The money you raise are critical to preventing suicide, and in the process of fundraising you will bring mental health and suicide out of the darkness in your community.
The key to fundraising: asking for donations.
That's it. Some people shy away from asking for money, but once you start, you’ll be surprised by how many people want to support a good cause. But it doesn’t happen right away: it can take as many as six reminders before someone donates. People are busy, they may not get your request at the right time, they may forget. People like being a part of a good cause, but to reach your goal you’ll need to be persistent
Fundraising Tips
Reaching the Goal of $150 in order to earn an official Out of the Darkness t-shirt is easier than it sounds! Here's an example of how you can raise $200 in just 10 days:
DAY # | WHO TO ASK | TOTAL |
---|---|---|
1 | Put in your own $20 contribution | $20 |
2 | Ask your significant other for $20 | $40 |
3 | Ask your mom or dad for $20 | $60 |
4 | Ask a friend for $20 | $80 |
5 | Ask your supervisor for $20 | $100 |
6 | Ask a co-worker for $20 | $120 |
7 | Ask a neighbor for $20 | $140 |
8 | Ask another family member for $20 | $160 |
9 | Ask another friend for $20 | $180 |
10 | Ask a business owner for $20 | $200 |
If each of these individuals give you $20 (not unusual), you've just raised $200 and exceeded your fundraising goal. We're sure you can think of more people to ask and soon you will be on your way to becoming one of our top fundraisers and qualifying for recognition gifts.
List Your Potential Donors
The first important step in a successful fundraising effort is to make your list of donors. Any contact you have throughout the day could be a potential donation. Next to each name, select the amount you will ask for and the method you will use to ask for it.
How to Ask
There are several ways to fundraise for the community walks. You will probably try a combination of all of these or come up with ideas of your own, because each donor may need a different approach.
Follow Up and Give Thanks
Make sure that you follow-up with everyone that has not donated. Often times, people might be intending to donate and just need a gentle reminder. Let them know that every dollar counts in the fight to prevent suicide and there is still time to donate. Send them a note to keep them updated on your progress as you fundraise.
Once you have received a donation from someone, let them know that their contribution -- whatever the amount -- is important to you and that you appreciate it. Send them a thank you note or invite them to the walk. After the event, you may want to send out a newsletter or email with some photos and an additional "thank you" for your donors' support.
Matching Gifts
You could potentially double your donations with matching gifts. Many corporations will match any charitable donations their employees either raise or give. Ask your employer if they have any plan like this in place. Then also ask your donors if their employers offer matching gifts. For more information on matching gifts, please click here
Donation Forms
Offline Donation Forms are available to download HERE.
You can also access an itemized donation form HERE.
(for tracking individual donations from various supporters)
All checks should be made payable to AFSP and sent to the address below.
AFSP
Attn: OOTD Walks
120 Wall St., Floor 29
New York, NY 10005
You can also give online. All donations are 100% tax-deductible.
Register today for access to the Participant Packet, which contains even more helpful information and advice.