To get serious about fund-raising, take advice from a local fund-raising expert, Megan Blanek, San Diego AIDS Walk Project Manager.
1. Start a team. Recruit your friends, family and co-workers to help you fundraise. Set a high goal and challenge your team to the task.
2. Hit up your company. See if your workplace has a matching gift program, or see if they will make a one-time donation. Don't forget to ask your sponsors if their companies have a matching gift program.
3. Hang a sign. If allowed by your company/school policies, put a sign or note up in front of your desk or office saying "AIDS Walk donations accepted here" or something similar. Often, the charity event will have promotion materials to post.
4. Piggy Bank. Try putting a jar or container in a safe location for people to put change in. Every penny counts!
5. "Sell" tickets for a popular reward at work. For example, get supervisors to approve a dress-down privilege; leave work early; comp time; best parking space...think of something fun for your co-workers.
6. Barter your talents. Massage, haircutting, dog-walking, babysitting, landscaping and cleaning are all skills to offer others in exchange for a donation to your fund-raising bank.
7. Get wired. AIDS Walk participants can use the free, personal web page, provided when you register at www.aidswalk.org. The AIDS Walk page can be a powerful fund-raising tool. Personalize it with your own message and add a picture from your computer files or our photo library. When someone donates to you online, AIDS Walk receives the funds automatically. Explore similar tools within your own fund-raising organization.
8. Tag, you're it. Add a tag to your personal (or business if appropriate) e-mail signature and/or voicemail message mentioning how to support your participation in AIDS Walk.
9. Feed the masses. Try selling (homemade/store-bought) cookies or bulk candy. Hold a breakfast or lunch and ask for donations.
10. Hold a raffle. Ask a local business or vendor to donate a prize.
11. Silent - or live - auction. Collect prizes and auction to the highest bidder.
12. Party down. Throw a theme party or a barbeque - charge a small admission - donate the proceeds.
13. Think Big. Ask your favorite businesses to sponsor you - this is easier than you might think.
14. Think small. Have a garage sale - turn your trash into fund-raising treasure.
15. Think e-bay. Sell your items on craigslist, e-bay or similar site.
16. Recycle. Collect bottles and cans and cash them in. It adds up fast!
17. Car Wash. Stick with an age-old classic.
18. Team up with a store. Local retailers have many structured fundraising programs out there that essentially offer a product for you to sell, then split the proceeds with you. A few to note: Krispy Kreme Donuts, Ultrazone Laser Tag, Hershey's Products. A quick Internet search on "fundraising programs" will turn up dozens of ideas and possibilities, one (or more) of which may work for you!
19. Ever heard of penny wars? This is a great game that pits different departments/floors/classes against each other. Each team gets a closed container with a slot on top for donations. Every penny deposited is a positive point; every silver coin or paper bill is negative. For example, your team could donate 100 pennies and have all 100 points wiped out if a competing team puts a $1 bill in your jar (or four quarters or 20 nickels or 10 dimes). The team with the most net points wins. The prize is up to you.
20. Follow-up. Check back with people you've already contacted. It's OK to remind your friends and family that you're still fundraising.
