- Do not think of fundraising as asking for money or a loan. You are asking as an advocate for those in need.
- Do not discount anyone. While you may not have talked to that high school friend for awhile, it's never too late to resume a friendship by telling them about your involvement with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
- Use those who are close to you as a "mini-committee" to reach your goal. Ask them to share their Rolodex, send out letters, help plan a party or find raffle prizes.
- You do not need to know all of your potential donors; it's okay to accept donations from people you do not know. Just remember to thank them. By carrying their fundraising letters everywhere they go, many Team In Training® (TNT) participants have received donations in bars, the subway and from passengers in elevators, in their offices or apartment buildings.
- Ask your boss.
- The best way to fundraise is to use a combination of techniques, including a raffle, a fundraising letter, online fundraising, a party, corporate involvement, etc. .
- Start early! There's a lot to be said for those people who get all of their fundraising done so that they can concentrate on their training as event weekend nears.
- Involve everyone you know. Most people find that their daily contacts supply plenty of potential donors. You'd be surprised at how many people you know - even casual acquaintances - who will support your efforts. Leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers affect more than those diagnosed with the disease.
- TNT is a program that allows people to experience the joy of helping others vicariously through you. When you participate in Team In Training, you represent not only your honored patient hero, you also represent all those who donated to your campaign. Make sure everyone realizes that their contribution will last much longer than the 30 seconds it takes to write a check or make an online donation. Mention your efforts whenever possible - you never know when someone has $20 burning a hole in their pocket.
And the No. 1 fundraising tip from Team In Training is...
- Ask, ask, ask!
