FEBRUARY 2025
You start out as a novice at fundraising and then, you become better because you have to.
But what if you didn't have to do it alone?
Let's look at what you need for a successful fundraiser, and how to build your team.
A successful fundraiser needs 3 things:
Your story with a defined need
Transparency on how donations will be used
Clear call to action on how/where to donate
A good fundraiser lets people into your place of need to help change your story.
YOU CAN ASK FOR HELP BEFORE YOU ASK FOR HELP.
Realizing that you don't have to do it alone can start BEFORE the fundraiser.
That's right. You can get people to help you to get other people to help you.
*cue sound effects of explosions or angels singing
You can assemble a team.
A Fundraiser Team.
Add People To Your Fundraising Team
Think of assembling a great business team. Everyone has their own strengths. A fundraising team is the same. You're going to need a couple of people with the following skills:
Storyteller/Writer: Do you have a friend/family member who is great at telling stories? Get them to interview you and record it. Use that recording to write your story. Share snippets of the interview on social media and Facebook. Faces and people make empathy and investment more genuine. And genuine vulnerability is what you need. Get them to ask you what your challenges are, and help you define what you need.
Connector: Do you have a friend/family member who is VERY connected in your community? You know that person who knows what's going on - and cares about it. That's the person you need to share your story. Have them talk about it on social media. Have them Share your online fundraiser. Have them plan a local fundraiser for you.
Photographer: Do you have a friend/family member who ALWAYS takes the photos? Schedule a family photoshoot. Ask them to take photos at fundraisers, friend get-togethers, or small videos of you and your loved ones. These photos are key. People want to help people. Photos show them who they're giving to. Photos connect the need with the heart.
Beta Readers: Do you have a few friends/family who want to be the first to know things? Or to find & point out the edits needed? GET THEM ON YOUR TEAM. There are so many scammers online these days. You can build trust with your online donors by making sure you have beta readers reading your updates and online content before you share it with your donors & community.
List Maker: Do you have a friend/family member who is INTO lists or event logistics in a big way? Get them to manage your donor list. They can use that list to send thank yous, keep your donors updated on current needs, AND celebrate wins. *Experts agree! See note below by fundraising expert, Patrick Kirby, from Do Good Better Consulting.
Your Path Forward
Start by starting. You're not going to be perfect - but you gain skills as you go.
Define your need, share your story, add a clear call to action of how to help.
Then add people to your Fundraising Team and delegate.
How to Start
Take just one of these steps today:
Search for a local medical foundation and ask if they do fundraisers for local families like yours
Ask 2 of your storyteller or connector friends to help you tell your story.
Schedule a candid photoshoot for your loved one. Either in nature, doing what they love, or being with the people they love.
You are not just fundraising for yourself or your partner - you are assembling a team.
You can do this.
♥ Sue
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Living with hATTR
There is no current cure for Amyloidosis. – YET. But in the last 9 years, there are significant advancements in NEW medications that can slow the disease down, and change the story.
We believe that living with hATTR = living with hope.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
My name is Sue Skavlem.
I'm a visual messenger – not a doctor.*
My husband has Amyloidosis. And it took me a year of googling to understand what an "adult-onset multi-system genetic disease" was.
After learning that "Amyloids have the tensile strength of steel", I came up with the "Accumulating BBs Theory."
My hope is to promote awareness of the disease, update our friends & family on our journey, and create resources other families with hATTR can use.
*Information in this article is meant to inform, but is not medically reviewed, nor should it be used to self-diagnose. Please talk with a medical doctor about free genetic testing if you or a loved one may have hereditary Amyloidosis.
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