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Basics for Successful Fund Raising
Half the battle of powerlifting is affording to keep up our habit of COMPETING!
If you are like most, travel is involved, even for state meets. Gas, flights, hotels, food, the list goes on for costs that are generated; if you compete at the National or International level, the costs double or triple. The following are some basics to raising money for your upcoming competitions.
Who to approach:
The first tip I would like to mention is that powerlifting is a very small market. This meaning that our powerlifting companies, whether gear, nutrition, equipment, etc are selective and limited to sponsoring, especially monetarily. There are a ton of us, but few of them to go around. With that, my suggestion is to begin looking for sponsors within your community for sponsors.
Friends
Your gym
Locally owned businesses that pride themselves in community involvement
Clubs (Rotary, Eagles, etc)
Family
Flat Dollar Donations:
Although your plane ticket may cost $400 and hotel $200, it does not mean that you necessarily need to find a sponsor to contribute the full amount. Small donations of $20, $50 and $100 add up quickly.
Fund Raising Activities:
This reminds me of being back in school and the different fund raising activities done for sports, clubs, etc. Well, it really hasn't changed all that much.
Raffles - Have local companies donate items. Depending on the size of the item, they can be raffled individually or put into a package of sort to raffle. For example, Fitness package containing, 3 month gym membership, protein, gear/clothing or a Beauty package containing haircut, manicure, shampoo, tanning. The list goes on and on to the possibilities of what you can put together. Raffle these off at work, school, in front of sporting stores, etc.
Bake Sales - YES, bake sales! I work in a building of about 100 employees. In one day, I raised just shy of $400, not bad and everyone's bellies were happy.
Exhibitions/Seminars
Papered Chef/Partylite/Tupperware - These all have fund raiser programs.
Other:
Know a frequent flyer? Ask if they may be willing to donate their air miles to help purchase your flight.
Have a friend/family member who owns a local business? Ask if they will donate a percentage of one day's sales.
A few additional words of advice:
Project your excitement and goals to those you are asking. You obviously feel the event is important to you, help them see that as well.
Sell your Drug-free status! This is a big positive statement about who you are and what you are representing.
If mailing requests for sponsorship, prepare a resume/bio, include references to the USA Powerlifting website and the event you are participating in, also include a lifting picture or two.
Follow up with your sponsors when the event has passed to thank them personally and with a thank you note. Let them know how you did!
Ask anyone and everyone! The worse thing they will say is 'no.' You will have many rejections, but keep your courage up, the money will come!
Stay strong and good luck in your ventures!
Priscilla Ribic
www.littlepowerhouse.com
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