Fundraising for an organization might seem daunting, but practice – and a following some of the tips we use for our Challenge Campaign at the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce – can help.
The Challenge Campaign, the Chamber’s annual fundraiser, allows Chamber members to help drive new membership and sponsorship sales through their professional and personal contacts. Members earn more than kudos for their ambassadorship: special event tickets, tables and sponsorships for their companies, free membership upgrades and renewals for their businesses – and of course, an all-expense paid tropical vacation. That fundraising ensures we can continue to grow our offerings and reinvest in our members.
Some folks think of fundraising as sales and quotas and immediately get intimated or overwhelmed. Use these three “I’s” of fundraising and you’ll see that it doesn’t have to be intimidating.
Involvement. Make sure you get involved with the Chamber and its programs and meet your fellow members. We’ve all heard the old adage that you only sell what you believe in, and the Chamber is no different. Excitement and curiosity are contagious and sharing what you learn and why you spend your time with us is always an honest way to sell and promote the Chamber.
Invite. Take the sales out of fundraising by promoting an event or meeting that a potential member would enjoy. I’m a “kick the tires” kind of salesman, and this by far has helped me sell the Chamber more than anything else over that last eight years. By letting someone experience firsthand the energy in a room filled with 1,000 people, the comradery and discussion during a policy committee meeting or making their own connections at a networking event, you are letting the Chamber showcase its value and sell itself.
Introduce. Your endorsement may be all you need to get a potential member to check us out. But, remember, you don’t have to know everything or have been involved for years to be a great fundraiser. Lean on our staff or long-time Chamber members and fellow volunteers to answer questions about our events, programs or membership levels and their benefits. Leave the sales behind and focus on being a master connector. Follow these three simple fundraising tips and you will be successful in your contributions to any fundraiser!
Are you up to the challenge? Join me at the Challenge Campaign Orientation on May 1 to start fundraising.
Alex Rosado is the revenue development manager for the Denver Metro Chamber.