Need some Fundraising advice

[Lively]

How can I promote my online charity fundraiser and/or make it better? Heres the Link: http://www.gofundme.com/1jmats

Its already connected to twitter and on facebook.......also What kinds of low cost events can I do to raise money?

Thanks in advance guys

Hope all is well

[emeraldize]

Hi Rya,

I'm going to start with the basics and then move to the more complex. And, you asked for advice to make your quest successful.  FIRST - go through your text and correct all of your typos and grammatical errors. I'll try to highlight all of them below in bold and CAPS for grammar. SECOND - why a head shave and what would compell me or anyone else to fund yours? Aren't they more of a local sensation -- school principals, sports stars and finally, why MAGIC JOHNSON FOUNDATION? I'm going to pop off and find out where you live and then come back on and make a suggestion or two more.

While I have seen plenty of head shaves done for other causes and charities I have yet to see one done in support of HIV/AIDS research; therefore I want to be one of the first and make an everlasting mark. I know its a large amount (WHAT'S A LARGE AMOUNT? OF HAIR OR MONEY -- YOU DON'T NOTE MONEY UNTIL FARTHER BELOW) but its a HUGE cuase and when you put more in you get more out. I have a few late family members that have sufferer from HIV and various kinds of cancer, so I decided to raise funds for HIV. I have always wanted to be a part of a fundraiser for a great cause and now is the time to do it more than ever. The Magic Johnson Foundation is dedicated raising AIDS/HIV FLIP THESE HIV/AIDS awareness, treatment and prevention; along with eliminating negative cultural barriers, advancing economic and social equality, and increasing academic and innovative achievement. All of which I support but my main focus is raising funds for HIV/AIDS Research, awareness, treatment, and prevention.


If my goal of 1 million dollars is reached by Septemper 7th of 2013 with the helpful donations of all of you out there, I will be completely shaving my head to support the Magic Johnson Foundation. Remember, No matter how big or small every donation counts and each dollar goes a long way for this great cause. So PLEASE Join the Fight against HIV/AIDS.

[emeraldize]

Hi Rya,

I'm back. I can't tell where you live, but I think I know where your heart lives. You've been positive for a short time and you want to do something helpful for the larger cause. What a great thing -- you need a little help to create a plan you can tackle.

First, you're not going to raise $1 million in less than a year. Not in this economy, not for this cause, and as attractive as you and your mindset are -- it will not happen. Not your head being shaved, nor Michael Jordan's nor anyone else. Great goal, but it won't happen. Not being mean, but instead being realistic.

Second, you could help make a powerful, measurable difference by going to the AIDS Service organization in your area and getting involved in their fundraising. Never met a non-profit that didn't have a slot for a volunteer. Not only would you learn a lot, but you would see your efforts pay off whether in the name of your late family or yourself. Further, you'd learn what $1million truly is. (and you'd learn that ASO's don't earn that kind of dough and yet have successfu fundraisers that get lots of programs dellivered daily)

If you don't want to let your idea go, then make it realistic. How about several thousand? Even if you do pursue it -- rewrite your text. Make it brief -- a call to action, bright and cheery. Plan to go to World AIDS Day events in your cities and network. Wear a sandwich sign.

BUT I hope you won't -- because I think you could take your current energy and optimism and start to help a group that desperately needs it, immediately.

Best of luck -- no matter how you go on this.
Em

[tednlou2]

I think it would be helpful to explain how the funds are collected and how they will actually go to the charity.  Most people aren't going to take much time to read up on how the site works. 

When I clicked on it and reviewed the page, my first thoughts went to how do I know where my money will actually go.  Do you have total control over the funds raised and can withdrawal from the account, or do you have no access to the funds and it must go to the charity?

Congrats on wanting to help in the fight and do something proactive.  All the best on reaching your goal, even if you don't reach $1 Million. 

[jkinatl2]

I was under the impression that shaving one's head was in solidarity with those who lose their hair during chemotherapy for cancer. Which is why it is such a powerful LOCAL gesture (members of the same team, church, organization, etc.)

There are several reliably valuable AIDS- related charities that hold functions throughout the year. Here in Atlanta we have AIDS walk,fashion shows (even for dogs) for charity, art and gallery showings, run/walks, etc. I totally understand and support your zeal, but have you looked around?  If your charity is competing with another, more established reliable one, wouldn't that be splitting focus and minimizing resources? I know for a fact when I was running my outreach program on a wing and a prayer I could have used someone like you.

It's hard - damned, almost impossibly hard - to get a charitable function going by yourself. You will spend your days and nights begging for money, doing paperwork, spending thousands of dollars in stamps. My advice is to find a function worthy of your talents and funnel it there, where the infrastructure already exists. Of course, do your homework to make certain it's valid and worthwhile.

I salute everyone who wants to help. Just don't burn yourself out!

[Lively]

Thanks for the encouragement and realistic advice I'm taking all of your input under consideration.

[Lively]

Oh and btw Im from Pennsylvania

[emeraldize]

The Keystone State rocks!!!!