Fundraising During the Holidays
It is finally everyone’s favorite time of year! With the holiday season rolling in, it is easy to get caught up in the frenzy of family, friends, traveling and gift-giving. However, the holidays are also a wonderful opportunity to reflect and give back to the community. Here are a few tips and tricks Dance Marathon at Florida State University has for you in order to keep up your fundraising during the season of giving!
1. Know your “Why” and don’t be afraid to share this with your friends and family.
Anyone who is a part of this organization knows that passion for Dance Marathon at FSU is contagious. Being able to show this passion through your “why” and share it with the people around you during the holidays is the easiest way to gain support during your fundraising efforts.
As you tell others how DM at FSU directly helps so many people in the community and personally impacts you, it will feel less like asking for money and more like explaining why they should support this cause. As Niki Little, one of our top fundraisers, explains, “I always start with my "why" when asking for donations. People join people; people love seeing others' passion. I find it super helpful to always ensure that my donors know exactly what my role is within DM, what their money is going towards, and why their generosity is so appreciated.”
Plus, it’s a great subject change for the inevitable questions about your relationship status and what you’re doing after college.
2. Figure out which outlet works best for you.
While some manage to garner most of their donations through emails and phone calls, others prefer social media posts and texts! Try each fundraising outlet and find which one works best for you. Another top fundraiser, Hunter Wieder, explains “There’s not one fundraising tactic [that] works for everyone. Instead of relying on Facebook all the time, try emailing or directly texting your relatives instead! Posts get lost or buried under others posts on news feeds, so try something more direct.”
3. Get creative.
During this time between Florida Statement and the Marathon, it is easy to fall into a fundraising lull. A simple way to keep your fundraising on a roll is to get creative! This could be through competitions with other dancers, Facebook challenges and crazy donation incentives. “My sophomore year I jumped into Westcott Fountain in 40 degree weather because I hit Comma Club,” says Little. No incentive or challenge is too bizarre! Don’t be afraid to throw on that ugly Christmas sweater and sing some Mariah Carey for the kids.
4. Use your skills!
If you have any special skills, use them to your advantage! Whether it’s baking, gift wrapping, photography, babysitting, makeup or hair styling, Christmas caroling - or something in between - you can easily use these talents in exchange for donations.
5. Ask people you haven’t talked to or seen in awhile.
It can seem intimidating to ask old teachers and coaches to donate to your account when you haven’t seen them in years. Luckily, you will be surprised by who is willing to give their support when they see how enthusiastic you are for Dance Marathon and all that it entails. As uncomfortable you may feel asking these individuals, it is important remember that it is up to us to raise awareness for this incredibly worthy cause. “I reached out to someone I had a crush on who stood me up for a date and told him this would make us even,” says Wieder. As long as you are knowledgeable about the cause and respectful, the worst they can say is no!
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By taking these fundraising tips into account, you will surely gain support during the holidays. If you want more information about Dance Marathon at Florida State before asking others to donate, please go to our website, https://www.dmfsu.org/, for more information. Also, you can always reach out to your delegate, internal team members you may know, or other friends who are fundraising. Be sure to get everyone in the giving spirit and start making miracles today.
