Fundraising Tips

1. Aim High(er)
Set a personal fundraising goal. Then double it! If your goal is too low, people stop giving. If your goal is high, they will help you meet it.  Remember, fundraisers who break the $1500 mark are in the running for a FREE Year Bangor YMCA Membership.

2. Tell Everyone
You will be amazed at how many people will be excited to donate to your fundraising effort, not just close friends. Send emails out to everyone in your contact list and let them know your fundraising goal. Send follow up emails. Let people know how your training is progressing, so your follow up emails will be a welcome note while reminding people who forgot to give.

3. Tell A Story
Tell your donors how you’re turning 40. Or 70! Or, you’re going to lose 25 pounds. Or, you’re a lunatic bent on winning your first triathlon! Anything goes. Don’t just tell them you’re running a triathlon- tell them why.

4. Facebook & Social Media
Make sure all your friends on Facebook know about your race and your fundraising goal. You can make your own Facebook fundraising page. Do you tweet or use other social media? The more you spread the word, the more success you’ll have. Post updates to your own Facebook page and share the word with the Bangor YMCA Facebook page.

5. Get Your 15 Minutes of Fame
Consider using your computer camera or smart phone to record a one-minute video of yourself. Upload your video to YouTube. Explain what your goal is and how people can help. Link it back to your Facebook page.

6. Make it All About Them
Explain to your donors how the Bangor YMCA impacts your community. Let them know what the Bangor YMCA does with the fundraising dollars: to provide programs and scholarships for summer camp, childcare, and youth programs! When they donate to your Tri, they are contributing to the Y’s focus: Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.

7. Matching Gifts
Many employers are willing to offer matching gifts for charitable events. Does your business have a matching gifts program? It never hurts to ask. Send your employer back to the Tri for the Y website, they might even want to become a sponsor!