Although fundraising may seem intimidating at first, you probably know more people than you realize. To start your fundraising, you need to first make a list of who you will ask. And remember, people don’t give to support causes as much as they give to support people: your friends, family and colleagues will donate to your ride because YOU are riding. Here are categories of people to consider asking:
Family and Friends
The people closest to you are the most likely to support your efforts. Be sure to include aunts, uncles, cousins and family friends. Don’t forget about your old college friends, sorority sisters, youth group connections and old camp friends.
Your Employer
Many employers are eager to encourage their employees to participate in charitable events. Many corporations offer matching funds for the donations you receive from colleagues at work, or even your total donations. Contact your human resources director to see how they can help you.
Colleagues at Work, School, etc
The workplace is a great venue for fundraising. If you work in a large organization you have plenty of options. Get permission from your employer and spread the word to all the departments in your workplace.
Your Synagogue
This is a fruitful place to fundraise. Ask your rabbi, synagogue President, and different clubs where you can most successfully fundraise within the synagogue. Many congregations have a “Rabbis Discretionary Fund.” Ask your Rabbi to sponsor you. Be sure to utilize your synagogue directory for names of people you can contact.
Clubs, Committees, Alumni Groups and Associations
Bring information with you when you go to sports, recreation clubs or other volunteer work.
Business Contacts and Suppliers
If you are in business, you can approach colleagues, clients, suppliers and even competitors to sponsor you. People of all backgrounds care about creating a sustainable world for all.
Major Donors
Go through this list and highlight the names of the people whom you believe are potential major donors. A major donor is one who might be able to make a donation of $1,000 and over. These are the people for whom a pledge letter and/or phone call is not necessarily appropriate. Take them to lunch or dinner and explain to them why the Ride means so much to you. Tell them about the Ride and why you are doing something so challenging. Be serious, enthusiastic, and sincere.
Asking non-Jewish friends and colleagues for your support
This bike ride is in a Jewish context, but its broader goals are deeply universal. As Carl Pope, head of the Sierra Club, said in 2003, “When environmentalists lobby on Capitol Hill, we’re ignored. When faith groups take a stand, people listen.” So don’t be afraid to ask non-Jewish friends to support you. As we know, working for environmental education is something that’s important to a lot of people, not just Jews.
Checklist
- Family & Relatives
- Friends
- Alumni Groups
- Sports Clubs/Teams
- Hobby/Interest Groups
- Meetup Groups
- Social Networks
- Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn
- Children’s Playgroups
- Religious
- Rabbi/Clergy
- Members of Your Synagogue
- Business
- Employer
- Colleagues
- Customers or Clients
- Vendors or Suppliers
- Partners or Affiliates
- Professional Associations
- Social Networks
- Nonprofit Board Members
- Professionals You Work With
- Lawyer
- Accountant & Bookkeeper
- Insurance Agent
- Real Estate Broker/Agent
- Banker
- Doctors
- Coaches or Consultants
- People You See on a Regular Basis
- Doorman/Super
- Yoga Instructor
- Baby Sitter
- Carpooler
- Dry Cleaner
- Supermarket/Favorite Store
- Hairdresser
- Students
- Clubs, Teams
- Events
- Teachers, Advisors /Admin
- Hillel/Other Religious Groups