Fundraising lessons for nonprofits can be found anywhere – even at a baseball game! Partnerships between nonprofits, sports teams, and other local events have the ability to turn into a capital raising venture for all parties. With baseball abuzz with the World Series, our guest blogger, Roger Carr shares an experience of how a local leauge hit a home run for the Arthritis Foundation.
Peanuts, Hotdogs and Fundraising
by Roger Carr
The Richmond Flying Squirrels minor league baseball team supported the Arthritis Foundation at a game this summer. The baseball game was between the Richmond Flying Squirrels and the Portland Sea Dogs. In addition to having fun with my family watching the game, I also took note of the methods they used to raise funds. The following are five tips for fundraising I took away from the baseball game.
Get In Front of Your Potential Donors
Starting from when I was approaching the entrance to the ballpark until I started looking for my seat, there were many promotions for fundraisers and community businesses. If you were going to watch the ballgame, you were going to pass by each of the displays/promoters to get there. They didn't get hidden in a poorly trafficked path or in an "out of the way" corner. You need to get the attention of potential sponsors to be successful. You won't raise needed funds if the potential finders don't know the opportunity exists.
Communicate In Multiple Ways
Messages about arthritis, the Arthritis Foundation, and the ongoing charity auction to benefit the Arthritis Foundation were shared with attendees in multiple ways. Involvement of people with arthritis in pre-game activities, announcements by the game announcer, and displaying photos and messages on the scoreboard were some of the methods used. Consider using multiple forms of communication as well. These forms of communication can include using text, audio, photos, and video.
Make Requests Multiple Times
The impact of arthritis and the current fundraising opportunity (charity auction) was communicated many times throughout the game. If someone was out buying a hotdog during the first message, he or she will hear the message the next time it is communicated. Marketers have proven that it requires communicating a message multiple times before the typical person takes action. It is no different when attempting to convert a person to be a donor to your organization.
Ask When Potential Donors Are Not Distracted
Messages about the Arthritis Foundation and fundraiser opportunities were typically made between innings. There was no action on the baseball field at those times to distract the potential donors. Consider the timing and environment when approaching a potential donor. Try to make your approach at a time that will minimize the possible distractions.
Make the Experience Fun
Attending baseball games is fun. Adding fundraising to the game is a great match. It obviously benefits the charity. It also benefits the baseball team by increasing the community's perception and support to the team. People are more receptive when they are having fun. Regardless of how serious the cause, find a way for potential donors to have fun before you ask for their support, so they will be more open to your message. Consider these tips when implementing your next fundraising event or campaign.
About Roger Carr
Roger is an avid volunteer and advisor with the Arthritis Foundation and other nonprofit organizations. He encourages others to give back in many ways. You can follow Roger on his blogs at EverydayGivingBlog.com and CharityWalksBlog.com.
