Team Ocean Fundraising Guide

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F UN D RA ISING GU IDE

Why fundraise?

Ocean conservation is a real challenge, one that we must address together. Fundraising can be a fun way to bring your community together to raise funds and awareness for an issue close to our hearts. Our local actions collectively protect the most vulnerable marine species, restore critical marine habitats and decrease plastic pollution.

Why support ocean conservation with PADI AWARE FoundationTM? Put purpose behind your passion. PADI AWARE Foundation is an independently audited and accredited public charity that drives global ocean conservation through local action. PADI AWARE Foundation engages divers and people everywhere to take conservation actions that heal and protect the ocean both above and below the surface.

PADI AWARE Foundation leverages the collective influence of divers and the dive industry to address key threats facing the marine environment including climate change, marine habitat loss and vulnerable species protection. PADI AWARE Foundation advances its mission and the PADI® Blueprint for Ocean Action through underwater citizen science, public policy, education and community grants.

How does my support help?

When you support the PADI AWARE Foundation, you’re fueling the realization of the vision for balance between humanity and the ocean. Funds are needed to run critical year-round conservation programs that rid the ocean of marine debris, increase the number of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), protect endangered and vulnerable marine species, and accelerate coral reef recovery and restoration.

Fundraisers are conservation champions. Your action has an incredible impact to expand citizen science work to safeguard our ocean. As a fundraiser, you play a vital role in critical conservation programs that are: • advancing policies to protect the most vulnerable species • restoring critical marine habitats • reducing ocean pollution

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Keep up the momentum Download the PADI AWARE Foundation fundraising toolkit where you’ll find free templates as well as printable and digital materials to support your fundraising success.

Follow up Send follow up emails. Don’t be shy to send a follow up. People are busy and they will appreciate a reminder. Include an update on your fundraising action (maybe share a blog post and or photos of your preparation in action) and remind them how their donation helps. Use the email template we created or write your own. Leverage your social media channels to post the big event, and share your progress, photos and videos.

Finish strong Send a final reminder in the last few days before your event. Urgency is powerful. Most people donate the week of or after a big event and appreciate a final call to remind them. Be sure your friends know your challenge is coming soon and they can help you hit your fundraising goal. Already reached your fundraising goal? Reach higher and challenge yourself to go all out for our ocean.

Show gratitude It’s all about you Donate your birthday, host an event or run a 5K. Whatever your passion or excuse, be sure to personalize your fundraising page from the heart. Make it about you. Fundraising is most effective when you share your personal story. Your network, friends and family want to support you. Wear your heart on your sleeve and share why you are fanatical about ocean protection and explain what your fund­raising challenge is all about. Make it compelling; photos and videos go a long way to convey who you are and why you are enthusiastic about the cause. You could also have the chance to be featured in the PADI Torchbearer™ newsletter and on our social media channels!

Team challenge?

All donations made directly through your fundraising profile receive a charitable donation receipt but be sure to send all your supporters a personalized thank you message. Let them know how much their support means to you. You can write your own or use our email template that we have created for you. Send your thank you messages via direct email, letter or social media.

Public recognition Post acknowledgement on social media. Public recognition makes us feel good about ourselves and our contribution. Get creative and show your backers how touched you are by their generosity. Be sure to thank and tag for each donation. They will love it and it might even encourage more donations from others on the fence!

Want to make a huge splash for ocean protection? Rally some friends to join your fundraising chal­lenge.

Think of a team name and create a team page. Add a photo, create a personal appeal and let everyone know about your collective action. Don’t forget to invite your friends to join your team and fundraise with you.

Lead by example Get your fundraising challenge off to a great start, be sure to show your commitment and donate yourself.

This sets an example for others to follow. Then let your close friends and family know you made a donation and ask them to join you and support your challenge. Reach out to your network and share your excitement for the cause.

Spread the word Announcements and updates on social media are a great way to get the word out but sending personal emails and snail mail letters are the most effective way to ensure a positive response. Let your supporters, friends and family know why you’ve committed to this challenge. Use sample email templates from the PADI AWARE Foundation™ tools to get started. Make use of your social media as a follow up. Use funny, personally relevant images, emojis, GIFs or memes to grab attention and remember to tag @PADIAWARE to have the chance to be featured.

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FAQs We know you love the ocean but what else excites you? Love running? Create a team of runners and knock your fundraising socks off! Is bowling up your alley? Then get your mind in the gutter and hit a strike for ocean protection! There’s no set formula for the #TeamOcean Challenge – your options are as vast as the ocean.

Is it a race?

The #TeamOcean Challenge is not a competition. It’s all about having fun raising funds and awareness for the ocean conservation cause. If you are competitive, create a team, invite others and make the most of your challenge and push yourself to raise more than the other fundraisers for the greatest impact.

Are donations tax deductible?

Immediately after a donation is made online, donors receive an email acknowledgement which serves as a receipt. PADI AWARE Foundation is a publicly funded charitable organization. All or part of the gift may be tax deductible as a charitable contribution.

Do I need to sign a liability release form?

These are available for download and should be collected for every team member involved with physical challenges for example swimming, scuba diving, running etc. Please ensure all team members are trained as appropriate according to the event challenge.

How do I get started?

You can start by creating your online fundraising profile. Visit www.padi.com/aware/fundraise for more information on how to get started. Soon after you create your profile, we will be in touch to offer you support along the way.

What support is provided to ensure success?

PADI AWARE Foundation provides a toolkit for fundraisers and one on one support to help generate ideas and motivate fundraisers. Additional physical materials are also available on request. Tech support for online fundraising is available. Fundraisers are regularly recognized through PADI AWARE’s channels when possible and appear in the foundation annual report. Contact information@padiaware.org for more information.

I’m apprehensive about asking friends for money. How can I do this?

Time to shift your perspective! Fundraising isn’t hassling people for money. It’s an opportunity to offer them a choice, to be a part of something bigger than themselves – improving our ocean future! Studies prove donating makes people feel good so rest assured and enjoy spreading some good vibes! You can always turn your services into cash – bake some cakes, host a music event, wash some cars and channel your energy into your fundraising goals.

What requirements should I know about?

Fundraisers, please ensure you stay safe according to your circumstances, take action within your physical capabilities and comply with all applicable local, state, provincial, federal, civil and criminal laws.

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Thank You! The challenges for the future of our ocean are vast, but together we are taking a stand for ocean protection.

Since you’re passionate about protecting the ocean and its wildlife, we thank you for supporting ocean conservation with a #TeamOcean Challenge.

© PADI AWARE FOUNDATION 2021