Fundraising Guidelines and Suggestions
(Borrowed with permission in part from the American Lung Association)
Congratulations in advance on accepting the challenge ahead of you. If you've registered for the One Wild Challenge, you've already taken the most important step in your fundraising efforts: you've made a commitment. You will see that there are no real "quick and easy" ways of raising funds. But we want to start by saying that you can do this. People just like you meet fundraising challenges just like the one you've accepted all of the time. Some have an easier time of it than others, but it's possible for anyone. The pages that follow are designed to help you think about fundraising.
Remind your potential donors that donations to Tulsa Zoo Friends are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. We are a charitable organization under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Use your pad of receipts to acknowledge the donations you receive. Also Tulsa Zoo Friends will send a letter of acknowledgement for each donation over $100.
Of course, who wants to stop at the minimum??? Check out these cool incentives:
$5,000 - One Wild Challenge team slot and commemorative t-shirt
$6,500 - SMC Shuksan Ice Axe or Grivel G10 Crampons
$8,000 - JanSport Endeavor 8000 Pro Backpack - or Mountain Hardwear 2nd Dimension Sleeping Bag
$10,000 - Mountain Hardwear Tenacity Jacket
Writing a Good Personal Appeal
The first step in your fundraising is to write your personal appeal letter. This is, by far, the most successful fundraising strategy for anyone. You'll be surprised how much people want you to succeed, especially those you're close to.
Paper or Email?
Given the amount of personal communication that flows on email these days, it's a good question: should I use the USPS or can I just use Email? Given that you're going to be asking for donations, there's a fair chance that an email would get caught by a spam filter, so the strategy that seems to work best is to put your initial letter on paper and send it through the mail. Then use email for your follow ups (more about that in a minute). Plus with "snailmail" you have the opportunity to put in a self addressed stamped envelop which we know from long experience increases the rate of response significantly.
Whom does it go to?
In short: everyone. People you work with, your social circle, organizations you belong to (think church, service clubs, etc), old college room mates, teachers, relatives distant and close. Don't forget your dentist. Sit down and make a list of the people you know. Then go through the list and ask yourself "how do I know this person and who else do I know from the same place?"
The letter
1. Make sure it's personal
Convey your enthusiasm for the Climb using words you would use. Be sure to say what you would say. You're writing to people who know you, so sound like yourself, and let people know that this is important to you.
2. Talk about your goal
It is a good thing to state how much you're hoping to raise and to aim high. This helps motivate your donors to give. When you say "My goal is to raise $5000 to build a new Sea Lion exhibit at our Tulsa Zoo" then your donors know the magnitude of your undertaking and will respond in kind. If you don't say how much you're trying to raise, they may assume it's only a few dollars.
3. Talk about your Zoo
Your zoo serves over 500,000 guests annual - primarily children, students, families. Your zoo has more than a dedication to recreation we promote and support research, conservation and education programs as part of our mission. Say why it's important enough for you to be raising money for it.
4. Ask
Be sure to tell people what you are asking them to do: to support your commitment to the Tulsa Zoo by making a donation. And ask that they donate by a specific time. The vast majority of people you contact will want to support you. Setting a target date will help them translate their desire to help into action.
5. Provide instructions for making a donation
Ask them to send a check,made out to Tulsa Zoo Friends, in the enclosed envelop. If they want to donate via credit card ask them to call us at 918-669-6637.
6. Follow up
Keep track of your donations as they come in (and whom you've heard from), then follow up with folks over time. If your contact list is made up largely of techno savvy people, email can be a good way to follow up. One method that has worked well for people is to, on some regular basis, publish an electronic newsletter giving progress on your training and fundraising. Send it to everyone on your list. It will keep the reminded of our efforts. Be sure to send thank you notes or cards to your donors as they make their donations and send them a receipt. Express your thanks to everyone who donates, no matter how much or little they give.
7. Sample Letters:
A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.
- Chinese Proverb
Dear friends,
I am excited to announce that I am participating in the Tulsa Zoo Friends first ever One Wild Challenge! This August, I will be climbing the second highest peak in the continental US, Mount Rainier, with a team of committed friends of America's Favorite Zoo. Although it is not exactly "a thousand miles" (more like 14,411 feet), it is still necessary to begin with a single step - and that is why I am writing to you.
In order to fulfill this dream of climbing Mt. Rainier, I need the help of individuals like you to help sponsor me in my endeavors. Rather than climbing Mt Rainier solely for personal reasons, I have pledged to raise $5,000 by May 1st of this year to help aid Tulsa Zoo Friends in building a new habitat for Tulsa's own sea lions, Dorsey and Briney.
I hope you will find it worthwhile to aid me in completing my conquest, and supporting our incredible zoo - the first step was to contact you - the next step is yours to take. Any amount of contribution would be greatly appreciated; however, anyone that donates $50 or more will receive a 5x7 photo of me at the summit - exhausted, freezing, hungry, and most of all - ELATED!! If you are part of a business or corporation, I would also be more than happy in carrying with me a lightweight banner with your logo on it, to photograph with me at the summit - to demonstrate your support.
You can sponsor in whichever format is most convenient for you - cash, check (made payable to Tulsa Zoo Friends), or credit card (see enclosed form). All donations will receive an official receipt and remember that all contributions are 100% tax-deductible.
Thank you in advance for all of your support and generosity. Regardless of my excitement to embark on this adventure, I realize that I could not do this without all of your help and any contribution whatsoever is greatly appreciated.
Dear Friends and Family,
Greetings! I'm writing to share some pretty exciting news. . . I've just recently committed to joining 18 other climbers on a two day trek to the summit of Mt. Rainier (14, 411ft.) in August of this year - in support of Tulsa Zoo's One Wild Challenge - and I want to invite you to come along! In spirit, that is. . .
The first challenge I face is building enough endurance to get to the summit of the Northwest landmark known as the "the toughest climb in the lower 48" . . . I've never attempted anything like this, and the thought of it gives me a sort of nervous energy that's difficult to explain. To prepare for the climb, I've already begun a regular schedule of running, stair climbing, and hikes and take it from me -> nothing makes me appreciate nature and our parks more than these early morning runs along Riverside and through Turkey Mountain!
The second challenge I face is raising $5,000 on behalf of Tulsa Zoo Friends. This event is a new concept for our wonderful zoo and a dedicated effort to raise funds for a new habitat for Tulsa's very own sea lions, Dorsey and Briney. Further, we hope the climb will raise awareness about the work our Tulsa Zoo does in the fields of education, research and conservation of this amazing planet we call home.
As one of many children that grew up enjoying our incredible zoo animals, and now a father who enjoys taking his sons to the zoo, this project has special meaning for me. I cannot wait to enjoy the new exhibits and know that I, and you, played a role in making them possible.
Yes, I am excited to be participating in this adventure, but as is true with so many things that are really worth doing, this can't be a solo effort! I need your support not only to raise the $5,000 donation required for participation in the Climb, but also to muster up the internal strength I know I will need to meet the physical and emotional challenges that lie ahead. Please express your support in one or more of the following ways:
• Send a tax deductible* donation, made out to Tulsa Zoo Friends to:
Tulsa Zoo Friends
Attn: One Wild Challenge
6421 East 36th Street North
Tulsa, OK 74115
Deadline: May 1, 2006
(*I will mail an official receipt back to you for your records.)
$25 - $50 How exciting, Jeff - good luck!
$50 - $100 Are you nuts? Blow a kiss my way from the summit!
$100+ Shazaaaam! Send me a snapshot of yourself at the summit!
• Help me spread the word about what I'm doing - Mention the Climb to 3 friends and ask if they'd be interested in sponsoring me. . . wait, make that 5 friends!
• Many companies match their employees' charitable giving - ask your employer to match your gift!
It's darn scary taking on a challenge like this, but knowing you're there with me will make it a lot easier. I thank you in advance for believing in this effort and in building a better Tulsa Zoo - and I thank you for offering whatever support you can!!
