Run for Charity FUNDRAISING TOOLKIT
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ALFSY
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Welcome! Thank you for taking part in the Good Life Halfsy Run for Charity Program! Your commitment to raising $500 for People’s City Mission is a generous gift of both time and money and is much appreciated. Together, we hope to raise over $10,000 for People’s City Mission and an additional $10,000 for Habitat for Humanity. This will do an incredible amount of good in our community and we hope that the miles will mean even more to you on November 1st, 2015 when you take on the Good Life Halfsy. This toolkit is your easy step by step guide to reaching your fundraising goal. Good luck! Letter from People City Mission’s Executive Director Thank you so much for investing time to raise funds for PCM as part of your Good Life Halfsy experience! We are excited to be part of this new and exciting race! We know it will be a great event for the city of Lincoln. PCM has been a staple in the Lincoln community since 1907, feeding, sheltering, and giving hope and assistance to Lincoln’s less fortunate. Since our beginning in 1907 we have helped over one million people. Just last year we assisted over 32,000 individuals. Here is where your efforts can really help us! We have set a goal to raise at least $10,000 through our 20 charity run spots, which comes out to $500 per runner. The money you raise will help bring comfort, support and healing to many. As you know, there are so many people struggling and experiencing hopelessness and pain; but through your support and those who choose to support you, people will get the chance to rebuild their broken lives and find hope. We wish you all the best in your training and fundraising efforts! Thank you for choosing to run for a great cause! God bless you, Pastor Tom Barber
ALL ABOUT Did you know there are thousands of people right now in Lincoln struggling to make ends meet? Many have come to the end of their resources and find themselves in desperate situations. They greatly need a helping hand. Maybe it’s for a meal, a bed for the night, a pair of shoes or a jacket. Some need medical assistance, counseling, or just someone to listen. Most of all, they need hope that things can change. The People’s City Mission was founded in 1907 to help folks like these get back on their feet. Since 1907, we have assisted over one million people suffering from homelessness and poverty. People who are struggling with chemical addictions, domestic abuse, mental illness, divorce, abandonment, unemployment and other life crises. Anyone in need can find help at our facilities no matter what their backgrounds or culture. About half of our guests are men, 25% are women, and 25% are children. Almost 30% are minority populations. Over 25% of the men are veterans. An increasing number of people have special needs, are disabled, or elderly. We serve as the final safety net for the homeless in Lincoln. In addition, we run a free Medical Clinic for the uninsured and a Homeless Prevention Center for people living near the poverty line. The Mission’s funding comes largely from the general public. Almost 90% of our donations come from individuals, churches and businesses in the community. In addition we also have several social enterprises that help support our efforts.
JUST THE FACTS • We have served over 1,000,000 people since opening doors in 1907. • Helped over 32,000 different people in our city last year. • On any given night there are as many as 300-400 people staying at our shelter (6080 a night are children) • We helped over 17,000 people with food, clothing, household goods and furniture at our Homeless Prevention Center • Distributed 906,804 lbs.of food at our Homeless Prevention Center. • Last year we helped over 11,000 different children through our Shelter, Clinic and Homeless Prevention Center. • Our Free Medical Clinic is the 3rd largest in the United States, helping over 16,000 different people. • We are home to Lincoln’s Safe Place Program. A national youth outreach program that gives youth in crisis access to immediate help and safety. • Almost 90% of our donations come from the community (churches, businesses, individuals). • $.91 cents of every $1 goes directly to help those we serve.
SIX EASY STEPS TO SUCCESS
1
CREATE YOUR OWN FUNDRAISING WEB PAGE POWERED BY GROUPREV
Be sure to take advantage of creating your Personal Fundraising Web Page. This is where your potential donors will learn more about your cause and why you are fundraising. Once your web page is setup, you will be able to invite friends and family to make online donations just by sending an email or making a post on social media. You will be able to keep track of your progress with the click of a button. It’s easy, we promise! • Create a GroupRev Fundraising account: http://grouprev.com/signup/2015glhpeoplescitymission • Be sure to write down your username and password and keep somewhere safe. • Choose a simple custom URL that explains your Fundraising campaign. Write it down. • Set your goal to $500 or more • Customize your Fundraising Web Page • Make any edits to personalize your page. Many items will appear by default, but many page elements can be customized. Your page can be updated at anytime • Add personalized photos or upload generic People’s City Mission photos which you can get here: http://goo.gl/A13zYP • Personalize your story. Share your fundraising goal and why you are fundraising. • Personalize your thank you confirmation email to donors. • Your Fundraising Web Page is done. You’re almost ready!
ONLY THE COOLEST CATS WILL BE RUNNING FOR CHARITY. YOU’RE ONE OF MY KIND.
2
DEVELOP YOUR CONTACT LIST
Before you share your fundraising page, its best to spend some time to gather a master list of potential donors. • Start by collecting names from your: • Email addresses • Business cards • Holiday cards list • Social network sites
• What about people from your past: • Former classmates • Former neighbors or co-workers • College or high school friends • Former teachers
• Think about the people you see every week: • Co-workers • Business contacts • Neighbors • Place of worship • School contacts • Members of clubs or organizations to which you belong • Parents of your children’s friends or teammates
• Consider asking at the businesses you frequent • Grocery Store • Dry cleaning • Child’s pediatrician • Veterinarian • Lawyer, banker or accountant
CHOO CHOO CHOOSE THEM.
• How about sending a postal letter to the special people in your life • Grandparents • Siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins • Close family friends
The possibilities are endless and you will be surprised how many people will support your goal and cause if you are just willing to ask. Be sure to tell them your goal and make a suggested donation amount.
3
CREATE A GAME PLAN AND GET STARTED FUNDRAISING!
• Check out our 10 Days and 10 Ways to $500. It’s the kick in the pants you need! • Write your personalized fundraising letter/email. Use our sample letter to help get you started. • Go! Start Fundraising. Share your Personal Fundraising Web Page URL early, often and everywhere! • Be sure to follow up with those you have not heard from. Sometimes they just need a reminder. • As you receive donations, don’t forget to thank them. Their money is supporting a great organization and helping you run the Good Life Halfsy!
4
RUN THE GOOD LIFE HALFSY!
You earned it! On November 1st, you will join over 6,000 other running fanatics to take on the Good Life Halfsy, Nebraska’s half-marathon running celebration. We hope the miles will mean even more knowing that you supported an incredible local charity.
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AHHHHHH YEAH! LET’S DO THIS.
COLLECT, ENTER & SUBMIT ANY OFFLINE DONATIONS
• Keep a running tally of your offline cash or check donations using the Donation Information Form • Make sure all donations are written to People’s City Mission as you receive them. • Enter any offline cash or check donations on your personal Fundraising Web Page.Track your progress towards your goal in real-time. • Bundle all received offline donations, confirming all checks are made out to People’s City Mission. Make sure you include your completed Donation Information Form. Convert any cash received and write a personal check. Finally mail the envelope to Good Life Halfsy – Run For Charity Program, 3121 S. 6th Street, Unit C, Lincoln, NE 68502. Your offline donations should be received by Good Life Halfsy no later than November 6th, 2015. Please mail us offline donations only once if possible. • Remember, if you are short of the $500 minimum, we will charge your credit card provided for the remaining balance.
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THANK YOUR DONORS
Last, but not least, remember to thank your donors. Let them know about your results and experience at the Good Life Halfsy. Let them know how much you appreciate their donation and that their generosity helped make a difference for People’s City Mission.
10 DAYS
&
10 WAYS
TO
$500
DAY 1
Show your commitment! Start by making your own donation of $50 or more. You were already willing to pay $69 just to run the Good Life Halfsy right? Start off with a bang!
DAY 2
Ask two family members for $25 each. You know they’ll say yes!
DAY 3
Ask a business you frequent to donate $25. Think about your dry cleaner, hair stylist or accountant. What about the dealership where you bought your car or the realtor that sold you your house? They owe you!
DAY 4
Ask five co-workers to sponsor you for $20 each. Does your company have a matching gift program? Find out!
DAY 5
Your boss is sure to chip in $100. Are you the boss? You know what to do.
DAY 6
Ask five people you know from your sports league, your child’s school or activities or your place of worship. You’ll be surprised who is willing to support your goals.
DAY 7
Ask five friends to donate $20 each. Send emails and personal messages via Facebook. Be sure to include the url link to your online Fundraising Web Page. That’s what friends are for!
DAY 8
Turn it around! Ask someone who asked you to support their cause to support you for $25. It’s your turn!
DAY 9
Get creative! Do one unique thing to fundraise for PCM. Have a garage sale and donate the proceeds. Ask your boss to allow jeans at work for a $5 ‘tax’. Have a loose change day at work. Sell space on your race day shirt. There are limitless ideas. Get creative, choose your best idea and do it!
DAY 10
Use Facebook. Share your story and post your url link on your Facebook wall. Money will come out of the woodwork!
SAMPLE FUNDRAISING LETTER Greetings [insert name], I’m writing to ask for your support for a very special goal—to help people in desperate situations in Lincoln get back on their feet.. In November, I will be running the Good Life Halfsy half marathon in Lincoln, Nebraska, along with over 6,000 runners. I’ve pledged to help raise $500 for the event’s charity partner, People’s City Mission. I would like to ask you to help support my fundraising efforts with a donation. Your tax-deductible gift will help make a difference. People City Mission’s objective is to feed and shelter the homeless and impoverished, while sharing the good news about Jesus Christ, thus promoting human transformation. They will accomplish this by committing to core values of compassion, integrity, respect, innovation, and excellence, and by providing services that are needs responsive and that reflect the love of Christ. It is faster and easier than ever to donate. Simply visit this link [insert Personal Fundraising Web Page URL] to donate online. If you prefer, you can mail your gift check to me at the address listed below. Please make the check out to People’s City Mission and include my name in the “Memo” section. [insert your address] Any amount, great or small, helps tremendously and is much appreciated. Thank you! Sincerely, [insert your name] Tax ID Number: 47-0376896
I’D WRITE YOUR LETTERS, BUT I CAN ONLY TWEET!
Run for Charity
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OFFLINE DONATION RECORD-KEEPING Runner Name:
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Phone Number:
This is where you keep track of offline donations. Please complete one entry for each donation. Include donor name, complete mailing address, donation amount, indicated cash or check and check number, and indicate if you entered the donation into your Fundraising Web Page. Please return this form (use multiple forms if needed) along with all donations to the address listed below. Be sure to convert cash to a personal check before mailing. Please submit your collected donations only once and by the deadline of November 1st, 2015. Make all checks payable to People’s City Mission. Please return this form and all offline donations to: Good Life Halfsy – Run For Charity Program, 3121 S. 6th Street, Unit C, Lincoln, NE 68502.
Donor’s Name Example
Archie Mammoth
Address 645 N 14th Street Lincoln, Ne 68508
Donation Amount $150.00
Cash/ Check# Cash
Collected
Logged in Web Page
Yes
Yes
Your Personal Donation
Thank you for committing to raising a minimum of $500. Please direct any questions to jason@goodlifehalfsy.com