The Kids’ Cancer Project are so grateful when ordinary people in the community hear our urgent plea and act by stepping up to help raise money for childhood cancer research. Fundraising can be a daunting task the first time around, so we've put together this list of tips from our experts.
1. Create an online fundraising page
When you fundraise with The Kids’ Cancer Project, you’ll be given a link to create your very own fundraising web page.
“This is an easy way to start fundraising right away,” said Ranelle, Digital Media Executive. “Personalise your page with photos and a short blurb, and then you can send the link out to your friends and family asking them to donate!”
Need help setting up your fundraising page? Call 1800 651 158 or email fundraising@tkcp.org.au.
2. Tell your story
For most, when it comes to creating a personalised fundraising page, it’s the thought of writing something warm from the heart that can stop a lot of people cold. Jennie, Content Manager shares how to rid yourself of writers’ block.
“Just imagine you’re telling a friend over the phone about what you’re doing and why it means so much to you,” Jennie said. “That’s the story you write.”
“One or two paragraphs is about the length you need, so if you’ve written too much, see where you might have repeated yourself and shorten,” she said. “If you haven’t written enough, add more details, colours, emotion.”
“Whatever you write, make sure the message is clear and at the end you tell people what you want them to do.”
3. Ask, ask, ask
Don’t be afraid to ask your network of friends and family three to seven times for donations is the advice of Jasmine, Community Engagement Coordinator.
“You will need to remind your friends and family to donate,” she said. “Especially those who have said they’ll donate, or ‘liked’ your posts about the event.”
For most of us, asking for money doesn’t come naturally which is why it’s easy to mistakenly believe that a few gentle reminders might be perceived as harassment.
“People often just genuinely forget,” said Jasmine. “And if you remind them on payday they’ll probably come through.”
4. Say thank you
Regular Giving Executive, Dane, knows the power of thank you and has this advice.
“If you want to raise funds, it’s important to send proper thank you letters,” he said. “A personal note of thanks to let each donor know how much it means to you that they’ve donated is golden.”
You might also mention where you are up to with your fundraising goal, who knows, they may have a friend who will support you too. Or maybe they’ll be prompted to give another donation to help you meet your target.
5. All about YOU
Whether you’re writing your story or updating social media, even if a donor is passionate about your cause, he or she will stop giving if your messages focus only on what you and the charity you’re fundraising for needs.
Linda, Head of Marketing and Fundraising, suggests turning the tables.
“Use ‘you’ instead of ‘I’ in your fundraising asks,” she said. “Make the donation appeal about the donors and their merits.”
“It can be as simple as saying, ‘by donating you will help future generations of children diagnosed with cancer’,” said Linda.
6. Just do it
Campaigns Executive, Maaike, advocates the motto of a famous sports brand; doing something is better than nothing at all.
“It’s easy to get caught up in your head and want to make everything perfect before you start fundraising,” she said. “My advice is stop postponing your plans just because they’re not flawless and start doing something now.”
7. Pictures speak volumes
“Are you baking? Growing your hair ready for a big chop? Or are you training for a community run? Whatever you are doing to fundraise, capture the journey in photos.”
That’s the advice of Graphic Designer, Nicole, who knows first-hand that pictures speak for themselves.
“It’s not so hard to keep your social media and your fundraising page updated with the little things you’re doing to prepare,” she said. “And it builds anticipation for the big day when you finally get there.”
8. Don’t just post, interact
Rebecca, Social Media Specialist is naturally a huge advocate for the digital mediums we have at our fingertips.
“Email and social media are great platforms to deliver your ask,” she said. “When people respond, be sure to interact with them – keep the chat going.”
“’Like’ their comments, thank them for their support,” she said. “You can even tag and shout out to the followers who are helping you reach your goal.”
“Another hint is to ask people who are supporting you to share your posts. If 950 children are diagnosed with cancer every year, it’s likely that a friend of a friend of a friend has been affected and will be enthusiastic about what you’re doing.”
9. Make a match
Merrin, Community Fundraising Executive recommends asking your boss for support.
“Some organisations have dollar matching programs where they dollar match money raised by employees for charity,” said Merrin. “If your organisation doesn’t have a dollar matching program, still ask! All charitable donations over $2 are tax-deductable so they may still help you reach your fundraising goal.”
Pluck up the courage to seek out other businesses in your neighbourhood who will get behind your fundraising. Your local café might be interested in helping you raffle off a meal voucher or be willing to put a fundraising tin near their cash register for loose change.
10. Bright ideas
“Over the years’ we’ve had fundraisers who have come up with some of the most creative ideas to generate extra dollars for medical research,” said Kim, Community Engagement Manager.
“One fellow held a lavish dinner party for his friends and charged them each $150 to enjoy fine food and wine at his home. A couple liaised with their local cinema and sold special tickets for a fun family movie night.”
“But often it’s the most simple ideas that are the most effective,” Kim said.
“Challenge your mates to go without coffee for a week and donate the money they save to your campaign,” she said. “That will be around $20 if they work in the city!”