Challenge for Life 2010

Fundraising 101 - Tips for getting started!

By registering for the Challenge one of your commitments is to raise a minimum of $1000 for CancerCare Manitoba. YIKES! That’s a lot of money, but it means so much to so many. How are you going to get there?

Don’t worry! There are literally hundreds of fun and effective ways to raise money. Set your goals, create a plan and follow through and you can blow that minimum out of the water!

Think big and be bold. The worst anyone can say is no. More often you’ll find you get exactly what you asked for…or more.

For additional fundraising ideas and contact info: Fundraising Products (PDF), Fundraising Events (PDF)

 

1. Set a Goal and Donation Deadline

Decide how much you want to raise before you start fundraising. If you reach your goal, great, keep going! Don’t forget to set a donation deadline as well. Have a date in mind that you want to have all of your donations collected by.

2. Open Your Black Book

Go through your phone numbers, email addresses and friends on Facebook and decide which groups of friends and family you want to target for support.

3. Create Buzz

Start asking for donations. Send letters, emails, make phone calls, start a Facebook group, change your voicemail message telling people you’re participating in the Challenge for Life; do anything to let your friends and family know you need their support. Also, keep your Challenge for Life Web page up-to-date and invite everyone to visit your page and make their donation online.

4. Corporate Champion

Many companies offer a corporate matching donation program, where they will match the amount in pledges you’ve received. There is no harm in asking! Even if your company doesn’t offer the program, they may want to support you in other ways.

5. A Gentle Reminder

Understand that everyone is busy. A friendly follow-up message or phone call is an easy way to remind your contacts that their support is needed.

6. We like to Party!

Turn your fundraising into a celebration. Come up with a creative party idea and gather your friends and family for a fundraising good time.

Don’t have the space to entertain at home? Many different locations throughout the city have different fundraising opportunities. Be it a Bud, Spud and Steak night, or a typical Winnipeg social, contact your favourite local hangout to find out what they can offer.

7. Find A Penny, Pick It Up

Start a spare change box and begin collecting that pocket change that you just can’t seem to get rid of. A little can add up to a lot.

8. Contact Your Challenge Gurus

Having difficulties raising funds? Contact the Challenge for Life team for personalized advice on how to reach your goal.  

Spread the Word

Ask others for help! Let everyone know that you need their support. Tell your friends and family about the incredible thing you're doing and ask them to join you, donate, or help you to fundraise.

Write emails and letters
Go through your phone numbers, email addresses and friends on Facebook and decide which groups of friends and family you want to target for support.

Wear Your Challenge T-shirt
Pick up your FREE T-shirt at our office (88 Adelaide St) or at staff-led training walks. Wearing the T-shirt is a great way to start conversations about the Challenge.
It also looks great!

Put up Posters 
Call 927-5433 for posters, brochures and flyers.
Ask to put up a poster at your office, hairdresser, doctor's office, local supermarket, coffee house, etc. Be part of this grassroots effort to let all of Manitoba know about the Challenge.

Design Your Web page
Your Web page is a tool to help you raise donations for the Challenge. Tell your story and upload your photos to make a slideshow. Keep your Challenge for Life Web page up-to-date and invite everyone to visit your page and make their donation online.

Read our help file on how to set up your Challenge for Life Web page>>>