FUNDRAISING
FUNDRAISING IDEAS
If you are fundraising - it can seem a little daunting at first. The key is to start early - as soon as you book for the Adventure Experience.
Funding is like doing the JH Aotearoa event, the more effort you put in, the more returns you are likely to receive. Planning is the key to successful fundraising.
OUR THREE-STEP FUNDRAISING GUIDE
If you are not sure where to start with your fundraising effort, don't worry, we've got you covered. Our three-step guide will help you put together a plan.
STEP 1. YOURSELF
Work out how much you can pay from the savings you already have and then create a plan on how you can save/fundraise the difference.
Set yourself the challenge to raise $1,000 in a week
Day 1: Ask 3 family members to sponsor you for $70
Day 2: Ask 10 friends or neighbours to contribute $20
Day 3: Sell $50 of unwanted items on Trade Me
Day 4: Ask 5 co-workers to contribute $20 or set up a contribution box where people can freely donate
Day 5: Ask 5 people from your sporting, hobby group or church, to contribute $10
Day 6: Ask your boss for a company donation of $350 or better yet, ask if they will match what you raise
Day 7: Ask 2 businesses that you frequently visit to personally contribute $20 (try your barber/hairdresser, dry cleaner, restaurant or cafe where you eat lunch each day!)
Keep looking for new ideas to raise money and never ever give up, because I can guarantee this is one of the best investments you can make into your relationship with your son, daughter, mum or dad.
STEP 2. ASK YOUR COMMUNITY
Did you know there are over 500 community and service groups in New Zealand? We encourage you to write to your local service clubs, businesses and community groups for fundraising assistance. See below for letter writing tips.
WRITE TO LOCAL SERVICE CLUBS
Rotary, Lions and the RSA are three of the biggest supporters, but many communities have other service groups who can also help. Find your local service clubs at:
www.rotary.org.nz | www.lionsclubs.org.nz | www.rsa.org.nz
Send the service club proof of your enrolment (a printed summary of your registration, ‘thank you for your registration letter’) and a fundraising letter asking for their support. Call the service club a week later to check they got your letter and find out when you will hear back from them.
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES
Many guests have approached locally owned businesses and experienced fantastic success. Visit the business yourself and ask to speak with the manager. Take proof of enrolment (see above) and a fundraising letter with you to support what you say - if the manager is unavailable you can leave this information for them to read (remember to call them a week later to check they have received your letter). Offering to work for a donation is a good way of gaining their support - wash windows, clean their fridge, or deliver flyers. See tips below for what to say.
COMMUNITY GROUPS
If you belong to a community group like a sports club, church or choir, ask if they have any fundraising ideas such as holding an event for you. Community groups are experts in fundraising!
STEP 3. FUNDING SUPPORT
You must have completed Steps 1 and 2 and can show us that you have put in your best effort (whether you have been successful or not).
WHAT TO SAY
When asking for money it is important to be clear about why you want to go to this event, and what you would like to get out of it. Be prepared with the following information - it will make it easier when you come to ask for fundraising support:
What JH Aotearoa is, what you hope to achieve and why you want to go.
When the event starts, the length of it and how much it costs.
Information about yourself such as your interests, cultural or community activities you are involved in, school or sporting achievements.
How much you can afford to put towards the course and the fundraising you have done or are planning to do before the event, along with any relevant personal references.
If you are a Work and Income NZ client, you may be eligible for funding through them. Contact your Case Manager for more information.
LETTER WRITING
Introduction/Paragraph one:
Mention a bit about yourself including, name, age, the region you live in, who you live with and what you do e.g. student/work. Explain that you have decided to come to JH Aotearoa and are seeking funding support (enclose a copy of your registration letter to show that you are enrolled).
Paragraph Two:
Give more details about this event e.g. name of course, date of the course, that it is 6 days with your child/parent and the cost of the week. Explain why you want to go and what you feel you will gain from the experience of attending JH Aotearoa.
Paragraph Three:
Outline what you are doing to fundraise for you and your child/parents place and include the progress you have made so far. Be sure to include any planned fundraising activities that you have coming up and a little bit of detail about these activities. E.g. Every 2nd Saturday I am doing a car wash at the local farmers market.
Paragraph Four:
Thank them for their time and consideration. Mention that you would be happy to come and speak with the club and learn more about the club and how you may be able to help in the future. Be sure to include your contact details and the best way to get a hold of you.
FUNDRAISING IDEAS
- Ask your family and friends to donate.
- Ask for a donation instead of birthday or Christmas gifts.
- Ask your employer to sponsor you (our courses are tax deductible as a training expense).
- Contact your local newspaper to profile your goal and ask for support.
- Sell unwanted items or hand-made crafts on Trade Me.
- Mow the lawns or wash the cars of all your neighbours in your street - it's a great way to get to know them too!
- Movie night - invite 20 people for double the ticket price and sweeten the deal with some lollies or home-made popcorn.
- Sponsored fun run/walk - ask for $2 for each km and boost your fitness!
- Sausage sizzle - ask your local butcher for a deal on sausages.
- Mufti or themed dress-up day at school or work - ask for a gold coin donation.
We would like to thank Outward bound for their help in arranging these Fundraising Ideas.