Tips & Techniques

Through our experience we have found what a campaign leader should focus on for an effective and enjoyable fundraising experience.

As a campaign leader, don't be afraid to do just that; lead. A motivated and excited group alwasy does better than those that look at fundraising as obligation. Get your participants involved. Let them know why your trying to raise the money, how its going to be used, how it'll effect them, and how proudyou'll be if that goal can be accomplished. Also, do some of the brainstorming with the group. How many subscriptions do each of you think you can see? Whatsthe best ways to accomplish this? Where should we go and who should we ask outside of your friends, family, and neighbors? Local businesses maybe. Ones with waiting rooms like oil change shops, doctor offices, and hair salons. They all are potentail spots for buying multiple subscriptions at once. If they think up the idea,they'll 'own' it, feel apart of the bigger picture, and see it through.

The second big one. Don't be shy about sticking to the schedule. Many want to give their participants a long time to start with, or more time in the end, they're sure a few extradays will make all the difference. Its the wrong attitude from the start. We find those that set solid expectations up front of due dates do better, do it in less time, and runner a cleaner campaign. If you give a long time to do it, participants will procastinate to get started or to move through the bulk of their prospects. If you suggest they may get some extra time in the end, they will sit on the materials until they hear a real deadline. Do yourself a favor, save yourselfsome work, have a better fundraiser, a make a timeline and stick to it.