fundraising information

Fundraising Goals:

While the Abilities United Aquathon is a fun and competitive event, its main purpose is to raise money for the services we provide to people with disabilities, so you should set some goals for your team. Calculations for fundraising awards are based on dollars raised by 5 p.m. Sept. 6.
Suggestions:
·   Set goals per swimmer or per team
·   Pick a round number (e.g. $2,000 per team)
·   Pick X% growth over last year
·   A traditional guideline for the Aquathon is to raise $250 per swimmer, or $2,000 per team. The top teams last year raised between $20,000 and $35,000!

Matching Funds:

Your company may offer matching gifts or community donations. With matching gifts, your company commits to matching the amount of money that you donate/raise. Matching gift pledges are counted toward fundraising award totals if documentation is provided by Sept. 6. As a team captain, you should encourage your team members to submit their matching gift forms.
Questions to ask:
·   Do we have a matching gifts program or a community donations fund?
·   What do I need to do to get funding for Abilities United?
·   What documentation do I need?
·   When do I need to provide it in order to get documentation to Abilities United by Sept. 6.

TIPS FOR GETTING DONATIONS:

·   Set a goal for how much you and your team plan to raise. We suggest that each swimmer set a target minimum of $250.

·   Be enthusiastic. It will encourage people to ask you more about the Aquathon. Talk about training for this event, and it will be easier to make your pitch. Mention the names of your teammates, and let co-workers know about their company’s participation.

·   Use email to reach your donors. Email is a very effective way to reach potential donors. Use your own personal address book or upload your address book to our site. We will provide sample fundraising emails for you to use.

·   Get early, large dollar pledges. Close friends or relatives are usually willing to donate $25 or more. This amount on your donation page sets a good precedent, and you will be likely to get more from subsequent sponsors.

·    Use Social Networking tools. Make use of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Blogspot and other social outlets to tell others about your participation in the Aquathon. You can also use Twitter to get donations on the day of the event.

·   Appeal to rivalry. Challenge your business competitors, other corporate teams, or other swimmers. Convince your donors that they are defending your honor while helping Abilities United programs.

·   Tell Abilities United client stories. Abilities United has been serving people with developmental and other disabilities since 1963 and may have helped a family member of people you know. Talk about how those services made a difference in their lives.

·   Post your name or business card with general Aquathon fliers in your building.

·   Ask friends to forward your emails to others. Friends in other companies, in other departments, or your department may be interested in joining the event or making a donation.

·   Get a couple of non-swimming volunteers to fund raise for your team. Everyone can join in supporting your team!

·   Make your training for this event part of a weight reduction or health regimen commitment. “Bet” your buddies, your doctor, or your family that you will keep up your regimen between then and the Aquathon.

·   Get your donors early, before your teammates do!

Login to your personal dashboard (my home) to get started on emailing friends & family and monitor your fundraising.

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