had any ideas about how they could run their own personal fundraising campaign. Of course I do because this is something I am in fact doing right now. Non-Profits take note – this might be an idea you could share with your potential donors as well.
So, here’s my own ‘one person’ show fundraising plan.
This year I am in Maine’s Tri for a Cure event that benefits the Maine Cancer Foundation. It’s a swim, bike, run triathalon. Besides having to get into shape, I mean get into training mode, I also have a responsibility to fundraise for this charity event.
Cash Mobs – have you heard of them?
- A variant of crowd funding, cash mobs entail rallying people to a local business to have a good time and spend some money. Here’s how I am capitalizing on this concept. I held a fundraising brunch in my home to kick off my efforts. I invited lots of people from all walks of my life. I prepared all kinds of great foods (don’t worry I will share some of those recipes in future posts) and about 40 people showed up.
- Once everyone arrived I made a pitch for the Maine Cancer Foundation. I asked my guests to help me raise $5000! Yowza! By my calculations each of my guests would need to contribute about $125 each for me to reach my goal. That’s seems like a lot to ask of one person, I mean my cooking is good but is it worth 125 bucks?
- However, I made it really easy for them to help me. I introduced them to LULU Cubes. You can read about how they work in a past blog post or get the how to do it details on my website. Each person took one with them when they left.
- I invited them to come back to another party July 4th, which would give them 6 weeks to fill their LULU Cubes with donations. They loved the idea for a variety of reasons. It’s social, it’s fun, it’s easy and they can be a part of something bigger when they come together again at the July 4th party and see the results of the entire group!
Engaging Donors in my Campaign
To engage my ‘friends mob’ in the efforts of the group, I created a LULU Cubes Facebook page where everyone can upload and share images of their LULU Cubes as they get them filled with donations. I will also send a weekly e-mail to all the LULU Cube owners sharing ideas of where to take their cubes and inspiring them to be the best fundraisers they can be. This really does speak to my saying. “Your One Choice Away From Changing the World!” It’s true, anyone can give something, even if it’s only a nickel to their LULU Cube!
Hey if you want to follow along with how we’re doing go to facebook.com/LULUCubes.
