Camp NaNoWriMo’s Fundraising 101

So, Camper, you‘ve decided to fundraise for Camp NaNoWriMo. Before we go any further, a gigantic thank you. With you at our sides, we can continue to improve Camp every year. (Also, we’ll really make some headway towards providing that industrial-strength marshmallow toaster for Campers everywhere).

You thought Wilderness Survival was wicked cool; this is Fundraising 101, compiled by your fellow Campers.

Who to Ask

Ask your friends and family first.

Then, ask your boss, your coworkers, and members of your community (at church, school, jam-making class, you get the idea!)—you might be surprised how much they want to support you, and a good cause.

Ask your loved ones to distribute the link to your page among their coworkers, and anyone else! Who needs a workplace of their own?

Don’t be afraid to ask people you think don’t have any money to spare. They may surprise you.

How to Ask

Be prepared with lots of information about what you’re raising money for, and show how excited you are about the event. Camp NaNoWriMo may not be well known in your circle of family and friends. That’s okay: this is your chance to explain it to them with oomph.

Customize your StayClassy page: upload a picture and tweak the welcome message so that when people visit, they know it’s your page on first glance.

Write short, funny, personal pleas, and send them to your nearest and dearest who know how excited you are about the cause. The email template on StayClassy (click “Email” under the goal thermometer on your page) is totally ready for you to make your own.

Then post more generally to Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking sites!

Keeping Up the Momentum, and/or Finding a Second Wind

Make fun prizes to give away at various donation levels. You could offer to name a character in your novel for donors. This Camper provides more ideas!

Thank people publicly as the donations come in. Tag them on Facebook, or @reply them on Twitter, and announce if they’ve won one of your prizes. “Thanks @LeslieKnope for your $10 donation to OLL. I’ll name that superhero ‘The Ann Wonder’ for you gladly.”

Keep your friends and followers updated on your progress. Post about the accomplishments you’re making: word-counts, breakthrough characters, and genius plot twists.

Gently remind people to donate, and what they would be donating for. No response to that email you sent your great-aunt after a week? Follow up! Another email or call is a great way to get their undivided attention.

Always say “Thank you”, even and especially when someone can’t donate.

Other Handy Tips and Tricks from Past Fundraisers

NickiIV says:

Keep a tip jar for all your spare change, then deposit it and make a large donation.

Smcbride says:

Sell candy at your office desk year around. (An LA Wrimo did this and raised $600 last year.)

Sell a service. The old classic car wash is always fun. Dog-walking services can be good, too. I steam cleaned my neighbor’s apartment last year for a $25 donation.

Find a bar or restaurant to sponsor an evening. Small restaurants or local businesses will often sponsor little league teams or charity groups by donating 20% of the proceeds on a specific afternoon. Find a place that needs a little business, make an arrangement and invite all your friends.

No matter how you do it, we appreciate your help in supporting our mission! Please let us know if you have any questions during your fundraising efforts.