Guest Post: Top Tips for Fundraising

Alzheimer’s scares me because we are all vulnerable to it, and as of now, there is no cure. My ultimate reason for participating is simple. There are so many resources being poured into research for other diseases, such as cancer. Many forms of cancer are  treatable, and some are even curable, which I believe is due in part to the amount of money and resources devoted to the cause. I want this to be the case for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia as well. I want to know that my participation and the money I raise is going to advance science toward methods of  treatment and ultimately, a cure. I want Alzheimer’s disease to reach the same level of recognition that many other diseases have reached.

Alzheimer’s needs our attention. We need to raise money and awareness to fight this disease if we are going to stop it. If you’re not sure how to get started, here are a few ways to kick off your fundraising for The Longest Day:

1. Start simple. I start by dropping loose change into a jar on a daily basis and asking my family to join me. I take the jar to the bank the day before the event and cash it in. It’s a simple way to get money raised that does not affect your budget at home.

2. Post on Facebook and Instagram. Let people know what you’re doing to recognize The Longest Day. I post the link to my fundraising page and include pictures of my shirt, my shoes, my dog, whatever will get someone’s attention.

3. Send out emails to everyone in your address book.

4. Wear your shirt. I wear my shirt when I work out at the gym and if someone asks, I tell them what I’m doing and that I’m collecting donations. I’ve seen people at my gym wearing their Alzheimer’s Association shirts from events they have participated in. I ask them if they have done The Longest Day and if not, I ask them to support me as I participate. Once you get talking, the conversation flows and it’s simple to ask them for a donation to a cause that affects them.

5. Send letters in the mail. This year, my letter states that for every $100  I raise, I will complete one hour of activities. (If I raise more than $2,400, I will continue on through the next day.)

6. Make a self-donation. I also donate my own money because this is a free event for the most part. Other than paying a minimal registration fee, I’m not traveling to a destination, I’m not spending any money on supplies, I am simply waking up and doing a lot of activities. I gave a $100 donation to kickstart my fundraising. When people see my name scrolling, they realize I am not just asking them for money, I am committed to donating to a cause I truly believe in. They also see the amount and know that I am serious about this event and I put my money into a cause I truly believe in.

My favorite fundraising tip is this: The key to getting an email sent at the right time, and a posting on social media, is to do it right around tax time. My theory is that in April, we’ve all just received a nice check from Uncle Sam and often feel that it’s worth sharing!  I always raise the most amount of money in mid-April for events I have participate in.

  Written by: Joan DeFilippo, Participant in The Longest Day

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