Fundraising Tools

Share the Dream ? Tell your story.  The more you talk about your journey with Light The Night (LTN), the more people will share in your excitement and want to donate to you.  Use the tips below to help guide you through your fundraising experience, and be sure reach out to your local staff for some one-on-one tips!

1. Online Fundraising - This is by far the most effective- and easiest- method to raise funds!  Email all your contacts a personal message, with your fundraising page link, and ask them to sponsor you. You'll be surprised with the response you will get!
2. Personalize your page with Tiny URL - Personalize the link of for your fundraising website and make it easy for donors to remember by following a few easy steps.  Your link will become quick and easy to remember and share (ex. Tinyurl.com/Steveiswalking)
3. Social Networking - Post your fundraising link on your Facebook and Twitter pages. Remember to update your status regularly and tell your friends how you're coming along and encourage them to support you.  You can event create a Facebook "Event" and invite people to join!
4. Utilize Family and Friends - Ask your loved ones to fundraise on your behalf, or ask them to join you at Light The Night. They can register on your walk team!
5. Email Signature - Insert the hyperlink to your fundraising page on all your outgoing emails, at home or at work. Ask your contacts to donate directly to your personal page, or even join a team.
6. Corporate Matching Gift Programs - Most medium to large size business will match employees fundraising initiatives.  Be sure to inquire with your company to see if they will match the amount of donations you receive.  It is an easy way to double your dollars!
7. Memory Jogger - Ask Everyone!  If you need some help thinking of people to ask for donations, check out this list of possible people that you may not have thought of, such as your dentist, hairdresser, and dry cleaner... Everyone is a possibility!
8. Letter to Solicit Sponsors - A good compliment to an email asking for donations is an actual letter. Customize this letter and send it out to your loved ones to encourage them to sponsor you in the Light The Night Walk. Ask each of them to send it out to 5 people they know, and if possible provide the copies of the letters for them to send with a stamped envelope.
9. Letter to Enlist Vendor Support - Local retailers and businesses often like to be associated with a cause.  Approach them with what you are doing, and ask for help with your fundraising! Customize this letter and watch your fundraising dollars increase.
10. Sell Light The Night Bears & Merchandise - To help your fundraising along you may wish to sell bears, wristbands, magnets etc. to friends, family and coworkers!  It's an easy way to get donations, and always a good idea to add to an event you are planning! Place your order with a LTN staff member today!
11. Hometown Press Release - Contact your local newspaper and get them to write an article on what you're doing.  You'd be surprised how easy it is, they are always looking for great stories! Make sure that you provide information about how people can contribute, and have a photo ready to go. 
12. Send Updates - Let people know how your fundraising is coming along and how much you still need to fundraise to reach your goal. Encourage them to continue supporting you and helping you reach your goal. Remember to also inform people once you've reached your goal - share the excitement - everyone loves good news!
13. Plan an Event - Contact your local staff and inquire about our all-encompassing fundraising guide for plenty more fun ideas of events you can do.  From dress down days, to golf tournaments, there are plenty of ideas to get you jump started!
14. Ask.  Ask.  Ask.  Ask.  Ask.  Ask.  Ask.  Ask.  Ask.  And ask again!

If you have questions about anything above, or to find out ways to reach your fundraising goals, contact a Light The Night staff member in your region today!

Happy FUNdraising!