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Fundraising ideas

© Jewl Ann Wall

Every dog training organization charges its own price for training these special dogs for us. So with that in mind, we need to find ways to raise the money. Most of us to do not have a few of thousand dollars right at hand when we need it. Sometimes we have to come up with ways to raise the money.

Now you must understand, I have not even sold one girl scout cookie or anything in my life. So this was a very new challenge. I found when asking for a donation that it helped to have a letter containing the information on what I was there for--who I was, what happened to me or why I need the dog, (you don't have to say this if you don't want to). Then I talked to people about what the dog will do for me. I gave them a brochure from the organization that is training my dog, so they could learn more about the dogs and the organization. They could also call the organization and ask questions. I enjoyed doing this because I was not only getting donations but was also educating people at the same time about something they might not know about.

Most of all, try to have some fun and try not to be discouraged when someone says NO. Thank them anyway and leave the literature. I had a few call backs a few days later from people wanting to donate after they had read the material.

The most important thing is to remember to ask for help from friends, neighbors, and family. Sometimes, however, this is to much to handle for one person.

If you have any other ideas please email me and share them with me. I will be happy to put them in the article to help others.

Now here are a few ideas:

#1 We put a story in the newspaper about what happened to me and how the dogs work and how it would help and benefit me. They put a donation box in the story so people could donate in my name.

# 2 I called these clubs: Mason's, Kiwanis, Lion's, and many more. You can get a list of organizations in your town from the Chamber of commerce.

# 3. I made a form letter and went to most of the businesses in my town and asked for either a donation or if I could put a can on the counter. The letter works great because they can see that it is real; nowadays people are leery of helping. I also took with me a copy of the flyer from the organization. Also, if they do not want to give money, ask than if they would donate a prize. Maybe they could donate a free pizza, a free dinner, or a few games of bowling, etc. Than have a raffle.

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