Here at Firstgiving we regularly perform usability tests - as the better our site is, the more money you raise. One thing we regularly see during these tests is that donors want to help fundraisers reach their goals.
In fact, during a recent usability test where the total raised on the fundraising page was $40 away from the goal. The donor said, “I want to help the fundraiser reach his goal, so I will donate $40. Typically, I would have just given $25.”
Attention Fundraisers, log into your account and add a goal (if you haven’t done so already).
Next, inform your supporters what your goal is and when you need to reach it by.
Following Week #7 tip, send regular updates on:
a) how close you are to your goal
b) how much time you have left to reach your goal
If you reach your goal, increase it. Then continue to update your supporters. You will be amazed how much you can raise.
My colleague, David raised money for his birthday this summer. He was amazed how quickly he reached his initial goal of $1000. So he increased it, increased it again, and again… now, 3 months later, he has exceeded his goal by more than 150%.
Good luck with your fundraising and feel free to drop us a line - we love to hear from you.
Raising your goal is a great idea - you can also build personal incentives as you reach your goal such as when you reach $1000. you will treat yourself to an evening in Boston with a friend or a sports massage.
Team work regarding incentives is great too. If you have a friend that is on your team and running for charity with you as you each reach your goal have a reward that you will spend a day together shopping, lunch and pedicures. Why not? You are working hard and training hard for your charity and you deserve to celebrate your accomplishments plus it will give you incentive to surpass your goal knowing you will be enjoying a special day.
I also like to email blast to my “ask” list early as soon as I know I have been selected on a team. I would ask people to give for 2008 year end and then again 2009 right before the race. Year end donations are important for tax purposes and it might be a great way to position your solicitation. When you ask again right before the race - stress the training you have done, be thankful for their year end donation and mention how their support again will help carry you to the finish line. Instead of getting just $50. from someone - you may end up with $100 total. Ask twice and you shall receive - timing is everything.
Susan Hurley
http://www.GoKids-Boston.org
http://www.LazarusHouse.org
Coordinator of official BAA Marathon programs
GoKids24 Relay May 16 and 17 UMASS Boston
[...] Now that you’re tapering, tell your supporters about your training milestones and let them know you’re still fundraising. If you’re close to your fundraising goal? Tell them. Already surpassed it? Raise your goal. [...]