Fundraising Tips

FUNDRAISING TIPS FOR SUCCESS

In many years, the Joints In Motion of the Greater Chicago chapter raised over one hundred thousand dollars in the fight against arthritis each year. Nationally, we raised millions of dollars together as a team. In all past years, locally we had some of fastest athletes and slower ones that stayed the course and helped raise money for the 46 million people with arthritis. Our team is a huge success because of the many wonderful people involved, like you!  Fundraising is not always easy, so we want to make sure you have all of the tools you need to run a successful fundraising campaign, while training for your marathon. Read on and learn!!

While sharing your mission with everyone you know is a wonderful fundraising tool, there are many others out there. Hopefully, we have a few more ideas for you that will make your fundraising campaign a huge success.

START FUNDRAISING EARLY! The longer you wait to begin, the harder it gets. Ask your company's H.R. department about corporate matching gifts. Sponsor yourself with a small donation each month. Write a good solicitation letter and send it out to all friends, family, co-workers, acquaintances. GET THE WORD OUT! Talk with excitement about what you are doing! Tell everyone...hairdresser, dentist, doctor, neighbors, dog-walker, co-workers, etc. Chances are they know someone with arthritis and will be glad to help! Send follow-up postcards/notes early on to those who have not yet responded.

KNOW ABOUT ARTHRITIS AND EDUCATE YOUR POTENTIAL DONORS!

• Know the facts and share them with others & be informed!
• Remember, arthritis affects men and children of all ages, as well as women.
• Know everything you can about the Arthritis Foundation and Joints In Motion
• If you don't know, ask us!

USE YOUR RESOURCES!

• Ask for your J.I.M. mentor.  They can be there to help and ideas they've already been in your shoes!
• Ask your family and friends to help you. Have them pass out your letter to co-workers and their friends, or help with a bake sale, party or event.
• Download your the Fundraising Manual here to get more ideas

ALWAYS SAY THANK YOU!

• Be sure you let your donors know how much you appreciate their support.
• Send thank you letters, postcards and/or pictures from your marathon trip.