Fundraising Tips

Fundraising isn't as difficult as you might think. A common thought is that you don't know enough people to donate. You will be surprised at how many people you didn't realize you knew and also some easy, quick tips on a successful fundraising campaign.

Tell your story.

Why are you doing the AIDS Walk? When you ask for contributions, share your personal reasons for getting involved with the fight against AIDS.

• You may know someone who is living with HIV or has died of AIDS.
• A personal hero of yours may have died of AIDS. The world has lost some of its most talented artists, greatest athletes and finest human beings to AIDS.
• You believe in the cause. Many of us want to preserve the future for our children. Many of us want to put an end to human suffering. Many of us are concerned by the impact the unchecked spread of AIDS could have on our world.

Know the Basics. Quote the facts.

The numbers say the fight against AIDS is far from over. Use the information on the home page to demonstrate the need to support HIV/AIDS programs in Oklahoma.

Set a goal and stay focused.

Set a challenging but achievable goal for yourself and stick to it. You will be amazed at how great you feel when you reach it! Just $125 (five $25 contributions) can feed a family of five for a week.

Carry your sponsor sheet with you at all times and remember; it really doesn't hurt to ask ... you will find donations and generosity in some unexpected places

• Your family - parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins
• Your friends - old and new, far and wide. Raising funds for AIDS Walk Oklahoma City could be the excuse you were looking for to make that long overdue phone call
• Your boss, co-workers, significant others' boss and co-workers
• Your neighbors, doctor, real estate agent, accountant
• People at your place of worship
• People you take classes with, play sports with, share hobbies with or who are members of a club you belong to
• That person you have been trying to introduce yourself to
• Set a good example and sponsor yourself with a generous donation!

Organize a fund raising event.

• Get together with your team and host a silent auction
• Ask your church choir to host a benefit concert
• Have a car wash
• Set-up a piggy bank at your company or the place where your organization meets and help everyone grid of that annoying spare change!

Tap into your competitive instincts!

Encourage friendly competition among companies or individuals. There are prizes for the teams that raise the most money but you can come up with your own prizes to award to the team you are competing against. The prize could be a gourmet picnic the day of the walk OR "butler for a day" services ...