Fundraising Tips

REMEMBER THE CAUSE

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Arizona (BBBSSA) has been matching children with caring, adult mentors for more than 60 years. Kids who have “Bigs” are less likely to participate in risky behaviors and have better self-esteem than their peers. Funds are needed to recruit and screen volunteers; match Littles and Bigs; and professionally monitor and support those matches! BBBSSA will serve hundreds of children this year, with close to 100 waiting for their Big right now. 

BUILD A PERSONALIZED WEBPAGE

We encourage participants to create and use their personal fundraising webpage to solicit donations.  It’s a quick, simple and secure way to collect donations.  Go to Register NOW and sign up for an account.  You will be guided through the registration process.  Once you have registered, you will receive a link to your fundraising webpage.

USE EMAIL, FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA

Sign into your webpage to easily communicate. Share your need for support via Facebook and Twitter. Send updates to supporters and potential donors about your goals. Post information about BBBSSA and the cause! Don’t forget to thank your donors via email and social media! You can also copy and paste your personal webpage link wherever needed.

ASK ABOUT COMPANY MATCHES

Many companies will match an employee’s contributions to a charity. Ask your company and your donors to inquire if their company matches. This is an easy way to double the amount you raise.

SHOOT FOR $25 DONATIONS OR HIGHER

The quickest and easiest way to meet the $160 goal is to ask 6+ people to sponsor you for $25 each. Be the first to donate to your own webpage. People are more likely to give if they see that others have given!

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE TAX CREDIT

All donations received online and through paid pledges are tax deductible and qualify for the dollar-for-dollar Arizona Charitable Tax Credit.  Donate up to $470 filing single/ $938 filing jointly and reduce your Arizona State Tax obligation/increase your state tax refund!  

TRY ASKING FACE-TO-FACE

Many of our participants have a lot of luck by simply walking around their office or neighborhood and asking their friends and co-workers to support them with a donation. A simple phone call or video chat is just as effective.  Remember to have your Bowl for Kids’ Sake Pledge Sheet  handy so if donor doesn't have cash or check or isn't ready to give their gift just yet, simply write down their billing information and BBBSSA will send them a pledge statement after your party session. It’s that simple and it totally counts toward your fundraising goal!  

TELL YOUR PERSONAL STORY

Tell your donors the reason why you support BBBSSA and additional custom touches such as a personal profile picture. Donors give more easily to people that they know and to people who know why it’s important to give. Whether you are a part of our programs, know someone who is or just knows what it means to have had a positive friend and mentor in your life – SHARE your story!

DON’T FORGET TO SAY THANK YOU

Thank your team members for their time and commitment to participate! And say thank you to the people who donated to YOU - TWICE! 

Call, text, email and tag your donors on social media, while you are still fundraising to let them know how thankful you are and how much their support means to you and to the youth of our community.  Include your webpage link and ask them to share this opportunity with others. 

Then, after your game session, thank them a second time.  Let them know how much money your team raised.  Remind them, as a donor, they are a part of the positive and powerful impact one-to-one mentoring has on our youth and community.