CAMPAIGN TIP SHEET
IT’S OKAY TO ASK
The number one barrier for people in fundraising is the fear of asking. Fear not! All it takes is the right mindset. By
asking people to donate, you’re giving them an opportunity to support an important cause. If they decline, that’s
okay, but isn’t it better to start by giving them a chance to make a difference? Think about the times you’ve
donated to a cause because someone asked. Didn’t you feel good?
Follow these easy steps to becoming a successful fundraiser—aim high and you will be surprised at what you can
do for our girls.
1. GET THE BALL ROLLING
Nobody likes to be the first. That’s why it’s always a good idea to get your fundraising off to a good
start by making the first contribution. It communicates commitment. Why would anyone contribute to
a cause when the person asking for funds has yet to do so? This also sets the donation amount
precedent — don’t
let another person set the donation bar. Will the first donation be $50? $60?
You decide.
2. ADD YOUR WHY TO THE EMAIL
Now that you have a spiffy new personal fundraising page, share the link with everyone you know
and ask them to sponsor you for the Thin Mint Sprint. Don’t be afraid to follow up or send reminders,
and remember to thank your donors! You can share the link by:
Sending an email through your Fundraising HQ—the link is automatically included in all messages you send, and
there are templates to choose from and customize!
Copying and pasting your custom URL into your fundraising outreach emails directly.
The most important thing you can add to this message is why you are fundraising. Let your family and friends
know why Girl Scouts matters to you. That’s what they care about most!
3. START WITH YOUR CLOSE CONTACTS
It’s always best to start by emailing your close contacts because they are the most likely to donate.
Try sending some quick personal messages to your inner circle to build some momentum. Then use
the email template you customized to reach all of your other contacts.
CAMPAIGN TIP SHEET
4. NOW MOVE TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Once you have sent your first batch of emails out, it’s time to turn to social media.
One of the best strategies to use on both Facebook and Twitter is tagging and thanking people that
have already donated while you are asking for new donations. This spreads your message further
and lets the people you asking know that people are already getting behind you.
5. REENGAGE WITH EMAIL
Don’t hesitate to send a few follow up emails. Emails are easy to overlook and people often them
up quickly and forget to go back to them. Use email to keep people up to date with your progress
as you hit different milestones (50% raised, 75% raised etc.) and ask supporters to help you hit the
next milestone.
6. CONTINUE THANKING AND UPDATING SOCIAL MEDIA
As more of your network gets behind you, keep thanking them on social media and make sure
you continue to share your progress towards your Thin Mint Sprint goal.
Fundraising often takes a little creativity and persistence, but it’s vitally important to our mission and you can do
it. Know that your effort will make a big difference. THANK YOU!