Online Fundraising 101

Set a Goal

• I will raise ______ & ______ by this date .
• I will contact ______ people in order to reach my goal.
  For example, Mary needs to raise $3,000 for her cause. She estimates the average contribution will be $50. If 50% of the people she contacts contribute, she will need to contact 120 people to meet her goal.

Customize your Personal Webpage

• Upload a personal photo.
• Create a message connecting yourself to your cause.

Manage Your Address Book

• Enter or upload all your email addresses into your Active Giving address book.
• Keep track of who you’ve emailed and when.

Email Everyone!

• Send an email to all family and friends, asking them to contribute.
• Email local businesses that might be interested in your cause. Ask them to sponsor you.
• Send an email to your co-workers inviting them to contribute.
• As you receive donations, write thank you emails.

Tips for a Successful Email Campaign

• Make it personal. Briefly explain why this cause is so important to you.
• Your subject line should be simple and causerelated.
• Be sure to include the link to your fundraising page, and make it stand out.
• Educate your donors on your cause and stress the benefits of contributing.
• Always ask contacts to forward your email to others.
• Ask often and ask big!
• Keep donors updated on your progress.