Fund-Raising Tips
It's Easier Than You Think to Raise Money and Take Control of Arthritis
Nearly everyone knows someone who has arthritis. That’s why so many people are willing to donate money to fight this disease. Know what you are asking for and why you are asking. Prepare yourself with a few facts about the Arthritis Walk and the Arthritis Foundation. Then, ask everyone you know for support! You’d be surprised how many people are just waiting for an opportunity to make a difference.
Pass the ideas listed below along to your teammates. If you are a team captain, be sure to hold team meetings to get organized, set a team goal (minimum $100 per walker), share individual fund raising ideas, and plan for team fund raising!
Individual Fundraising
- Register online and become part of a team. Once you have registered, you can start sending emails to friends and family.
- Go the tried and true route and mail letters to everyone telling them about the Arthritis Walk and ask them to mail a donation within 10 days. Consider including a self-addressed stamped envelope to make it easy for people to donate. Ask your Arthritis Walk Committee for sample letters, and make sure to include your own story as to why you are participating.
- Check to see if your company offers a matching gift program. This is a good way to double your money.Host a dinner party or ice cream social at your home and ask for donations to the Arthritis Foundation.
- Keep a change jar in high traffic areas, with all coins going to your Arthritis Walk team.
- 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".
- Contribute $20 yourself, then ask four friends, coworkers, or relatives to give you $20 (or ask 20 people for $5).
Team Fund Raising
- Hold a car wash: get your team together to conduct a car wash in a visible location in town.
- Have a Dress-Down Day: allow co-workers to donate $5 to dress down for a day.
- Ask a local restaurant to allow your team to place donation envelopes at each table with a note asking customers to support the Arthritis Walk. Ask restaurant staff to check the envelopes each time a table is cleared.
- Hold a bake sale or yard sale. Bring baked goods to work and ask for a donation to the Arthritis Foundation. 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. Around the holidays offer pies and cakes for entertaining and make them in advance and freeze. Offer special treats with delivery for Valentine’s or Mother’s Day.
- Raise your money in honor of a friend or coworker who has arthritis.
- Hold an auction at your office. Auction off a prime parking space, a day off from work, a picnic lunch provided by the team, artwork, desserts, furniture, or any other fun and creative items!
Tips
- Start early...don’t procrastinate!
- Collect donations at the time you ask for them.
- Be creative…The sky’s the limit. People love to see new fundraising ideas.
- Think positively! YOU CAN DO IT! The money you raise is important in the cure and control of arthritis!
