Fundraising Tips

You already have all the right connections to successfully fundraise for Spin4Kids Plus. Here are some ways to help kicks tart your efforts.

1. Customize your Personal Page

Everyone who registers at Spin4Kids.com is automatically provided with a customizable public webpage where supporters can make donations to you. Team Captains are provided with a customizable Team Page. Your page can be accessed and edited through your Fundraising Hub with your unique username and password. Once you’re logged in, navigate to the My Fundraising tab. Here you can update your Personal Page with your story and photos. Tell the story of why you are taking part in Spin4Kids Plus and why it is important to you (default content will display if no changes are made). Your Personal Page components include a status thermometer to track your fundraising progress, a fundraising honor roll to acknowledge your donors, as well as a link to your Team Page if you are part of a Team.

2. Set a goal

Set an ambitious yet realistic goal. It’s much easier to reach the end when it’s in sight. Imagine how much more you can raise if you aim higher! Did you participate last year? If so, challenge yourself (and your supporters) to raise more. Participants receive some Great Incentives based on their online fundraising totals.

Remember our goals are for: Individuals to raise $125 Teams to raise $1000

Fact: If every Spin4Kids Plus participant raised just $50 more, it would bring in an additional $400,000 to give more Canadian kids the opportunity to live a fit and healthy good life.

3. Use your Fundraising Hub

Your Fundraising Hub at Spin4Kids.com was created to make it easier for participants to reach their goals. It includes many useful features in addition to the Personal and Team pages.

• Use the message in the Get Sponsors tab to email potential donors.
• Upload your address book and invite a wide range of people from your various networks to make an online donation.
• Invite people to join your Team or take part in the event under the Invite a Friend tab
• Connect with your Team under the My Team tab
• Add offline donations and lump sums amount under the My Fundraising tab
• Update your fundraising goal
• Link to Facebook and use social media to fundraise.

4. Ask!

The number one reason people give is because they were asked.

• If you have participated in Spin4Kids Plus or another charity event in the past go to your past supporters first.
• Ask through social media, email, by phone and in person.
• Think about who you could ask for larger donations; like your employer or local businesses. You’ll be surprised at their willingness to help. Encourage others to match it.
• Be prepared with an amount to ask donors for and be gracious if they are unable to give at that time.
• Relate the request to your goal. Example- to reach your individual goal of $125 collect 5x $25 donations, 12x $10 donations and 1x $5, 25x $5 donations

A sample script you may want to use for in-person or telephone asks could be, “I’ll be participating in Spin4Kids Plus in support of GoodLife Kids Foundation on Saturday March 7th at (Location). This year I’ve set a goal to raise $125 and I am hoping you might be able to support me with a contribution of $25 The money raised will help more Canadian kids get active through the GoodLife Kids Foundation Grant Program.” Tip: Encourage people to donate online. It’s secure, easy and saves time. Also, for donations of $20 or more an income tax receipt is issued automatically and sent by email.

5. Keep your supporters up to date

Celebrate your success with your supporters by using social media, emails or a quick phone call. Keep your Personal and Team Pages current with new photos and updates.

6. Say thank you

Use the thank you email template in Fundraising Hub to thank all donors as soon as possible after you receive notice of their online donation. Let the people that support you know your overall success after the event by sending a handwritten note. A small personalized note goes a long way. Otherwise, send an email or make a phone call.

Here are some great ideas for fundraisers you or your team can host to boost your Individual and Team fundraising totals. You can add these funds to your online total (see FAQ) to help you achieve incentive levels.

• Corporate Matching Gifts- ask your company to match the amount of donations you receive from your donors
• Make Your Pledge Form Stand Out- if you’re doing offline fundraising , copy your pledge form onto colored paper with your personal reasons for participating in Spin4Kids Plus on the other side.
• Donations in Lieu of Gifts- Throwing a party or hosting a special event? Ask guests to make a donation to the cause in lieu of gifts.
• Host a Movie Night or TV Show Finale Party- Invite friends over to watch a movie or TV finale. Raise money by selling tickets or snacks and drinks.
• Email Signature- Use your email signature to let people know that you are participating in Spin4Kids Plus by sharing the link to your Personal Page.
• Social Media- Share your efforts on Twitter and Facebook by sharing the link to your Personal Page. You can also link your Spin4Kids.com profile to your Facebook page. Join the conversation using #Spin4Kids and #spingroovemove
• Do a Dare- A lot of people will donate to your fundraising efforts for doing crazy things such as dying your hair or wearing a ridiculous outfit. Get creative!
• Personal Assistant- Accept donations in exchange for running errands or doing chores for friends, family and coworkers. The larger the donation the bigger the errand or chore.
• Host Game Night- Invite friends over to play a board game, video games or poker. Charge a fee to take part and let everyone know that a percentage of the winnings are payable to the “House” which will be donated to the cause.
• Support Yourself- Kick-start your fundraising efforts by making a donation to your own efforts. Or support a Team Mate who agrees to support you back.