Fundraising 101

A core value at YSC is our community, and we may each choose how to give back. For those who want to fundraise, we have a few tips and tricks that make asking a little easier. Fundraising for YSC provides free community events, education, advocacy and research efforts for young adults affected by breast cancer.

Start a Fundraiser

Tips for Fundraising Success

Just Ask

Share your fundraising goals with friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors through email, social media, in person and at events. Make it personal by conveying your story about how YSC has made a difference in your life. Once they know your reasons for participating in the YSC Summit, your community will join you in supporting you and other young adults affected by breast cancer.

Spread the Word

  • Make it personal! Your story is unique and the more you share about how breast cancer has affected you, the more it will resonate with your supporters.
  • Know your cause. Learn about the unique needs of young adults affected by breast cancer.
  • Get social! Announce your fundraising goal on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitter. Link to your fundraising page and use the hashtag #YSCSummit.
  • Update your progress. Think of these as your status reports, not just a solicitation. Try to send one every two weeks and more often near the event.
  • Sign it. Add a signature line to your emails. Example: “I am raising money to support young adults affected by breast cancer. Click here (insert link to personal fundraising page) to learn more!”
  • Share the love. Ask your supporters to forward information to their friends and network.
  • Rinse and repeat. Research shows that most people must be reminded six times before they give to a cause. Follow up with an email or text message.
  • ​Thank in abundance. Send thank-you notes to your supporters by commenting on your fundraising page.

 

Ask Everyone

  • Double your efforts. Ask every donor to ask if their company matches gifts. Encourage them to submit their matching gift forms along with their contributions. Don’t forget to ask yours!
  • Work it. Ask your boss for a company donation. Many companies want to contribute to a good cause.

Get the word out 

Every ask is a chance to spread the word! Use this checklist to make sure you’ve asked everyone!

 

Raise $500 in 10 Days

Day 1: Sponsor yourself for $25.

Day 2: Ask 5 family members for $20 each.

Day 3: Ask 5 friends to contribute $10 each.

Day 4: Ask 5 co-workers to contribute $10 each.

Day 5: Ask 5 neighbors to contribute $10 each.

Day 6: Ask 5 people from your place of worship to contribute $10 each.

Day 7: Ask your boss for a contribution of $50.

Day 8: Ask 3 businesses or companies you know through work to sponsor you for $25 each.

Day 9: Ask 4 businesses you frequent – like nail salons, coffee shops, dry cleaners or your favorite restaurants – to contribute $15. They can also donate gift certificates that you can use to raise funds through raffles.

Day 10: Hold a fundraising event in your community.