FUNDRAISING PLAYBOOK
Participant's Guide
Raising funds for the ASCV 5K & Family Fun Day helps support our autism community. As a participant, you get the best of both worlds: making an impact, and having fun doing it!
We know that not everyone may know where to start when it comes to raising money. That's why we've put together a few ideas and tips for where to start and how to finish strong. Check them out below. You've got this!
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5 Steps to Success:
1. Register online: When you register, you can choose to join an existing team or step up as a team captain and create your own!
2. Set a Personal Goal: Aim to raise at least $150 in support of the ASCV, and help your team raise $1,500 (or more!) as a group!
3. Personalize Your Fundraising Page: Share a personal picture and/or story to show your passion for supporting our local autism community!
4. Start Fundraising:
- Set the tone: Start your fundraising by making a personal donation to your page. Friends and family will be motivated to give when you do!
- Use the Fundraising Playbook: There you can access email templates, tried and true tips, and our social media samples to help get your fundraising started!
- Ask for donations: Ask in person, via text, or by email. Use your Fundraising Tools to connect your fundraising page to a Facebook Fundraiser and reach your friends on social media. Don’t be shy—just ask!
5. Celebrate and show your team spirit at the ASCV 5K & Family Fun Day!
How to Raise $1,000 in a Week
Day 1: Love Yourself – Kickstart your fundraising and donate to your own campaign! People are more likely to give if they see that you’ve already donated!
Day 2: Make It a Family Affair – Ask five family members to donate at least $50 each. You’re $250 closer to your $1,000 goal!
Day 3: With a Little Help from My Friends – Ask ten friends and neighbors to make a $25 donation. That’s $250, a quarter of your goal!
Day 4: Workin’ Hard for the Money – Ask your boss for a company contribution or see if they offer a matching gift program. Don’t forget to ask your co-workers to support you and submit the appropriate paperwork for their matching gifts. If you’re a student, ask classmates and teachers to contribute.
Day 5: Get Social – Share your fundraising page on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and ask for contributions. If 20 connections donate $10, that’s $200!
Day 6: Sponsor Me Please – Ask your favorite local business to sponsor your campaign with a $100 donation.
Day 7: Find Your Community – Are you part of a book club, religious community, meet-up group, running club, or yoga class? Whatever you are into, ask 20 fellow attendees or members to donate $5.
Who to Ask for Support
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Individuals:
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Groups:
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Businesses & Corporations:
Talk to people you know at businesses you frequent. Many are willing to support community-based efforts. Many corporations offer matching gift programs; don’t forget to ask the people giving to your fundraiser if their companies match donations.
Are you a business or corporation looking to start a team? Check out our Corporate Team's Guide!
More Tips to Help Jumpstart and Keep Fundraising
Start early. The sooner you start, the sooner you will see the wonderful response.
Set an ambitious (but reachable) goal and tell everyone. You’ll be amazed how easy it is to recruit supporters if you give people the opportunity to support you. If you meet your goal, raise it!
Have an elevator pitch. Develop a personalized concise response to “Why is the ASCV important to you?” Most of your network wants to support you first and the non-profit second.
Write a letter or email. A meaningful letter about your participation is an easy way to tell your story. Include a link to your online fundraising page. Check out the templates that we have provided to help you start this process!
Know the facts. We have provided facts and stats about the ASCV and autism that you can use when talking to people about the importance of the work of the Autism Society.
Educate people about where their gift goes, and don’t apologize for asking. People are eager to support you and are often just waiting to be asked! :) Every dollar raised for the 5K & Family Fun Day supports the work of the ASCV as we provide:
- Social & Recreational Activities from Pre-K to Adulthood
- Family Outings & Events
- Camps for Kids & Adults
- Support Groups
- Scholarships & Financial Assistance Advocacy Initiatives ... & Much More!
