We understand that asking for money from others can be intimidating. The tips below will make raising funds a breeze!

• Build a personalized webpage. Creating your own fundraising page is easy and fun. Bowlers who utilize this tool to raise funds bring in more money and help support more matches between Bigs and Littles! 
• Tell your story. Whether asking for a donation or for someone to join your team, your enthusiasm and passion are contagious. Talk about someone who made an impact in your life as a mentor. If you’re a Big Brother or Big Sister, tell donors about the amazing outcomes and personal experiences you’ve had with BBBSCV.
• Make a list. Jot down the names of everyone who may donate to you, and start by reaching out to them. Remember that many companies will match an employee’s contributions to a charity. Ask your HR Director or Office Manager if your company participates in a Company Match program, and encourage your donors to do the same.
• Set a goal and make a personal donation. Get your fundraising started by making a personal gift, whether it’s $5, $50, or $500. This will show momentum and encourage others to donate as well. Then, decide how much you hope to raise and tell donors your goal. As you get closer to your goal, supporters will want to help you reach it!
• Say thank you. Let your supporters know how grateful you are. Thank them on social media and in person. Consider sending a handwritten thank you note to everyone who makes a gift to your page. 

Did you know: Bowlers who update their personal pages raise between 7 and 18 times more* than bowlers who do not update their pages! Why? Because including photos and stories helps donors connect with you and with the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Chattahoochee Valley!

• Add a profile photo. Set your page apart by sharing a photo of you, your bowling team, you and a mentor in your life or you and your Little. People are more inclined to donate to your page when they can see what you are raising money for. 

• Include a description. Everyone’s reasons for making a donation are different, and this is your chance to let the world know why BBBSCV matters to you. Whether you feel strongly about the work that the agency is doing or you’ve personally benefited from our services, let everyone know why you are raising money! 

• Set a goal. There is a $40 fee for each Bowler, but we highly encourage bowlers to aim high and set persoanl and team goals. Be sure to indicate your goal on your page.

• Establish yourself as a team captain. If you are a captain, add it to your personal page so your friends can join your team! Here’s how: login to your page and click the tab “Team”. On that tab you will see the question “Are you a part of a team?”. You will click “Yes, and I am a Team Caption.” Once you hit save, your team’s page will be available for you to edit and personalize. When your team members login, they will click “I’d like to join a team” and will select your name.

• Share away! A recent study found that bowlers who send emails can raise between 2 and 11 times more than those who do not send emails. Something else to think about: people read emails from their friends and family, even fundraising emails, in greater numbers than they do fundraising emails from organizations. YOU have the power to share your story and make an impact.