Fundraising is an essential part of what our organization is about. It allows us to provide critical funds and resources to the staff, families, and community in which Riley Hospital for Children serves. 
 
One way to fundraise is through the utilization of peer-to-peer fundraising. Peer-to-peer fundraising is what it sounds like: people giving to people. For example, your friends will donate to you because you are passionate about the cause. Fundraising starts with reaching out to friends and family, neighbors, teachers, anyone you know who may be willing to donate to this cause.

There are three key factors in fundraising: identifying donors, donor retention, and stewardship.


Identifying Donors

The easiest way to start identifying donors is to create a donor web. Donor webs are a great way to visualize anyone you can ask for a donation! It’s a great starting spot for you to brainstorm new people that have not been asked yet and to create a group of people you can reach out to.

Creating a donor web:
Step 1: Divide a piece of paper into four categories of your choice (For example: friends, family, school, work, etc.)
Step 2: Once you have your four categories, make 2-3 sub-categories (For example: “school” can be divided into teachers, classmates, and administration
Step 3: Finally, under each sub-category, list the names of the individuals that fall into that category. 


Donor Retention

What is donor retention? 
Donor retention is the measure of how many donors continue to donate to a cause or an organization year to year. In addition, donor retention ensures that you do not start at $0 each year. Imagine starting from what you ended with last year, and building upon that by asking new donors.

How does this work?
One of the best ways to ensure that your donors will renew each year is by stewarding them. This is as simple as maintaining a relationship and thanking them for their contribution. If they would like more information you can educate them about IUDM, Riley Hospital, and where their donation goes throughout your stewardship effort. Be sure to thank your donors after they donate and then again at the end of the year!

Where can I find my past donors?
On DonorDrive, go to Messages and one of the options is previous donors who have not donated this year. 
For a full list of previous donors, click on Dashboard, select the marathon year on the drop-down, click “View Donations Received” under “Your Fundraising” and select “Download Donor Report.” This will download a file with a list of your donors from that year, how much they donated, and their email contact information. 


Stewardship

The best way to retain your donors each year is by showing your appreciation. This creates a connection with your donors that will inspire them to donate again. Below are three different levels of stewarding, depending on your experience level of fundraising. 

Beginner Fundraiser:
Send a personal thank you to your donor post-marathon=
Mail a thank you card or send an email, phone call, text message
Intermediate Fundraiser: (Beginner +)
Thank your donor within 24-48 hours with a personal message
Thank you card, email, phone call, text message
Experienced Fundraiser: (Beginner and Intermediate +)
Send non-ask updates throughout the year with what you’re up to with IUDM


Please visit iudm.org/fundraise to access all fundraising templates, guides, and additional resources.