Fundraising Tips - Volume II

With the Avon Walk just four months away, it’s time to step up our fundraising efforts. In an effort to go beyond tips on sending out letters to friends and family members, I have scoured the internet for tips on going beyond the basic letter. Following are some other ways to raise funds for the Avon Walk. Let your teammates know if you have tried any of these techniques and if they have been successful for you!

• Widen the reach of your letter writing campaign by requesting the address books/email lists of your family and friends. You can send a different version of your letter to these lists, introducing yourself and making a new connection. For example: “I am Jeff’s sister…” Or ask your family and close friends, as well as business associates to forward your donation request on to their friends and family members.·
  
• Keep a change jar in high traffic areas or your home, office or car, with all coins going to your Avon Walk.
• Have your dog or cat "write a letter" to your neighbors' pets. This may sound strange, but it works if your friends are "pet people".
• Ask your office if they will sponsor a Dress-Down Day: allow co-workers to donate $5 to dress down for a day.
• Hold a bake sale or yard sale. Bring baked goods to work and ask for a donation to the Avon Walk. Most people can be tempted to donate by the smell of fresh-baked cookies!
• Hold a “Super Bake Sale” by using advance publicity and taking orders ahead of time for specialty items. Use Valentine’s Day as a draw and make pink cupcakes or pink Rice Krispie Treats using strawberry flavored pink marshmallows. Ask your friends and coworkers to help and show off their baking skills.
• Hold an auction at your office. Auction off a prime parking space, a day off from work, a picnic lunch, desserts, furniture, or any other fun and creative items!
• Start by donating yourself. It’s easiest to ask for money if you have donated yourself. Donate an amount that you would want them to give, like $50.
• Host a party and ask everyone to bring a donation at the door. Remind them that this is for a good cause, and they may even pitch in more than the suggested donation.
• Always carry your sponsor form wherever you go. You never know when you will run into a potential contributor!
• Ask the places you frequent for a donation—such as your hair stylist, dry cleaner, doctor, gym, coffee shop, favorite restaurant, etc.
• Do small chores and favors for donations. A few mowed lawns and dogs walked add up to a generous donation!

Some tips courtesy of the Arthritis Foundation, the NoAIDS Walk, American Diabetes Association and Life Walk