Asking for money
So, you’re all signed up and your 40 Hour Famine Profile is looking sensational. Now all you have to do is start asking people for donations. We know it can be awkward, so here are some tips to kick things off.
Get your head around the issue
What is global hunger? And what World Vision will do with the funds you raise? Get your head around the issues and you'll be in a great position to start brainstorming fundraising ideas and asking people for money.
The internet is your friend
Here's a list of ways to raise money without even leaving your bedroom:
- Facebook post or message
- Twitter post linking to your Famine Profile
- Email
- Blog post
- YouTube video
- Tumblr post
- SMS (okay, so it’s not via the internet, but you get the picture)
Key things to include in a fundraising post or message might be why you’re doing the 40 Hour Famine, where the money goes and how people can donate. Oh, and a link to your Famine Profile URL, of course!
Make it personal
You could tell people statistics all day, but until you give people a personal connection, they’re unlikely to support you. Many people don’t know that you can give up things other than food either.
So, why are you doing the 40 Hour Famine? What are you giving up? And why should they care? If you can convey this clearly to your potential supporters, you’ll be much better off.
Don’t be afraid to inject a bit of humour and personality into your emails. Global hunger may not be a funny issue, but you’ll get way more donations if you add a bit of fun to your email!
Tell them it's online and easy
Yep, with your online Famine Profile it’s easy for supporters to donate online using a credit card and get a receipt emailed to them.This year, they can also donate using BPAY and print out the onscreen payment confirmation to use as a receipt.
Give them a receipt from your Famine Guide (School and Church Group Members only)
If people donate online using a credit card, they will get a receipt emailed to them automatically. But if you are doing the 40 Hour Famine through a school or church group and you get a cash or cheque donation, you’ll need to write out a receipt from your Famine Guide.
Please note that you can’t offer tax deductible receipts from your Famine Guide where people receive something in exchange for their donation (for example, if they buy a cupcake from your cake stall and the money goes to the 40 Hour Famine).