Fundraising Tips & Sample Pledge Donation Letter

Fundraising  101          1. The main reason people don’t contribute: Nobody asked them!     2. Nobody ever gives up their last dollar – they will tell you if it’s too much.     3. Make it personal. People don’t give to institutions. They give to the person who asks them. Communicate your reason for participating in the Komen CNY Race for the Cure, and share your story with potential donors.     4. Don’t apologize for asking. You are providing an opportunity for a potential donor to support you, a  great cause, the Race, and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation – a leading catalyst in breast cancer research.     5. Remember that you aren’t asking for money for yourself. Pledge money will benefit many individuals  and provide free mammograms for women who may otherwise not get them.     6. Don’t get discouraged. If you aren’t getting any “nos,” you aren’t asking enough! Or maybe you’re  just that good!     7. Ask!   Ask!   Ask!

Fundraising Tips and Tactics       1. Before asking for a pledge donation, know something about the person you’re asking. Has he/she been affected personally by breast cancer? Is he/she a Race participant?      2. Figure out what amount is appropriate to ask individuals for before you ask.       3. Start Now! But remember, it’s often easier to actually collect the pledge as you get commitments prior to the Race. After an event people are often harder to track down; if they’re willing to give their pledge donation up front, it will save you time later.      4. Don’t forget to ask all the people you’ve sponsored for various activities over the years. Remember that woman in accounting who was selling her child’s cookies?      5. Do an e-mail letter writing campaign! ; revise it to fit your situation and add your personal story.

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Matching Gift Companies: A number of companies will match gifts to non-profits, thereby doubling the dollars you raise. Check with your employer. Matching donation dollars do not count toward your total.

Pledge donations are tax-deductible. Acknowledgments will be sent for donations over $250 (please include donor’s name and address with donation form). For donations under $250, cancelled checks serve as receipts. 

Donations must be collected and submitted with this entry form to be eligible for prizes. Donations must be turned in by 8:30 am on Race Day at pre-registration. You do not need to be present to win. 

Donation Program Prizes
Grand Prize
The top fundraiser will receive a $1000 gift certificate to Raymour and Flanigan. The second and third top fundraisers will earn 1 certificate for round-trip air transportation on  American Airlines and/or American Eagle to any destination in the contiguous U.S. (winner responsible for all taxes).

Prizes, including airline certificates, will be awarded during the Race Day Awards Ceremony.