Raising money by sponsorship (or donation) - some useful tips

Introduction

Although there appear to be many sponsored events these days, this can be an advantage because people are used to this form of fundraising.  Remember, the worthier the cause the more you put into it, and so the better the response. You can choose to be sponsored by the mile or sponsored to complete the MacRide!

Be Organised

Most people who fail at raising sponsorship money do so because they do not get organised in time. It is of little use canvassing for the support three days before the event. People like to know well in advance about the event and the cause. A little time spent beforehand planning where and how you will get your money will raise rich dividends.

Use  www.justgiving.com  - MacRide is listed - just click on the menu link for all the details

Think of who and where you can get the support

Participants say ‘I don’t know enough people’ despite the fact that every day they meet dozens of potential donors. The donors do not need to be just your immediate family, colleagues or best friends. For example, the local pub or newsagent may be willing to have a collection jar for you. All you need is a respectable and large notice saying who you are and what you are doing, and even total strangers will donate their coins. Penny piles in pubs can produce anything from £50 to £250!  The point is to start early and decide where your sponsorship money will be coming from.

Example notice for Collection Jar  :  My name is Fred Bloggs and I am raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support by riding in the MacRide at Stratford-upon-Avon. Please help me to raise money for the cause by giving a donation. Contributions gratefully received.  Thank you!

Always explain why you are doing the MacRide when asking for sponsorship or donations, people give more readily when you explain the reasons - e.g. Macmillan Cancer Support care for hundreds of patients in your community.

Don’t be Timid

What you are doing is both worthwhile and adventurous don’t be bashful. Write up to your local papers or company/church magazine, spread the word, put notices up at work or anywhere where you are even vaguely known. We may be able to help you in producing posters. Drop a line to friends, family, neighbours, always stating where and how they can donate money for your sponsorship.  If you meet lots of people why not print a simple flyer and make sure you give one to everyone?

Get Cash Up Front!

If people are happy to give you the money when they sign your sponsor form, it’s much easier than going back round afterwards. If they ask what will happen if you don’t fulfil your challenge, you can tell them that they will have made a much appreciated donation to our cause! 

Other ways of raising money

Many people think that a sponsored event means obtaining money from just sponsorship forms but this need only be a part of it. You could, for example, hold a coffee morning or a supper party or a barbecue and charge for the event. It is a good way to meet friends again. You might persuade friends or colleagues to do something for you such as a skittles evening or raffle in the office. Many people these days like to get something back for their donation, even if it is only having a good time! Once people are gathering together anyway, it is a short step to get them to make a small collection or donation. Even those who might say no to sponsorship may put something in the donation jar at your works reception desk. The best idea is to spread the word and have a variety of ways to raise cash and also have a little fun raising your sponsorship money.

Get Help

As above there may be people willing to help you by forming an unofficial support group to raise money. You may not work in a place where there are lots of people, but a member of your family or friend might. Even that firm across the road might help out and there are always those who owe you a favour! Your local garage may have had your custom over the years, so having a collection tin for a couple of weeks might be possible. Remember, some companies will make a contribution as a sign of formal support for your effort. Your local club, church or association might help you or even put on an event just for you; it is well worth asking, but always produce some literature, people like to know what they are being asked to support.

How much sponsorship to aim for?

We would be grateful for whatever you may raise, but if everyone can raise at least £50, the event will make a massive difference. Please be assured that the money you raise will be deeply appreciated and spent wisely for the benefit of people with cancer. Of course, some people achieve astonishing results and individual cases of people raising £1,000 or more are quite common. Raising sponsorship money can be more difficult than participating in the event, so please try to get your sponsors to give in advance.

Make your supporters gifts worth even more!

The government allows us to reclaim tax on any gift of £1 or more. To do this we must have the donor’s full name and address and their agreement for us to make the claim. This is easily done by having them complete your sponsor form in full. The only condition is that the sponsor must be a UK taxpayer.  For every £100 you raise we actually get £125!

Good luck and please call us if you need any further help on 01676 535452