Here are some tips as you reach out to potential donors and strive to reach your fundraising goals, or you can download our Fundraising Resources Packet.
Share your personal story of why you are participating in the race and in this cause…
Be personal and be brief
Use any and all means of communication:
-Word of mouth… bring it up in casual conversation
-Send out emails, write letters
-Post on Facebook or other social media sites
-Call people on the phone
Share your enthusiasm and joy for both the race and the cause… Joy is infectious!
1. Have confidence in what you are doing. You wouldn't have signed up for this if you didn't believe in the cause; just prepare to share your conviction with others. Your efforts to raise money also raise awareness about this cause and can lead to more donations down the line.
2. Make your plan - whom are you going to contact, how much do you expect to ask/get from each of them; set your own fundraising goal for all your races (see suggested amounts below). Go through your email contacts, your Facebook friends, other people who've asked you to sponsor them for things. At the same time, try to make your efforts as personal as possible - if your contacts see you're emailing 500 other people, they'll figure “someone else will do it” so you don't need them.
3. Prepare your story... why am I dedicating my race to the Arlington Seminarians?
Imagine the positive coverage at the Marine Corps Marathon of someone running to support future priests! When you consider that there are people running to support environmental causes and questionable social issues - this one certainly seems worthy.
When I heard about this opportunity, I thought it was the least I could do to support the future priests of our diocese - those men who will bring me Christ in the Eucharist and God's forgiveness in confession. They've given up everything to follow Christ, if my fundraising efforts can help them worry a little less about supporting themselves and a little more about becoming holy/being 100% committed to their formation - seemed like a win-win situation!
Our diocese currently has 50 young men preparing to become priests - “other Christs” - to give us the Eucharist and God's forgiveness in confession - which is wonderful, but 50 seminarians means housing, feeding, educating and forming 50 men! Our fundraising efforts assist with the costs of their education as well as help to provide a “back-up fund”, to cover medical expenses, car repairs, and opportunities for the seminarians to grow in their sense of community with the other guys from the diocese.
4. Take advantage of social media, crowdfunding, and other means to reach more people. Post training milestones stories about your training, or send stories of seminarians.
5. Keep track of the responses/replies/comments and follow up! Make sure they have the links, address, etc. where to send their donations. Give them the fine print. (We can help you with that, too.)
-All pledges are tax deductible
-They can donate by credit card online or mail in a check
-All donations directly support the seminarians of the Diocese of Arlington.
6. Start a Race for Seminarians Team at your parish. Learn more here.
7. Lastly, thank everyone! Big or small, every donation counts. Always remember to thank all of your donors for their generosity.
The earlier you start, the more time you have to reach and exceed your goals.
Thank you for your support of the Diocese of Arlington Race for Seminarians!
Return to the Athlete's Page.
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