FUNDRAISINGHANDBOOK

ON HOW TO RAISE $6,000

OFFICIAL GUIDE

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Getting Started................................................................................................. 3Ways to Fundraise.........................................................................................4­8     Personal Appeals......................................................................................4­7     Soliciting Online Donations..........................................................................8      Speaking at work, church, school, etc..........................................................8Sample Appeal Letter........................................................................................9Sample Phone Conversation ...........................................................................10 Sample Thank You Letter.................................................................................10 Donor Support Record Template......................................................................11 

Table of Contents

Fundraising Benchmarks

$1,500

$3,000

$4,500

$6,000

By February 17

By February 24

By March 10

By March 24

By April 7

By April 22

$0

$1000

$2000

$3000

$4000

FULLY FUNDED!

$5000

$6000

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Greetings and congratulations on being a Team Leader for the 2017 Run4Water race! We are so glad you

are running with us in the mission of ending the water crisis.

Every team leader is invited to raise the full amount of a well ($6,000). Participants fundraise because often

times they do not have the personal finances to cover the cost of an entire well, and doing so follows the

biblical pattern of inviting others into mission work. This can be an enormous task, but bringing others into

the mission will allow for a deeper experience for everyone involved!

This packet explains different ways on how to fundraise. The first two sections, “Getting Started” and

"Ways to Fundraise” provide key information on how to fundraise. It is imperative that you understand the

information given in these first two sections. The next sections give a lot of practical fundraising advice and

contain sample fundraising documents.

Before you begin, it is vitally important that you understand the following aspects of the these fundraising

models. Your responsibilities by committing to be a Team Leader have given you buy in to a mission that is

bigger than just coordinating a team of runners. All members of your team are encouraged to work together

in an efficient and professional manner. Like any team, if any one member fails in their fundraising duties,

then the entire team suffers. Thus, each member of the team has a responsibility not only to themselves,

but also to other members of the team. The following elements of these fundraising models will help you to

understand its team­oriented nature. The funds you raise go toward meeting the cost for a well. Your

fundraising is therefore essential to the overall mission of Wells of Life and of those most in need in

Uganda.

Getting Started

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REMEMBER!

“Don’t be anxious for anything, but by prayer and

supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests

be made known to God, and the peace of God

which surpasses all comprehension will guard

your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” ­

(Philippians 4:6, 7)

Pray/meditate, focus yourself, and remember that

we are taking part in a mission that is greater

than ourselves. 

Start by developing an initial list of potential mission partners. NO NAME IS DISQUALIFIED! Don’t

decide for an individual whether or not he or she is interested. Please see the chart below ("Who to

Call") to help you develop your list of names. After you’ve developed your initial list of names, label

each contact either ‘H’ for High priority, “M” for Medium priority, or “L” for Low priority. These

designations refer to your evaluation of how likely they are to give. Now you are ready to go! Please

remember, that just because you label someone as “high priority” does not necessarily mean they will

give as much as you expect. Likewise, just because you designate someone as “low priority” does not

mean they won’t give. Expect to be pleasantly surprised by some who will give more than you

anticipated, but don’t be disappointed by those who don’t meet your expectations. After you have come

up with 50+ names, start collecting their addresses. If you are having a hard time finding addresses of

potential mission partners, try checking online at www.whitepages.com.

Ways to Fundraise

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Now that you have “name stormed” to develop a list of potential mission partners, you need to write

your appeal letter (See sample Appeal Letter – end of packet). Begin mailing your letters one­week

after you have received your Fundraising Packet. You’ll be glad you did!  

When writing your letters, the personal touch is a must! We recommend writing a form appeal letter

requesting money, and using mail merge to personalize the greeting. Make sure you sign each letter

personally. Additionally, it is very important to add a handwritten P.S. (simply a personal note) at the

end of each letter so the mission partner knows that you care about them and not only their gift.

1. Personal Appeal Letters

Step 2: Write

Step 1: Name Storming

___ Specific Date

___ Connect with the person. What do/did you

have in common? Help him say, “I know who

you are!”

___ Bring your reader up to date with what

you’re doing.

___ Educate your reader. Tell them what Wells

of Life is all about, why you have decided to

participate and what you hope to accomplish.

___ Make sure to explain exactly what you need

(i.e. I need to raise $6,000 to drill a well).

Things to include in your appeal letter

___ Involve your reader by asking him for

specific action, based on the needs you have

shared. This can include challenging him/her to

cover a specific part (or all if you have an

extremely generous and well­endowed potential

supporter) of the cost of a well. State your

deadlines for your financial needs. Specific

action includes not only your request, but also

your commitment to follow up by telephone. (i.e.

“I will call the week of ___ to follow up with

you.”)

___ Direct them to the Team's Fundraising

Webpage via your link.

___ Acknowledge your relationship again with

an emphasis on thanks, appreciation,

gratitude, partnership and commitment. This

ties your opening acknowledgement to your

request.

___ Include your telephone number, address,

and your e­mail address.

Ways to Fundraise

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___ Close the letter and sign it (type your

name, but always sign it personally).

___ P.S. it with a personal greeting written in

blue ink so it stands out.

___ Handwrite addresses on the envelope; it

adds a more personal touch. Most people are

far more likely to open a handwritten piece of

mail.

Who to Call

One week after sending out your appeal letters to your potential team of supporters, give your

potential donors a call to see if they would like to support your campaign. This is also the

perfect opportunity for you to ask if they have any questions. Be courteous toward them! Many

people will want to help you but won’t unless you call. Your phone call takes the burden of

response off them and puts it on you. Suggestions when you make that phone call include:

Ways to Fundraise

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Step 3: Call 

1) Getting Started: Begin by introducing yourself, and then briefly mention the letter you sent

(be gracious – think how easy it is to overlook a piece of mail). After you’re done with the

introductions, take some time to explain the mission, and share what you hope to see happen

as a result of your efforts.

2) The Crucial Question: Next, remind them of the financial needs you mentioned in your

letter, and specifically ask them if they had considered being a part of your team. 

3) Making the Payment (FAQ): If someone decides to become a supporter, make sure they

understand how to make a donation. The best is to direct them to your fundraising page online.

If the only option is to donate by check, arrange a time to pick it up, or ask them to mail it to

you. Making sure donors understand the payment method can save you a lot of headache.

Further, most donors appreciate the direction.

4) Wrapping it Up: After you get a decision, always ask them to refer you to other people who

might also have a heart for your mission. Have a pen ready! Sometimes they really do know

people who would be even more enthusiastic than they are. Follow through!

 Step 4: Thank You 

• Send a thank you note as soon as someone says they’ll support you; it only takes a few

minutes to write!

• Mail it within 24­48 hours!

• Your verbal thank you is important, but your thank you note is an even more important sign of

your appreciation for your new supporter. 

 Step 5: Completion 

If your donor has decided to make an online gift, simply direct them to your Team's Fundraising

Webpage. After their gift has been made online, you will be able to see the amount of their

donation by logging in to your crowdrise account. Be sure to keep a record of all the online

donations you receive.

Online Donations

Mail all checks to: 24000 Alicia Pkwy #17 Ste. 420

                              Mission Viejo, CA 92691

Keep track of the checks you receive so as to ensure accuracy in your Donor Support Record

(p.16). You may want to make a photocopy of each check you receive. 

         ­ Look over the check for accuracy. Is the check signed? 

         ­ Is the check payable to Wells of Life? 

         ­ Is your Team Name in the memo line?

Ways to Fundraise

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Step 6: Follow­Up

Donation by Check

Once you’ve finished the race, send a follow­up letter to your supporters. You should

accomplish the following things in this letter:

1) Take some time to thank them for their generosity.

2) Tell your supporters what you personally are taking away from your experience. By sending

a letter to your donors you enable them to experience your mission with you.

3) Tell them that you will be in touch with them in the next 6 months to update them with

pictures and information from the well they funded. (Wells of Life staff will provide this

information)

If a supporter prefers to make a donation to you online they may do so at your Team's fundraising

page. This webpage is an online tool that allows you to tell about yourself, explain why you decided to

participate in the race, share pictures, and collect online donations toward the cost of a well!

Ways to Fundraise

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Social media is a “go­to” option for support for many people. It is great for re­connect with old

contacts, or connecting with family friends. Fundraising is inviting people to share in the mission

and by asking people to support you, you are giving them an opportunity to take part in it. As

always, it’s important to establish that you are asking them for money in order that they may

experience the fruits from your experience and be involved directly with those you are reaching

in Uganda. You are inviting them to participate in the mission with you. You can always create

an inspiring status (with pictures) or even create a  Facebook “Event” to raise money for your

campaign. Please talk to your fundraising coach for other acceptable ways to fundraise

using Social Media.

2. Soliciting Online Support

1) First go to https://www.crowdrise.com/2ndAnnualWellsofLife100Wells5k

2) Once you create your crowdrise account, give your team a name, and then pay for the

registration fee. You will then receive a confirmation e­mail with a link to your fundraising page

3) Follow the link to your page 

4) Here you can fill out all your team information and include a cover photo of your team 

6) After setting up your Team's fundraising page, you can direct your potential supporters to

your page to make a donation.

Using Facebook and other Social Media

 Setting up your Team's Fundraising Page

3. Speaking at work, church, school, etc.In certain circumstances, you may be allowed to make an announcement at work, church, school,

etc. Make sure to let your fundraising coach beforehand so he or she can provide you with the

necessary materials. You must first contact the place you want to speak at for open times to talk.

Be prepared to take contact cards and follow­up with every person who gives you their

information. When giving a talk, remember that you are representing Wells of Life as a whole, and

we want to build relationships with people who are interested. Please discuss your plan and talk

with your fundraising coach.

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Dear Supporter,

I hope this letter finds you well! I am very excited to tell you about my participation in Wells of Life’s2nd Annual 5K/1K Run for Water Family Event being held in Laguna Niguel Regional Park on Sunday,April 23rd, 2017.

Last year we had over 600 participants, and raised the funds for 22 wells, which provided clean waterfor 22,000 people! This year, we anticipate a minimum of 1,000 participants; and aspire to fund 40wells on that day. Our vision is to see our local youth, families and businesses partner in filling thisgreat need and act of mercy by inspiring everyone to play a part in some small or large way.

Because of my increased involvement in the organization, I had an epiphany and realized how much wetake water for granted! I have been inspired to start a team of runners in the funding of a well inUganda. I need to raise $6,000 by April 22, 2017. In order to meet this goal as quickly as possible,special gifts of $100-$250 are greatly needed. If you would like to join my team, simply go online anddonate by credit card www.crowdrise.com/2ndAnnualWellsofLife100Wells5k (enter your Team PageURL here). Gifts made online and checks made payable to Wells of Life are tax-deductible gifts. Feelfree to donate as soon as you are able. I will call you the week of February 13, 2017 to see if you haveany questions. Thank you for your consideration in partnering with this great humanitarian effort!

Sample Appeal Letter

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“Hi Aunt Betty, this is __________ how are you doing? (Only allow a short amount of time for small talk– then quickly get to the point.) “I am glad you are doing well. I was wondering if you have received myletter this week regarding the Run4Water?...You have... GREAT...I am really excited about thisopportunity and am calling to see if you would like to support this cause and also to see if you have anyquestions for me.

(If they haven’t received it, explain a little bit about the mission and why you are doing it, then ask forsupport).

If YES (I would like to give): (Ask Aunt Betty) “My goal is to raise ($6,000) for the cost of a well andI’m keeping a record of the gifts I receive. What amount did you have in mind today? ...ThankYou!! Youhave two options to support me. The best is to go online towww.crowdrise.com/2ndAnnualWellsofLife100Wells5k (You will insert your own Team Page URLhere) and make a donation online, or you can write a check payable to Wells of Life (with Team Name inthe Memo Line) . This allows for a tax deduction. Then you can send it to me and I will send your checkinto Wells of Life. It is very important that you send your gift to me and not to Wells of Life This willhelp me get all the money counted toward the funds I need to raise.

If NO (I am unable to give): Respond warmly (don’t end the conversation abruptly) “Aunt Betty, Iappreciate your time, I understand that you won’t be able to support the mission financially at this time,but would you please consider praying for the success of the Run4Water race?” Aunt Betty “OFCOURSE I WILL!” “Great, I look forward to seeing you at our family reunion this summer.”

Sample Phone Conversation

Dear (Supporter’s Name),

(Include something personal first.)

Thank you for your decision to become a member of my Team! Your prayers and financial generosityare greatly appreciated. Your investment will have far-reaching results in Uganda and will deeply touchthe lives of many. Please join me in praying for and for those whom this gift will impact. Your prayersare most appreciated. Thank you again for your generous support.

Sample Thank You Letter

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Donor Support Record Template