Champions
Back the 'Birds is just around the corner! It’s the biggest day of fundraising for the UBC Thunderbirds and the support of donors and champions like you will make all the difference.
On September 15 we have the power to rally behind our Thunderbirds and unlock special challenges that will multiply the impact of every gift—but only until midnight. Check out the Back the 'Birds Challenges page and see how your community could help unlock even more funds for your favourite cause.
Let’s build momentum together by sharing your cause with your network, every gift, no matter the amount, can make a big difference to our Thunderbird student-athletes. Let’s make this the best Back the 'Birds yet!
Champions Timeline
Get ready! Start thinking of building your game plan to make the most out of Back the ‘Birds.
- How will you find your network?
- What channels will you use to reach them?
- What do you want your supporters to know?
- Familiarize yourself with the Back the 'Birds Challenges and how you could unlock more money for your team. Choose 1-2 to ask your network to support.
Spread the word! Ask people you know personally to donate, post on your social media channels, send out some emails and consider creating a short promo video. We have resources to help—see the next few sections!
Act fast! Donate online and share #UBCBacktheBirds with your network.
- Track the day’s progress, interact with our @ubctbirds account and live updates.
- Find cause and challenge information, view totals and donor lists at backthebirds.ubc.ca.
Celebrate! Share the results with your network and thank everyone who joined you in supporting Back the ‘Birds. See the next few sections for more tips and resources!
Steps to Build Your Back the ‘Birds Champion Plan
Step 1: Find your network
Start your Back the 'Birds plan by making a list of who you can reach out to about your team’s participation in Back the 'Birds. Use the pinwheel below to get your brainstorm started.
- From peers and teammates to family and friends – you already have a network of supporters to reach out to for Back the 'Birds!
- The people closest to you and your team are most likely to make a gift and help you share with others.
- Organize your network into two groups based on how you think they can support you:
- Group 1: Those who can donate on September 15.
- Group 2: Those who can help spread the word about your participation in Back the 'Birds with their network.
Step 2: Decide how you will reach your network
Now that you know who you want to talk to, list out the channels that you can use to reach them.
- Email your network
- Have a list of contacts ready to email in the lead up to and on Back the 'Birds.
- Send personal emails to your network asking for support.
- Don’t forget to include a link to your Back the 'Birds page.
- Social Media
- Familiarize yourself with the list of accounts you can post to (either that you own or others who may help to share content). The more accounts you can access, the broader your reach will be.
- Create a social media calendar with dates of when you will post, what content you will share and who will post it.
- Post a mix of content and messaging. Be creative and include videos, photos and personal stories about your cause and why you are fundraising.
- Share sample social media posts with your network to share on their channels.
- Tag #UBCBacktheBirds for your posts to appear on the website.
- Speak with your colleagues and peers about supporting your cause on September 15 to help you unlock a Back the ‘Birds Challenge OR be an early supporter.
Step 3: What do you want your supporters to know about your cause?
Write a few points about your cause that you can carry through all your communications. Think about how donors can help.
- What’s your WHY? Why should people give?
- What are you fundraising for and why are donations needed?
- Why is this team/cause important to you?
- How could a gift on September 15 help? Explain how immediate funding will help your team.
- What difference would $25 make? Share how $25 could cover something tangible.
Create Your Own Message
Write a few points about your cause that you can carry through all your communications. Think about how donors can help.
BACK THE 'BIRDS DATE
Join [me/us/group name] for the 4th annual Back the ‘Birds Day on Tuesday, September 15.
TEAM/CAUSE
Your support to [team/cause] will [reasons important to you].
CALL TO ACTION
Support [team/cause] by making a gift on Tuesday, September 15, or even before!
We have some example emails and social media posts for you to use or to make your own, in the PDF downloads below.
Tips on how to write your messaging
- Write like you’re speaking directly to the donor.
- Tailor your communication to the channel you will share it on.
- Don’t be afraid to make it personal—share what your team means to you.
- Be clear and specific when sharing what you are asking donors to support. Never assume people know about your team or cause and why funding is needed.
- Be concise—simple language, free of jargon and acronyms. Short sentences work best.
- Have a clear call to action—include clear instructions on what you want the reader to do. For example, "Go to backthebirds.ubc.ca on September 15 to make your gift."
- Add urgency—mention time-sensitive goals and if you have a challenge that you want to unlock, use it to motivate people to give.
Logos, Photos & Canva Templates
Social media messaging can be tailored to the platform of your choice. Here are some resources to get started. Be creative and have fun!
Ask Us Anything
Have more questions? We’re here for you! Contact us below.