How to fundraise
Our top fundraisers from previous Oxfam Trailwalkers all have the same advice:
Asking everyone you know for donations is the most efficient and effective way of raising funds.
What you've got to get started
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Your team. Your team is your greatest fundraising asset. Fundraising is a team sport so play to each others strengths and support one another. The key is to keep talking; devise your plan together and let each other know how you are going.
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Ideas. Fundraising ideas are endless. Many past Oxfam Trailwalker teams have come up with new, exciting and successful fundraising activities all on their own! Get brainstorming and who knows what you’ll come up with. See our ideas.
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A plan of attack. Just like a training schedule it really helps to plan your fundraising. Put aside time each week to dedicated to your fundraising. The key is to start early and maintain your momentum. The last thing you are going to want to do after the event is chase people for money!
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Motivation to succeed. Fundraising to support people living in poverty around the world is awe-inspiring. Feel proud of what you are doing and know that by fundraising you will help change lives in the Pacific and beyond. Every cent makes a difference.
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Deadlines. A deadline is not something to be scared of, but a timeframe to guide your fundraising. Devise your fundraising plan to ensure you meet the fundraising deadline:
- Fundraising commitment achieved by June 20, 2012
Here's how you do it
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Ask, ask, ask. Get out there and ask people you know (and people you don’t know) to support your team. Go as far and wide as possible, you never know what people might surprise you with who will support your team. If you don’t ask, people won’t donate. If you do, they probably will!
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Get emailing. The most effective fundraising method (by far) is to email friends, family and colleagues and ask for support. Tell them what you are doing and why and ask them to donate to your team. The best emails ask for a specific amount and show what this could do. And don’t forget to follow up with those who haven’t donated.
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Utilise your team page. Track your fundraising efforts through your online team page. Encourage your supporters to make donations online – it’s fast and easy and supporters can leave a personalised message for your team. You’ll quickly get hooked to seeing your fundraising tally go up!
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Use what we give you. Posters, fundraising booklets, balloons and fundraising cards – these are all fantastic materials to help you fundraise. The delivery is only limited to your imagination! See the full list of fundraising resources. (Link to resources page to be created).
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Send in your dollars. Getting donations onto your online team page is the best but if you’ve got any cheques (made out to Oxfam New Zealand) or other offline funds you can send it into us to get up on your team page. Sending funds to us with a completed fundraising book slip means your supporter will get a receipt. More details about how to submit offline funds.
- Keep going! People will always donate more if you are yet to reach your fundraising target. When you get close to your target why not increase it? You will see more funds rolling in and be eligible for more rewards. To upgrade your fundraising target email info@oxfamtrailwalker.org.nz
