Ten Fundraising Tips

GO FOR IT! Fundraising for Houston Audubon is SO EASY. Most people like birds. Everyone has heard the name Audubon. All you have to do is explain Houston Audubon - a highly reputable charity that does great work for birds and conservation in Houston and along the Upper Texas Gulf Coast.

Talk about the critical mission of Houston Audubon and tell them why you think it is so important to further it. People want to give to environmental causes like ours and just have to be ASKED.

Work the subject of the Birdathon into conversations with friends and colleagues and ASK if they'll support your efforts to help the Houston Audubon Society.

Use our sample messages (E-Mail, U.S. Mail, Voice Mail, and Live Messages) to ASK for support. Your message is more compelling and personal if it includes the name of your team, your team picture, and a personal statement about why you are participating in Birdathon.
When you ASK, tell your potential donor how to respond to you and include the May 9th deadline so you will be eligible for Birdathon Prizes. Remind your donors that they can pledge a fixed amount or a per species amount, and they can pledge and pay online.

ASK your donor to check if his or her company has a matching gift program and if it will match the donor's donation.

When you fill out your Pledge Tracking Sheet put your own name at the top of the list so others will know that you support Houston Audubon with your wallet as well as your time. (Your Pledge Tracking Sheet must be turned in by May 4th so the pledges you have solicited will be eligible for Birdathon Prizes.

Assure donors that their donations are tax deductible. (Houston Audubon Society is a §501(c)(3) tax exempt organization).

If your donors pledge a fixed amount, collect that money in advance. If they pledge a per species amount, follow up immediately after your 24-hour birding period, tell them how many species your team ID'd, and collect their donations as soon as possible (or have them pay online or mail their donation to: Houston Audubon Society, 440 Wilchester, Houston, TX 77079).

Houston Audubon Society will send an official acknowledgment letter for each donation received. However, your donors will greatly appreciate receiving a personal thank you note from you.


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