Fundraising Guide. How to use this Guide

Transcription

1 Fundraising Guide How to use this Guide This Guide contains all the tools you ll need to raise funds for Tour de Cure. Simply follow these five easy steps: 1. Review the facts on diabetes and about ADA s important work on diabetes. 2. Identify your prospective donors, develop a list and draft your appeal. 3. Reach out to your donors. Make your fundraising appeals in person, via letter, or via using whatever means is appropriate for each donor. 4. Collect donations and transmit funds to ADA. 5. Enjoy your Thank You Gifts, Diabetes Dollars and More. For more information: Be sure to get the Tour de Cure Cyclists Guide for all the details on your ride. If you re a team captain, be sure to get our Team Captain s Guide for tips on recruiting a team, team fundraising and seeking corporate sponsorships. Need help? Have a question? Trouble getting started? Call us at 888-DIABETES

2 STEP 1: Review the Facts Diabetes Facts Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death listed on U.S. death certificates in There are 20.8 million people who have diabetes. Of these, roughly one-third are unaware they have the disease. There are two main types: Type 1 (formerly known as juvenile diabetes) Type 1 diabetes develops when the body s immune system destroys pancreatic beta cells, the only cells in the body that make the hormone insulin that regulates blood glucose. This form of diabetes usually strikes children and young adults, although diabetes onset can occur at any age. There are an estimated 900,000 to 1.8 million people with type 1 diabetes in the United States today. The risk factors for type 1 diabetes include autoimmune, genetic, and environmental factors. The symptoms for type 1 diabetes can mimic the flu in children. Type 1 diabetes tends to run in families. Type 2 (formerly known as adult onset diabetes) Type 2 diabetes results from insulin resistance (a condition in which the body fails to make enough or to properly use insulin), combined with relative insulin deficiency. Often type 2 diabetes can be controlled through losing excess weight, careful diet and exercise program, but many people may need oral medications and/or insulin to control their diabetes. Of the 20.8 million Americans with diabetes, 90-95% have type 2 diabetes. The risk for type 2 diabetes increases with age. Nearly 18.3% of the United States population aged 60 and older has diabetes. The Complications of Diabetes Heart Disease and Stroke. People with diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely to have heart disease or suffer a stroke. Blindness. Each year 12,000 to 24,000 people lose their sight. Kidney Disease. Diabetes is the leading cause of end-stage renal failure, account for 44% of new cases. Nerve Disease and Amputations. In 2002,about 82,000 people lost their feet or legs to diabetes. Impotence. This is due to diabetic neuropathy or blood vessel damage. ADA: Who We Are & What We Do Research Founded in 1940, the Association has been funding innovative diabetes research since The Association helps fund the Diabetes Prevention Trial-type 1 (DPT-1), the first major study to determine if low doses of insulin can prevent type 1 diabetes in high-risk patients. The Association helped fund the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) which provided conclusive evidence that lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes among high-risk adults. Information Diabetes Forecast, the Association s monthly consumer magazine, has been in print since 1948 and has a monthly circulation of 435, DIABETES ( ), the Association s toll-free National Call Center, provides valuable and timely information about diabetes. Each month over 25,000 people call DIABETES. Our trained staff at DIABETES are dedicated to answering thousands of calls and s every day from people with diabetes, their loved ones and health care providers. Re-launched in January 2004, the new diabetes.org website is widely recognized as the number one diabetes destination on the web, averaging more than 37 million page views each year. The new and improved site provides visitors of all kinds with information on such popular topics as healthy living, research, advocacy, publications and community activities. Advocacy The Government Relations and Advocacy group of the American Diabetes Association works to improve access to quality care, eliminate discrimination against people because of their diabetes, and make sure the federal government is adequately funding diabetes research and programs.

3 Federal funding for diabetes research and programs saw a major boost in Congress approved an 8% increase in funding for diabetes at CDC. Additionally, funding levels at NIH are now approaching $1 billion for diabetes research. Thanks to a large part to the Association and its diabetes advocates. The American Diabetes Association has worked to pass bills in 46 states that require state-regulated insurance programs to cover the needs of people with diabetes. However, in 2003, several state legislatures attempted to overturn these regulations. The Association successfully led the efforts that defeated these rollbacks and diabetes coverage in those states was protected. The American Diabetes Association helps parents of children with diabetes address the issue of diabetes management in schools through a variety of methods, including pursuing lawsuits when their child s school fails to provide a safe environment for learning and access to equal educational opportunities. The American Diabetes Association provides information and resources to people with diabetes, their attorneys, and the government agencies responsible for enforcing anti-discrimination laws. The Association continues to work to eliminate blanket bans or other barriers that prevent people with diabetes from holding specific jobs solely based on their diabetes, including jobs in commercial driving, law enforcement and fire fighting. Where Does the Money Go? Many people want to know where their money goes when they contribute to the American Diabetes Association. Listed below are a few examples of what the money you raise can help purchase or fund. Use this chart to help you with your fund raising and let people know what your goal is. In 2006 the American Diabetes Association invested 42 million dollars on research, programs, and advocacy. In Minnesota alone, the American Diabetes Association invested 2.5 million dollars in research. $37.00 Pays for educational materials for a newly-diagnosed child and their family $2.75 Pays to send a diabetes information kit to a newly diagnosed individual. $11.25 Covers one hour of an advocate s visit to Washington. $26.00 Provides diabetes risk tests for 1000 individuals. $50.00 Pays for one hour of diabetes research. $25.00 Pays for materials necessary for a health fair. $79.00 Pays for a child to go to camp for one day.

4 STEP 2: Identify Prospects List your potential donors here. Potential donors are family, friends, co-workers, your company, church/synagogue and civic groups. Decide how you will reach each donor: in person, in writing, online, or via telephone. Donor Contact Information How will you reach them? Face to Face Online Letter Phone

5 STEP 3: Reach Out to Each Donor ONLINE FUNDRAISING Use the power of your extensive contact list to conduct your fundraising online! The Tour de Cure website allows you to: Create your own personal and/or team page that prospective donors can view. Recruit teammates and supporters, track your progress and get periodic fundraising tips from us. Upload your list and send out customizable letters. Direct prospective donors to your personal page and receive their online credit card contribution. Letter Writing Personalize your appeal. Use familiar details about yourself, your cycling, or your history with Tour de Cure. People will respond to your letter because they know you and respect your efforts. Remember your audience, too. Thank business people for their help in the past, catch old friends up on family news, etc. (See sample letter) Include a deadline as a gentle prod to get those pledges in. Educate your donor about the seriousness of diabetes and what ADA is doing to help people with the disease. Follow up with a note or phone call to those who have not responded. ALWAYS include a self-addressed stamped envelope (your address not ours) with your letter. Make it easy for your potential donors to respond. ALWAYS send a thank-you note when you receive a contribution. Hand written thank you cards are always nice. After the ride, you could even send a photo with details about your experience. Donors will be curious about your performance a Face-to-Face Asks Wait for a convenient time to talk: don t do it as the person is rushing out to pick up the kids. Ask them out for coffee or set an appointment so you are sure you ll have a few minutes uninterrupted. Remember you are not asking for the contribution for yourself: you are asking on behalf of the American Diabetes Association and the 20.8 million Americans battling diabetes. Educate your potential sponsor. Use the information contained in this kit to teach them how funds raised through the Tour de Cure will be used. You could even create your own flashy flyer to leave with them. Handouts give any request validity! 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 enthusiasm for what you re doing. Share stories about why the Tour is fun or important to you. If you have diabetes or you know someone with diabetes, speak about life experience. Make the appeal personal. Ultimately your friends, family and co-workers will support you because it is you doing the asking. Start with family. Practice your technique and build your confidence with a few trial runs on people you know well. Then go to other potential donors, your boss, business owners, etc. Telephone Asks Pick a good time to call. Be considerate of your potential sponsor s schedule. Don t let bad timing ruin your chances for a donation. Come up with a game plan before you call. How much will you ask for? How are you going to explain what you are doing and why you re doing it? Having this all mapped out before you get the person on the phone will help avoid any awkward pauses. Remember any plan should always include an opportunity to communicate your fundraising goal. Make the call. Once you ve decided on a game plan, go ahead and dial the phone. If necessary, review the steps outlined in

6 the section on face-to-face asking to help build your confidence before you call. Always say thanks. Express your appreciation for the prospect s time and consideration even if they can t help. Follow up with a thank you note and a return envelope. Besides being a nice touch, it also makes fulfilling the commitment easier for your sponsor. If they pledged a specific amount consider thanking them for that amount when writing a note so as to help remind them of the exact figure they promised. Fundraising Ideas & Suggestions Publicize Your Efforts Sell Tour de Cure Pin Ups. Not only do they help you raise money and give a little recognition to your donors, they also draw a lot of attention when hung around the office (Contact Tracy Costa at ADA office to order pin-ups; ext or at tcosta@diabetes.org). Put Some brochures on your desk at work. When Co-workers ask you what that Tour de Cure thing is all about, you can explain and ask them to help. Utilize your favorite Tour jersey or T-shirt. Hang it on your office wall and allow people to sign it for a small fee. Then wear it during the Tour and you ll be a cycling billboard carrying your sponsors with you as you ride! Use the Goal Sheet Thermometer described on the Fundraising Materials Order Form and post it in your office or place of work. Show potential donors a snapshot of you on the Tour last year or training on your bike. Think Creatively Bean Bags to Cure Diabetes. Take advantage of the beanie baby craze. These ADA branded teddy bears come dressed in full cycling apparel. For pictures, cost and order information see the Plushland website at or call your Tour coordinator to receive a flyer. Recommended retail price: minimum $5 each. Cubicle Jockey s Auction. You know those perks that are virtually free but are highly coveted like front row parking spaces, internal product discounts, and first dibs at holiday/vacation hours? Auction or raffle them off. For example, sell to the highest bidder the opportunity to have one s car valet parked by the CEO for one week. Set your own minimum pledge say $25 or more. In fact you could even create different pledge sheets with different minimums, making it easier to ask your boss for $100 and grandma for $10. Dress Down for Diabetes. This is a great promotion for people who work in a formal office environment. For a donation (ie, $5 or more) individuals are given the company s OK to dress down (jeans, no ties, etc.) for a specified number of days. Get a 1% cash back bonus. Ask the manager of your local gas station, grocery store, coffee shop, hair salon, dry cleaner, or restaurant to make a pledge equal to 1% of your annual patronage. Take advantage of peer pressure. Make a quick appeal before a business meeting, at a party, or in the break room at lunch. Try trading favors. Go to your neighbors and suggest, If you sponsor me for $50, I ll take the carpool for an extra week. For a packet of fundraising ideas Fundraising A-Z contact Tracy at ext or tcosta@diabetes.org The Nevers NEVER be caught without your sponsor form or collection envelope. You just don t know when you ll run into a potential sponsor. NEVER limit who you ask. The moment you do, you limit the amount of money you ll raise. NEVER undersell yourself. For instance, if your prospect is unable to contribute the amount you requested, let them suggest a different amount. If they were thinking $50 instead of the $100 you asked for but before they could say anything you dropped to $10, which amount do you think you ll get? $10 or $50? NEVER stop when you reach your event s fundraising minimum. Surpassing your goal gets us all closer to finding a cure NEVER forget to ask if your sponsor s company has a matching gifts program. Many companies match their employee s donations to non-profit organizations. If your donors employer is among them, they can double their pledge dollar.

7 Sample Fundraising Letter: Dear Friends/Family/Co-Workers/College Roommate/Holiday Card List, I m writing you to ask for your help. I have signed up to participate in Tour de Cure, the annual cycling event of the American Diabetes Association, to raise funds for diabetes research and education. Through this event, I have committed to cycling 50 miles in and around the Twin Cities on June 2, Diabetes is the fifth-deadliest disease in the United States and each year kills upwards of 180,000 people - more than AIDS & breast cancer combined. More than 20 million men, women and children are estimated to have diabetes, but the real tragedy is that because it is a silent killer approximately one-third of them don t even know that they have it. If improperly treated or left undiagnosed, diabetes can cause many life-threatening complications including kidney disease, heart disease, or stroke. The American Diabetes Association is striving to both prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all those affected by it. They seek to accomplish this mission through valuable research, information and advocacy programs. As a participant in Tour de Cure, I have accepted two important challenges. The first is to get in shape and properly train to go the 50 mile distance. With this challenge, I have also made a commitment to support the fight against diabetes. I think both of these goals are worthy of my best efforts and hope you will help by being one of my sponsors for the event. Please complete the pledge form below and mail it back to me in the enclosed, self-addressed, stamped envelope with your contribution. I am proud to be a part of this worthwhile endeavor and to be striving toward such great goals. Together with your support I will be able to help the Association take one step forward in its fight against diabetes. Sincerely, NAME Sponsor Form (Return with check in enclosed envelope) I pledge the amount checked below to support the research, information and advocacy efforts of the ADA. $100 $75 $50 $25 $10 Other amount: $

8 STEP 4: Collect Your Pledges Give donors an accurate record for tax purposes. Remind them that their contribution is tax deductible and give them a receipt for their records. Anyone who donates to you online will automatically receive a receipt by . Get your donor s check when they agree to sponsor you. Save them the trouble of remembering later. Ask for contributions around payday or other times donors have cash available, like when last year s tax return check comes in! Let us keep track of your accounting. Just complete one of the deposit slips contained at the bottom of this page and send it in to our office with your collected pledges. Be sure, to keep your own pledge list at home for safety s sake and to collect from donor s who couldn t pay on the spot. Please enclose deposit slips with any collected pledges being sent to ADA office prior to the Tour to ensure that your pledges are credited to your account. Contact Tracy at ext or at tcosta@diabetes.org to receive more deposit and/or receipts. DEPOSIT SLIPS 2007 Tour de Cure Deposit Slips TRC Date: Amount: American Diabetes Association Tracy Costa 5100 Gamble Drive, Suite 394 St. Louis Park, MN Tour de Cure Deposit Slips TRC Date: Amount: American Diabetes Association Tracy Costa 5100 Gamble Drive, Suite 394 St. Louis Park, MN Tour de Cure Deposit Slips TRC Date: Amount: American Diabetes Association Tracy Costa 5100 Gamble Drive, Suite 394 St. Louis Park, MN RECEIPTS Receipt Contributions are tax deductible Date: Amount: Received From: Purpose: The American Diabetes Association gratefully Acknowledges your help in the fight against diabetes. Receipt Contributions are tax deductible Date: Amount: Received From: Purpose: The American Diabetes Association gratefully Acknowledges your help in the fight against diabetes. Receipt Contributions are tax deductible Date: Amount: Received From: Purpose: The American Diabetes Association gratefully Acknowledges your help in the fight against diabetes.

9 STEP 5: Enjoy Thank you Gifts All registered participants raising the minimum $100 will receive a commemorative t-shirt on the day of the event. Reach these higher fundraising levels and receive additional thank you gifts. To qualify for you gift, all money must be turned in by Saturday, June 2, Prizes are not cumulative: Cyclists are entitled to only those gifts at the highest level they have achieved or surpassed. Local gift certificate sponsor is Bicycle Sports, Rochester Cycling & Fitness and Target. Diabetes Dollars The Diabetes Dollars program is great news for alumni and new Team Captains. For every NEW rider you recruit to your team, we ll credit you with 25 Diabetes Dollars towards the exciting Thank You gifts. To get the credit, both you and the new rider must raise and turn in at least $100 on or before the day of the event (Diabetes Dollars are applied once you raise the $100 minimum). There is no limit to the Diabetes Dollars you can earn as long as each new rider you recruit meets the $100 minimum before the specified date. Diabetes Dollars are just our way of saying thank you for helping recruit more riders and raising more money to support diabetes research and education. Join the Ranks of the Best! Encourage your team to win one of these awards and make it a goal! National Team Awards Largest Teams Most First Time Participants Top Rookie Team (new team with the most money raised) Most Improved Team (veteran team with greatest fund-raising increase from previous year)