Back in November of 2001, I challenged you to participate in a sponsorship-driven event in 2002. That is, one of the walking, running, biking or triathlon endurance events which are designed so that the average individual - someone just like you or I - could actually complete the journey.
For most participants, the toughest challenges are training and fundraising. Below, I've summarized some of the best strategies to ferret out those available sponsorship dollars - thereby maximizing your efforts in training and raising awareness for your chosen cause.
Basic rules of finding money
The number one rule of fundraising is ask, Ask, ASK. If you ask, you might get. If you don't ask, you won't get. And it's not just asking, but targeting the right people. I'm not just talking about targeting people who appear to have a lot of money. Some people will surprise you and come up with a large check, when you least expect it. Target people that you think will support your cause.
In my experience raising money for the Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk, I discovered that almost everyone knows someone who has been affected by breast cancer. I targeted people who knew me well, knew my passion around this cause, and would be willing to support me, specifically (as opposed to the cause in general). Personally, I am always more likely to support a cause, when I know someone who supports it. I'd rather put my money into something that a known entity supports. And in this case, YOU are the known entity.
Where do sponsors come from?
Sponsors come from obvious places: family, friends, co-workers, members of your faith community, neighbors. And from not-so-obvious places: everyone in your address book, your doctors, your hairdresser, your auto mechanic. Parents of your children's friends, your college roommates, the person who does your nails. Strangers who will stop at your car wash, bake sale, garage sale, information table in front of the grocery store.
Asking for money
First of all, write a compelling letter, telling people why you are doing the event, and what you hope to achieve, both personally and financially for the cause. Print it on nice paper, package it with a self-addressed stamped envelope (and pledge form, if that's part of the program). Write a personal note on each one, and mail it to everyone you know. Carry extras in your car, briefcase, backpack, gym bag. Ask other people to pass out letters on your behalf. My parents found me over 20 additional sponsors for one event, just in their circle of friends.
