Fundraising Tips

1. Set Your Goals High
The minimum fundraising requirement for Joe’s Team is $500. This does not have to be the ceiling for your personal goal; in 2010 our average participant raised over $1,000 each. When considering your fundraising goal, set your sights high. We know with the right effort you will not only reach your minimum but surpass it! Strive to be apart of Joe’s Dream Team!

JOE’S DREAM TEAM
Raise $2,500 by July 1st you will automatically become a member of JOE’S DREAM TEAM. As a fundraising leader on race day you will receive additional VIP benefits including: an exclusive Joe’s Team cycling jacket and race day recognition.

2. Use Your Personal Page
After you register for Joe’s Team 2012, personalize your individual webpage (provided on JoesTeam.ca). On your personal page you can tell your story, explain why you are participating, post a photo, and accept pledges. Using the link to your personal page is an easy way to direct people to your fundraising efforts and keep them up to date on all of your progress and training.

3. Who Can You Ask?
Take time and make a list of all the people you know- friends, family, neighbors, co-workers. Go through your address book and friend lists. Think about the people who have asked you for fundraising support before. Don’t leave anyone out. Once you have a list written, write the method by which you will contact each person for a donation. This can include an email, a letter, a fundraising party, or a face-to-face meeting.

It is helpful to take some time to write down several things you think will have the most impact with the person you are going to approach. Give them background on your personal motivation, why you’re involved and why it’s worth their time to be involved and donate. It’s all about making them feel empowered about making a difference — big or small.

4. Expand Your Circle
Word of mouth is a great way to increase your fundraising. Give your friends and family extra donation forms (can be printed off the website) to pass out or provide them with your personal URL for you online fundraising page. Ask them to talk to people about the event and your participation in it. Ask close friends if they know of anyone who might be interested in pledging you.

5. Spread The Word!
Get the word out about Joe’s Team. Include a link to your Joe’s Team “Personal Page” in your email signature. Post a note or link to Joe’s Team on Facebook, take time to explain the importance of Joe’s Team to friends so they can help you solicit others for gifts.

6. Track Your Progress
Use the on-line follow-up tool on your personal page to keep track of your donors so you know who to follow-up with and who to thank. This is a great tool to keep you organized and on target.

7. Follow-Up & Thank Donors
After you have initially contacted people, it is important to follow-up. People these days are busy and are often asked to donate. By making a real effort to get in contact with people, they will know you are serious about this event and cause. Making follow-up phone calls will dramatically improve your fundraising progress.

8. Social Media
You'll be surprised at how a request for donation with a direct link to your fundraising page can bring in money. Use status updates on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to send out your message. Be sure to use a direct link to make it easier for your donors. It's a great way to promote your involvement in Joe's Team but don't overload. You don't want to annoy your friends! Share the message frequently enough so you know a good portion of your friends have seen your status, but not so much that they have seen it 100 times each.

Thanking those who have made donations is another important part of the fundraising process. You should let people know how their funds have helped your fundraising efforts as well as those at Princess Margaret Hospital. After they donate, follow up with a thank you note, pictures from your training, and updates on your efforts.