How to Get Sponsors and Raise Money for the Animals

Fund Raising for Animals Can Be Easier Than You Think ...
YOU FIRST NEED TO ASK!

This section contains essential information on the basics of fund raising and some techniques for becoming successful in your efforts to help animals in need.

Whatever method you choose to raise money, remember that you are reaching out to people in your life who support you and will, therefore, be interested in supporting what you do. Once you discover your niche in fund raising—letter writing, telephone or face-to-face— you will exceed your goals, raise considerable money for the fight against to save animals in need, and you will have a great sense of accomplishment. You and your sponsors can feel good that your efforts have saved an indigent animal from pain, suffering and death.

There are three basic methods:

	Face-to-Face
	Letter Writing
	Telephone

You can choose the one most comfortable for you or use a combination of all three. Whichever method you pick, don’t delay putting it in practice. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll see your pledges start to climb!

FACE-TO-FACE

Face-to-face asking is the most effective way to raise pledges. We say, “It’s easier than you think,” but we know how it feels to ask someone for a contribution. You may fear rejection or feel embarrassed or nervous! Often all you need is the confidence to ask donors for support. Be fully informed and the face-to-face request will be a breeze.

	Remember, you are not asking for the contribution for yourself; you are asking on behalf of animals in need. Don’t feel guilty or self-conscience - you are being a good community citizen and helping solve a serious, life or death problem. You won’t lose friends or business contacts. Your image will only be raised in their estimation.
	Educate your potential sponsors so that they feel more comfortable about making a contribution. Use the information “What is the Atlanta Animal Alliance?” and “Where Will the Money Go?” to teach them how funds raised through this event will be used. Then, your prospects will know exactly how their contribution will make a difference in the lives of homeless and indigent animals in metropolitan Atlanta.
	Create your own flashy flyer highlighting data about Atlanta's homeless animal problem and the extraordinary number of animals that lose their lives prematurely in area shelter.
	Treat your request as an everyday conversation. Don’t start by apologizing! There is value in what you are saying. Build your request around your excitement and enthusiasm for walking or running or for the fight to save animal lives. Share stories about what animals mean to you and why the walk/run is fun or important to you.
	Finally, make the appeal personal. Ultimately, your friends, family and co-workers will support you because you are doing the asking.

Using these guidelines to keep you and your sponsor well-informed will take all the awkwardness out of asking for contributions. You may even find it rewarding to be an advocate for the plight of animals. Haven't they added a lot to your life? Certainly, you’ll feel good about advancing our programs and by having a direct effect on saving an animals life.

Once you’ve got the basics down, add your own nuances to really personalize your appeal. Helpful tips and proven examples from a fund raising expert are listed below:

What you can do:

	Start as early as possible: Don’t wait until a few days before the Atlanta Walk for Animals to start asking people to sponsor you. Give yourself enough time to make contact with everyone you know.
	Put some brochures on your desk at work. When co-workers ask you what that “Atlanta Walk for Animals” is all about, you explain and ask them to help. Extra brochures are available from the Atlanta Animal Alliance office. Call 770 455-7077.
	Hang a poster on your office/cubicle wall. Or create a badge/button to wear advertising your goal.
	Get your donor’s check when they agree to sponsor you. Save them the trouble of remembering later on. Ask for contributions around payday or other times donors have cash handy, like when last year’s tax return check comes in!
	Create a challenge with a group of people: your co-workers, your pals at the gym or the golf course, the girls-night-out group, etc.
	Have Friends Tell Friends—Have donors extend a challenge to other potential sponsors. They could attach written endorsements to your pledge sheet, communicate via e-mail or issue a challenge in person.
	Walk in memory of a lost pet or a friend who loved animals: Raising donations in honor of a pet or someone who loves animals will not only motivate you, but will also motivate potential sponsors.
	Create a Team - Be a Pack Animal: This creates an atmosphere of healthy competition and will add excitement to achieving your fundraising goals. See our information on How to Form a Pack (team)
	Start a trend—Make a personal pledge of $20 or more at the top of your pledge form. Then, show it to your sponsors to fill in their own information. You’ll be surprised at how your sponsors will step up to the challenge you initiate.
	Keep your pledge sheet with you ALWAYS! You never know when you’ll run into a potential sponsor. When you do, you’ll be able to pull out your pledge sheet and get their actual pledge versus their promise.
	Where do you spend your money? Ask the manager of your local gas station, grocery store, coffee shop, hair salon, dry cleaners or restaurant to make a pledge or donate a In-Kind gift to the event..
	Remember to use matching gifts. Many companies match their employee’s donations to non-profit organizations. In some cases, companies match dollar for dollar!
	Start with “easy targets” — family and friends. Practice your techniques and build your confidence with a few trial runs. Then, go after the bigger marks.

Thanks for All Your Effort in Working for Animals Less Fortunate