Fundraising Tip of the Week #11: How to Get Donations From Strangers

If you set a high fundraising goal for yourself, ($3500+) you are likely going to have to get some donations from people outside your immediate circle of friends and family.  The way to do this is to be extraordinary.

Why be extraordinary?  Well, because being ordinary just isn’t going to cut it these days. Sure, Grandma and Grandpa may donate to your campaign simply because they like you, but let’s face it, friends of friends, and strangers are only going to donate if you can knock their socks off by showing them how dedicated you are to your fundraising effort.

So what makes someone extraordinary?  Well, being extraordinary can mean anything. It can mean participating in a physical challenge like running a marathon, or rowing across Atlantic. Or it could mean creating a heartwarming video or great description for your fundraising page.  It could even mean doing something goofy like growing a mustache or shaving your head for charity.  Whatever you decide to do, the key is showing your donors that you are passionate about what you are doing and you are willing to do whatever it takes to raise money for your cause.

• Be courageous.  Courage is good.  If you are brave enough to do something most people are too scared to do, your donors will appreciate your courage and want to contribute to your cause.

• Be shameless. Shameless is good, so be as shameless as possible. The more creative you can be, the better your chances are that people will remember you and decide to donate to your campaign.

In terms of pure shamelessness, this guy below is one of my favorites.

If you can’t guess what he’s dressed up as, I’ll give you a hint. He was running the Chicago marathon to raise money for testicular cancer. This guy was definitely willing to do anything and everything to raise money for his cause –or put another way, I suppose you could say he went balls to the wall for his charity.

• Lastly, always remember to have fun.  Fundraising shouldn’t be a chore.  It should be a fun activity.  Be courageous, be goofy, be weird.  Do whatever it takes to raise money for your cause, but whatever you decide to do, make sure to always have fun with it.  Because if you’re not having fun with it, what’s the point…