fUNDRAISING 101
- Start early! The earlier you start, the more time you have to reach your fundraising goal. You can get that awkward first donation out of the way by making a contribution to yourself. This not only gets the ball rolling, it also shows people you are passionate about supporting the cause.
- Become a storyteller. There is a very important reason you have taken the initiative to use your passions to make a difference. Tell people about it. Your enthusiasm and determination will spread to others. Personal stories go a long way in influencing people's decisions to get involved.
- Email it, Share it, Post it! The golden rule of fundraising is that you won't receive if you don't ask. Connect with possible donors through email, safely in person and social media. See our Social Media Toolkit below or click here for an example email.
- Don't forget to think corporate. Ask the businesses you frequent to support you either by a donation for a raffle or a draw, or by making a monetary donation. Don't forget to check out the sponsorship programs offered by your employer - such as matching gifts programs.
- Always remember to thank your donors. Check out the Thank You Toolkit below.
ONLINE DONATIONS
OFFLINE DONATIONS
In the interest of everyone's safety, we recommend taking online donations only. If this is not possible:
BC Lung Association
2675 Oak Street
Vancouver, BC
V6H 2K2
- Every registered participant and team gets a personalized fundraising webpage that can be can be personalized with photos and a message.
- You can forward people the web address (URL) linking to your fundraising page via your own email or use the email within your fundraising page. Log in to your page to find it or search your name here.
- Your contacts can easily search, find your webpage and donate online at www.bicycletrek.ca.
- Everyone who makes a donation on your page will be sent an email thank-you and PDF tax receipt.
- Learn how to log in and send an email using your personal webpage in our Participant Centre How-To Guide.
OFFLINE DONATIONS
In the interest of everyone's safety, we recommend taking online donations only. If this is not possible:
- To make a CREDIT CARD donation by PHONE call the BC Lung Association toll-free at 1.800.665.5864 and speak with a Trek organizer Marissa or Helen. Tax receipts are emailed to donors once credit card donations are processed.
- Please drop off or mail all CHEQUE donations together with a Donation Record Form (for tax receipting purposes) to:
BC Lung Association
2675 Oak Street
Vancouver, BC
V6H 2K2
- We strongly encourage not using cash. Instead, please call us with your credit card and donor information. Do not enter a donation online with your card on behalf of another individual as tax receipts are always created in the billing name. The billing name must match the information of the credit card or the transaction will be declined. By calling us at 604-731-5864 we can bypass this issue.
CREATE A FUNDRAISING EVENT
Feeling inspired? Why not plan your own mini fundraising event or activity? Remember to plan a fundraiser that maintains physical distancing rules. Here is a list of virtual event ideas, but feel free to come up with your own that will work for you and your potential supporters. Don't forget you can use your fundraising webpage to ask friends, family and colleagues for donations.
VIRTUAL EVENT IDEAS
VIRTUAL EVENT IDEAS
- Host a games night and play your favourite online board games. Here are a few examples.
- Host your own "golf tournament" via an online golfing app.
- Do you have a hidden talent? Put on a performance over Zoom or Google Hangouts and ask for donations to view. Or host a virtual lip sync, karaoke or dance competition!
- Having a birthday or anniversary coming up? Start a Facebook Birthday fundraiser. Have people donate instead of buying gifts.
- Host a pool for your favourite reality show like The Bachelor!
- Create your own raffle - take a photo of the prize and email friends and family asking them to by tickets by donating to your fundraising page.
- Virtual Bake Sale - take orders for a cake, dozen cookies or cupcakes made by you and spend the day dropping them off
Consider the following if you intend to organize your own fundraiser.
- We are happy to provide an official letter of endorsement to help you recruit local sponsors.
- We cannot however generate tax receipts for gifts in kind, tickets, raffles, draws or auction items
- Please ensure if want to organize a raffle or another gaming activity you apply for a license from the BC Government’s Gaming Branch.
SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLKIT
Social media is the quickest and easiest way to get the word out about your fundraiser or event. Upload your Personal Page URL onto your Facebook page, tweet the link or upload our social media images and let them know the commitment you've made! Make sure to use images in your posts.
Want to post a link that sends potential donors directly to your fundraiser webpage?
1) Log in to your webpage (your username and password are included in your registration email. If you can't find it, email us.)
2) Click the Facebook icon on the right side of the page.
3) Add your own text and post!
Alternatively you can find your fundraising link by searching your name here.
Want to post a link that sends potential donors directly to your fundraiser webpage?
1) Log in to your webpage (your username and password are included in your registration email. If you can't find it, email us.)
2) Click the Facebook icon on the right side of the page.
3) Add your own text and post!
Alternatively you can find your fundraising link by searching your name here.
EXAMPLE TEXT
Not sure what to post? Here are a few ideas and images:
I will be riding [distance goal] km this summer in support of the BC Lung Association’s lung patient support campaign. British Columbians affected by chronic lung conditions are among those most vulnerable to acute illness from respiratory infections, including COVID-19. The money I raise will provide virtual care services to support our most vulnerable. Any contribution is greatly appreciated!
Want to feel like a superhero for the rest of the day? Donate to my Virtual Trek in support of the 1 in 5 affected by lung conditions. Then all you’ll need is the cape (not included).
I am looking to raise [goal] for the BC Lung Association! We’re only [amount] away from reaching it and we would love your help! All proceeds go to the BC Lung Association to help protect the 1 in 5 British Columbians living with lung disease.
If you don't post from your fundraising webpage, make sure to include your link! Your own photos work the best, but if you need one of ours, just click the thumbnail below to save. If you want a custom image created for you email trek@bc.lung.ca.
EXAMPLE IMAGES
Not sure what to post? Here are a few ideas and images:
I will be riding [distance goal] km this summer in support of the BC Lung Association’s lung patient support campaign. British Columbians affected by chronic lung conditions are among those most vulnerable to acute illness from respiratory infections, including COVID-19. The money I raise will provide virtual care services to support our most vulnerable. Any contribution is greatly appreciated!
Want to feel like a superhero for the rest of the day? Donate to my Virtual Trek in support of the 1 in 5 affected by lung conditions. Then all you’ll need is the cape (not included).
I am looking to raise [goal] for the BC Lung Association! We’re only [amount] away from reaching it and we would love your help! All proceeds go to the BC Lung Association to help protect the 1 in 5 British Columbians living with lung disease.
If you don't post from your fundraising webpage, make sure to include your link! Your own photos work the best, but if you need one of ours, just click the thumbnail below to save. If you want a custom image created for you email trek@bc.lung.ca.
EXAMPLE IMAGES
Email us your photo and we can create a custom post
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THANK YOU TOOLKIT
An important step in the fundraising process is thanking your donors. Here are a few tools to help you including a sample thank you email, social posts and postcards to print.
EXAMPLE IMAGES
EXAMPLE IMAGES
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THANK YOU POSTCARDS
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