Get ready to start fundraising!
We're glad you'd like to help cats and fundraising is one of the best ways to support MRFRS programs. To help you get started, we've collected a few tips and resources. Check them out and if you need additional support, feel free to reach out to us at strut@mrfrs.org.Fundraising Tips
Never feel guilty asking...
Never feel guilty asking – you’re not asking for money for yourself; you’re asking for money for a cause you care about!
If you don’t ask, you’re guaranteed to get nothing...
Also, remember that when asked why they didn’t give, donors often answer “Because no-one asked me.” If you don’t ask, you’re guaranteed to get nothing. If you ask, you might get something!
People tend to give for three reasons...
Remember that people tend to give for three reasons:
1. Because they care about the cause,
2. because they care about someone who cares about the cause, or
3. because the organization affected/helped them personally. It’s most likely you’ll be tapping into #2 with your Strut fundraising.
1. Because they care about the cause,
2. because they care about someone who cares about the cause, or
3. because the organization affected/helped them personally. It’s most likely you’ll be tapping into #2 with your Strut fundraising.
“Curate” your e-mail mailing list...
Go through your contacts and make a mailing list of people whose causes you’ve donated to, people you’ve done business with, people whose kids’ sales you’ve supported (Girl Scout cookies and the like), people you have given cat advice to, people you know love cats, people who love YOU… the list goes on and on – don’t eliminate people just because you “think they won’t give” – who knows?
Write a personal note...
Write a personal note in the body of your email about why MRFRS matters to you. You don’t have to write a personal email specific to each person, but making your ask personal is a good idea! You may want to write different emails to different groups of people (one to your family for instance, one to co-workers, etc.)
Make sure your subject is eye-catching...
Make sure your subject is eye-catching – something like “Can you help me reach my goal?” or “Help me help cats in need!” – short & sweet is best!
Send a direct, personal thank you to everyone who donates...
Send a direct, personal thank you to everyone who donates. They will get an automatic thank you and tax receipt from Give Lively, but it’s a great idea to drop each person a personal thank you as well.
Send out your email more than once...
Send out your email more than once—but make sure to delete the people who have already given from your repeat asks.
Create a sense of urgency...
Keep posting to Facebook and create a sense of urgency as the event draws closer with phrases like “Help me meet my goal!” etc.
Resources
A collection of information and sample wording to help stregthen your fundraising efforts.
How To Set Up Your Fundraising Page
Setting Up Your Page
Personalize your fundraising page to share why you are participating in the Strut for Strays. Are you strutting for a cat from your past or present, for an MRFRS cat that touched your heart, or just for your love of cats in general? Don’t forget to add an effective image that helps tell your story.
Set a goal. Fundraisers with a specific target are more likely to make a greater impact.
Be the first to donate. Show your dedication to the cause by being the first to donate to your page.
Need additional help? Check out Give Lively'sFAQ or reach out to us at strut@mrfrs.org.
Set a goal. Fundraisers with a specific target are more likely to make a greater impact.
Be the first to donate. Show your dedication to the cause by being the first to donate to your page.
Need additional help? Check out Give Lively'sFAQ or reach out to us at strut@mrfrs.org.
Important Links
Informational Links About the Event & MRFRS
The following links will help people learn more about the event and about MRFRS.
MRFRS's Strut Info Page: www.mrfrs.org/strut-for-strays-2021
Learn more about MRFRS: www.mrfrs.org/about-2/
MRFRS's Strut Info Page: www.mrfrs.org/strut-for-strays-2021
Learn more about MRFRS: www.mrfrs.org/about-2/
Sample "Ask" Email
Just fill in the blanks in this sample email and send it to your contacts to reach your fundraising goals.
Subject: Can you help me reach my goal?
Dear family and friends,
During the month of June, am participating in the Strut for Strays Virtual Challenge! I need your help to reach my fundraising goal to support an organization that means a lot to me, the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society. MRFRS strives to improve the lives of all cats and provide support and education for the people who care about them.
I am strutting this year in honor of [insert your personal reason here]. MRFRS means a lot to me because [insert your reason here].
MRFRS is aiming to raise $30,000 through the Strut for Strays and I have set a personal goal of [$X]. Please consider making a donation to my fundraising page: [LINK]. All donations support MRFRS’s effective and lifesaving programs for cats and kittens in need. Thank you for your support!
Sincerely, [Name]
Subject: Can you help me reach my goal?
Dear family and friends,
During the month of June, am participating in the Strut for Strays Virtual Challenge! I need your help to reach my fundraising goal to support an organization that means a lot to me, the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society. MRFRS strives to improve the lives of all cats and provide support and education for the people who care about them.
I am strutting this year in honor of [insert your personal reason here]. MRFRS means a lot to me because [insert your reason here].
MRFRS is aiming to raise $30,000 through the Strut for Strays and I have set a personal goal of [$X]. Please consider making a donation to my fundraising page: [LINK]. All donations support MRFRS’s effective and lifesaving programs for cats and kittens in need. Thank you for your support!
Sincerely, [Name]
Sample "Thank You" Email
It's important to say thank you to those who supported you. Here's an example of an email you could send.
Dear [Name],
The Strut for Strays has ended (until next year!) but the impact of your gift continues. With your help, I raised [$X] to help sustain the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society’s effective and life-saving work on behalf of cats and kittens in need.
I am so grateful for the support you have shown me and the cats of MRFRS. Thank you!
Sincerely, [Name]
Dear [Name],
The Strut for Strays has ended (until next year!) but the impact of your gift continues. With your help, I raised [$X] to help sustain the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society’s effective and life-saving work on behalf of cats and kittens in need.
I am so grateful for the support you have shown me and the cats of MRFRS. Thank you!
Sincerely, [Name]
Social Media
Posting Timeline
Post #1: Announce your participation in the Strut
Post #2: Share progress and encourage followers to Strut with you and donate
Post #3: Share progress and encourage followers to Strut with you and donate
End of June: Last chance to donate!
Week after the Strut: Thank you to supporters
Post #2: Share progress and encourage followers to Strut with you and donate
Post #3: Share progress and encourage followers to Strut with you and donate
End of June: Last chance to donate!
Week after the Strut: Thank you to supporters
Sample Post
Now more than ever, cats need our help! I’m participating in the #StrutforStrays Virtual Challenge to raise funds for @MRFRScats innovative programs designed to help cats and kittens, providing them with a variety of services, from much-needed medical care and spay/neuter services, to shelter, food, and loving new homes. Please consider donating to my fundraiser here: [LINK TO YOUR PAGE]. #MRFRS
Tag MRFRS
Tag MRFRS to let people know you're fundraising for MRFRS's programs on social media with the following tags:
Facebook: @Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society
Instagram: @MRFRScats
Twitter: @MRFRScats
Facebook: @Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society
Instagram: @MRFRScats
Twitter: @MRFRScats
Hashtags
This year we are using #StrutforStrays and #MRFRS to tag our posts. If you use them too, it makes it easier for people to find your post.
