FUNDRAISING 101

TIPS AND TRICKS

Look, nobody likes fundraising, accept maybe our Development Director, Nicki Brown. It’s hard, it’s awkward and frankly it’s human nature to avoid rejection. So, trust us, we get it. But, to use one of our favorite puns, you’re in good hands, and the impact behind your fundraising efforts for Hands On Atlanta can literally change lives. We’re talking the lives of those we serve (like the 5-10 Million meals distributed into the community every year) and the lives of those who serve (people like you).

Think about the last time you volunteered... Got it? Did you feel better or worse than before you started? My guess, a lot better. To help make “the ick” of fundraising feel more like that feeling you had when you finished your volunteer project, here’s a few quick and easy tips and tricks to get started and crush your fundraising goal!

1. Just Start.

   The next steps are all strategic and thoughtful, but honestly, pick up your phone, copy/paste your fundraising link and text the most recent 10-15 conversations and group chats. That should drum up a pretty good start for you! But, if you need a little more convincing….

2. Document your WHY

   What motivates you to volunteer? Do you have a memorable story that keeps you coming back? Write it down, press record on your phone - just get it out of your head and onto paper (or screen). Need a little help? I’ve been told ChatGPT is great at coming up with compelling fundraising messaging.  

3. Create a Plan  

   Start with a fundraising goal, then work backwards. Want to raise $500? That could be 1 big donor, 10 at $50 or 50 at $10. There’s no wrong answer and depending on your network and you might be surprised at who gives a little and who gives a lot.

4. Source Your Network 

   Who ya got? Close friends, family? They’re easy and should be a given. Beyond that, if you posted a photo from some community engagement activity on Instagram or Facebook or Linkedin, did it get likes? From who? Hit ‘em up. Ask your boss, your neighbors, your kid’s parents, your kid’s teachers, your fraternity bros or sorority sisters, your small group, your cousin’s girlfriend's sister who makes sure to talk to you about Girl Scout Cookies… Write this list down and keep track of who’s responded.

5. Share Your WHY

   Remember step 2 up above? Now that you’ve got your story and your why, share it with the world. Incorporate it on your fundraising page and in your messaging. An absolute 100% true story, I once hit my fundraising goal for the Spring for Service campaign simply on the messaging that I wanted to be the top fundraiser so I could hit my boss in the face with a pie… I won and I brought receipts. I hope you hit your goal and get to have your own pie in the face moment. :)

6. BONUS TIP: You’re Going to Get “No”

   The sooner you come to grips with this fact, the better. But, remember, they’re not saying no to you, they’re saying no to donating. So, in reality, they’re saying no to me. So, keep going. Keep asking. The more “no’s” bring you one step closer to a yes. Also, worse than a no, is a “left on read” no response. A good trick to minimize this is by asking directly vs. mass email, text or social posts. It’s really hard to say no or ignore someone who asks directly.

Have fun, good luck and thanks for helping Hands On Atlanta make our city a little more engaged and equitable!

Tim

1️⃣ The Impact Hook

Hey [Name]! Did you know that just $10 can help Hands On Atlanta connect more volunteers to critical community projects? 💪 Every dollar fuels change! Chip in today and let’s make a difference together: [Donation Link]

2️⃣ The Urgency Play

🔥We’ve got a big goal and little time!🔥 Hands On Atlanta is rallying volunteers to support local schools, nonprofits, and neighborhoods—but we can’t do it without YOU! A quick donation = big impact. Give now: [Donation Link]

3️⃣ The Personal Ask

Hey [Name], I know you care about making ATL better for everyone. Hands On Atlanta is bringing real change through volunteering, but we need support to keep it going. Can you pitch in today? Even $5 makes a difference! Donate here: [Donation Link]

1️⃣ The Corporate Challenge (Engagement + Matching Gifts)

Atlanta thrives when we give back—will your company step up? 💼💙

Hands On Atlanta connects thousands of volunteers to local nonprofits, schools, and communities in need. But we can’t do it alone. Your donation today could be doubled if your employer matches gifts!

✅ Check if your company matches donations: [Matching Gift Link]

💰 Make an impact now: [Donation Link]

Tag your team & let’s make a difference together! #CorporateSocialResponsibility #ATLstrong

📝 Tip: Encourage employees to share their company’s giving initiatives and tag their employer for visibility.

2️⃣ The Leadership Call-to-Action (Thought Leadership Angle)

🚀 Invest in Atlanta’s future. 🚀

At Hands On Atlanta, we believe in the power of people to drive change. Through volunteering, mentorship, and hands-on service, we’re shaping a stronger, more connected city.

But real impact takes resources. 💰 We’re calling on business leaders, philanthropists, and changemakers to support this mission.

📢 Every $50 helps us mobilize more volunteers to create lasting change. Will you invest in our city’s future?

🔗 Donate today: [Donation Link]

#Leadership #Philanthropy #ATLstrong #Impact

📝 Tip: LinkedIn posts perform best when they include a personal reflection from leadership or a donor. Consider a quote or testimonial.

1️⃣ Your Story (With a Direct Ask)

🌟 Meet [Volunteer Name/Community Impact Story]! 🌟

[Insert your short impact story about a volunteer experience or how someone you know/saw benefited from Hands On Atlanta’s work. Example:]

“I never thought I could make a difference until I volunteered with Hands On Atlanta. Whether it’s tutoring students or revitalizing neighborhoods, I’ve seen firsthand how small actions create BIG change.”

Your donation fuels these moments. Will you help us support more volunteers making an impact? Every $10 helps Hands On Atlanta connect volunteers with critical community projects. Donate now: [Donation Link]

👍 Tip: Pin this post to the top of your page and encourage comments by asking, “What’s your favorite volunteer memory?”

2️⃣ The Urgency Push (Time-Sensitive Goal)

🚨 I’m [X amount] away from hitting my fundraising goal, and I need YOU! 🚨

Every dollar donated fuels volunteer power—providing school support, fighting food insecurity, and revitalizing communities across Atlanta.

Can you help us cross the finish line today? 💙 Give now and be part of something bigger: [Donation Link]

💬 Tag a friend who cares about Atlanta and challenge them to match your gift!

👍 Tip: Use Facebook’s built-in Donate button and create a peer-to-peer fundraising challenge to get your community involved.

1️⃣ The Impact Carousel Post

🌍 Small Actions. Big Impact. 🌍

Swipe to see how your donations fuel volunteers making a difference in ATL!

📌 Slide 1: “What if $10 could change a life?” (Bold text on an engaging image)

📌 Slide 2: Photo of volunteers in action (Tutoring, serving meals, beautifying parks, etc.)

📌 Slide 3: Impact stats (e.g., “Last year, 60,000+ Hands On Atlanta volunteers served 280,000+ hours!”)

📌 Slide 4: Call-to-action: “Be the change. Donate today. [Donation Link]”

📣 Tag a friend who loves ATL and challenge them to give!

📝 Tip: Use IG donation stickers in stories & a strong CTA in the caption.

2️⃣ The Video Reel: “A Day in the Life of a Volunteer”

🎥 Join us behind the scenes of a Hands On Atlanta volunteer day! From [Activity 1] to [Activity 2], our volunteers are changing lives every day. ❤️

Want to be part of the movement? You can! Support our work by donating today. Every $5 fuels hands-on impact in ATL!

📌 Click the link in my bio to give!

📝 Tip: Instagram Reels get higher reach than static posts. Pair with trending sounds for more visibility!