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Who Should Ask?
Possible donors are most likely to contribute when asked by the candidate.
If it is not possible to have the candidate ask all of the major
donors, have the finance committee and campaign manager help out,
as needed. Key political and business leaders from the community
can also be recruited to help solicit donations.
Building Your List
After your group is organized, and your team in place, you will need
to begin prospecting. The task of prospecting begins with assembling
a list of possible donors who need to be contacted. Your fundraising
team, finance committee, and volunteers should all work together
to assemble the list you will use to start with. Some sources of
names for this list include:
-Friends and family of the candidate, finance committee, and
volunteers.
-Supporters from past elections.
-People who have indicated their support for this election.
-Donors to the local party and other candidates’ campaigns.
-Business leaders and professionals in the community.
-Members of local civic organizations.
Try to assemble a list of names, addresses, telephone numbers, and
any other information you can gather on possible donors.
Assign a Giving Level
The next step is to assign a “giving level” to each person on the
list. This is the amount that you believe each person will be able
to give. For names that you get from the finance committee and volunteers,
ask them to help you name a giving level. Check past contributions
to campaigns and use the possible donor’s profession and other available
information to help you assign giving levels.
Make the Call!
Once your team is in place and your list is has been compiled, you’re
ready to start soliciting donations. Be sure to have a good record
keeping system in place before you begin, and don’t be afraid to
be a bit of a “salesman” – in order to get people to donate, you
have to “sell” your campaign just like any business has to “sell”
its products.
Joe Garecht is the co-author of “25 Fundraising Secrets – Raise More
Money, Guaranteed,” a great new book which provides 25 proven strategies
and tips for raising money. Get your copy today at http://www.fundraisingsecrets.com.
Published by permission.
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