Fundraising Tips

Individual Goal - $125
Team Goal - $750

Utilize your personal and team Webpages:   We highly encourage you to utilize personal and team Webpages.  We've found that bowlers who use their Webpages typically raise more money.  Online fundraising is a breeze, you just log in and send e-mails through the site to ask for support.  Sponsors simply click the link e-mailed to them that will send them directly to your page where they will tell us how much they would like to donate.  The site is a secure site so all information is kept safe.  Your webpage will keep a running total of your pledges and will even let you know when you've reached your goal.  If you are given cash or checks you are able to go onto your page and enter that money which will be added into your total as well.  When you come to the event simply print off your donation report and bring it with you.

Try asking face to face:  Many of our bowlers have a lot of luck by simply walking around their office and asking their co-workers to support them with a donation.  Typically people are happy to help out.  Remember to bring your pledge sheet with you and if they don't have cash or a check, simply write down their billing information and Big Brothers Big Sisters will send them a pledge statement.  It's that easy.  

Social Networking:  Today is the age of social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn and Twitter.  If you are a member of any of these sites make sure to take advantage of this great communication tool.  If you aren't a member, become one - it's fun and easy and before long you will realize how addicting it can be.  Post messages to your friends, change your status, send invites to ask for support with a direct link to your personal webpage and keep your page updated with your goal and how much more you need to raise.  If each of your friends gave a small donation you'd be well on your way to your goal.  

Ask for $25 donations:  We spend $25 easily these days.  A $25 pledge is a reasonable request and in most cases won't break anyone's bank.  The quickest and easiest way to meet the $100 individual goal is to ask 5 people to sponsor you for $25 each.   (Of course we always encourage larger donations but are happy to accept a donation of any level but $25 is a good number to shoot for.)

Personal story:  If you are personally linked to Big Brothers Big Sisters, perhaps you are a Big or know a former Little, or maybe you've just been participating for years in Summer Bowl for Kids' Sake, make sure to tell your story.  The more passionate you are about an organization the more likely someone will want to contribute.  It's always nice to hear the impact that the program has on real people, especially your friends and family.  If you are a Big, type a short message about you and your Little to your supporters or potential supporters and attach a picture.  If this is the first time you've been involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters, share one of our amazing stories available on our Website with the people who you are asking to let them know how they can help.

Sponsor yourself:  Be the first sponsor on your Webpage or pledge sheet.  Your potential sponsors will appreciate knowing that you practice what you preach and are financially invested as well.

Ask about Company Matches:  Many companies will match an employee's contributions to a charity.  Ask your HR Director or Office Manager if your company participates in a Company Match program.  If so, your donation will go even farther.  Usually it's a simple form that you fill out and bring with your pledge sheet the day you bowl.  Also, ask your sponsors if their company matches.  Participants with company matches are often among our top fundraisers.

Need more help?  Visit BBBSnodaway.org or email Brandy Criss at brandy@bbbskc.org and we can give you some individual tips or connect you with some of our most successful fundraisers.