Introduction to fundraising
Fundraising is an essential part of supporting the work of Young People in Recovery (YPR) chapters, allowing them to expand their services, reach more individuals, and strengthen the community’s recovery support network. With funds raised, chapters can provide more resources to participants, host impactful events, and build recovery-ready environments. Each chapter has unique needs, and fundraising enables them to meet those needs, whether it’s for All Recovery Meetings, outreach initiatives, or pro-social events. Setting clear and achievable fundraising goals is the foundation for success, allowing chapters to focus their efforts on specific outcomes that directly benefit the community. This toolkit provides a range of strategies, templates, and creative ideas to help chapter leads effectively plan and execute fundraising campaigns. By engaging with local supporters, businesses, and the wider community, chapters can grow their impact, build lasting partnerships, and ensure a sustainable future for their programs.
All YPR fundraising activities must align with YPR Policies.
You can find the Givebutter links and QR codes here!
To support their unique needs and goals, YPR chapters can explore a variety of fundraising campaign types. By diversifying fundraising approaches, chapters can connect with a broad range of supporters and increase their overall impact. Here are several campaign types that can help chapters achieve their fundraising goals:
1. Direct Donations
- Description: Direct donations are one of the simplest and most effective ways to fundraise. Chapters can reach out to individuals or businesses for one-time or recurring contributions to support general operations, specific programs, or events.
- How to Start: Every chapter has a unique fundraising page. Your link can be found at the top of your chapter landing page. You can share this link on your chapter’s social media pages, and in outreach, for a convenient way for donors to give. Engage potential donors with a clear message about how their contributions make a difference.
- Bonus Tip: Acknowledge every contribution promptly with a thank-you message and regular updates on how donations are making an impact.
3. Corporate Sponsorships
- Description: Corporate sponsorships offer businesses a way to support YPR’s mission while gaining visibility in the community. Local businesses can provide financial sponsorships, in-kind donations, event sponsorships, or other resources that support chapter activities.
- How to Start: Identify businesses in your area that align with YPR’s mission. Approach them with a proposal outlining potential sponsorship benefits, such as logo placement at events or recognition on social media.
4. Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
- Description: In peer-to-peer fundraising, supporters set up their mini-campaigns to raise money toward a chapter’s main fundraising goal. This method works well for chapters that want to involve their community more actively in the fundraising process.
- How to Start: Set a chapter fundraising goal and ask supporters to create their fundraising page through GiveSmart. Guide them with messaging and tips on how to share the campaign with their friends and networks.
- Bonus Tip: Offer small incentives or recognition for top fundraisers, such as a shout-out on social media or a small thank-you gift.
5. Fundraising Events
- Description: Hosting a fundraising event provides an opportunity to bring the community together while raising funds. Events like community runs, wellness workshops, or family-friendly gatherings can be in-person or virtual.
- How to Start: Plan an event that aligns with your chapter’s mission and appeals to your local community. To support the event financially, set an admission fee, donation request, or sponsorship opportunity.
- Bonus Tip: Use the event to promote ongoing fundraising initiatives and invite attendees to continue supporting the chapter even after the event is over.
- Fundraising Ideas: A-Z
GiveSmart is a donation platform that allows donors to support your chapter easily and securely using a credit card. This platform simplifies the donation process, making it accessible for supporters at events, online, or through social media promotions.
Each YPR chapter has a unique GiveSmart donation link, which can be found near the top of the chapter’s landing page. This link directs donors to a secure payment page, making it convenient for anyone who wants to support your chapter’s efforts.
Additionally, there’s a QR code linked to your chapter’s GiveSmart page, which is ideal for in-person events. Donors can scan the code with their smartphones to access the donation page quickly. If you need the QR code, please contact your program manager, who can provide you with the code and assist with any questions.
Receiving Funds: Once donations are made on GiveSmart, the funds are automatically deposited into your chapter’s account, ensuring a smooth and secure transfer of support to your chapter’s resources.
Tips for Using GiveSmart:
- Share the Link: Include the GiveSmart link in your emails, social media posts, and on event materials to make it easy for supporters to find.
- Display the QR Code: At events, place the QR code on signage, flyers, or tables so attendees can donate directly with their smartphones.
- Explain the Impact: Remind donors of the difference their contributions will make by including a short message about the goals their donations will support.
Using GiveSmart ensures a smooth donation experience, helping you raise funds more effectively and reach your chapter’s goals.
Securing sponsorships can provide essential resources and visibility for your Young People in Recovery (YPR) event. Sponsorships not only boost your event’s success but also strengthen YPR’s ties to the local community. This guide provides actionable steps for approaching potential sponsors and creating lasting partnerships. Additionally, use the links below for helpful resources:
1. Utilize Your Network
- Tip: Leverage the connections within your chapter and extend your reach by asking friends, family, employers, and classmates for introductions to potential sponsors. Sometimes an old boss or recovery buddy can introduce you to the right contacts within local businesses.
- Example: A friend may have a contact at a corporate office, or a family member may work with someone in a decision-making role.
2. Do Your Research
- Tip: Identify businesses already sponsoring local events or nonprofits, especially those supporting health, wellness, or community services. In-kind gifts, like snacks, beverages, or printed materials, are often easier to secure than cash donations.
- Example: Supermarkets or print shops may be open to donating products or services. Check YPR Connect’s event toolkit for sponsorship benefits you can offer in return and for sample letters and forms to send once sponsors commit.
3. Seek Media Sponsorships
- Tip: Appoint a PR chair, even for smaller events, to explore free publicity opportunities. Many newspapers, community boards, and bloggers offer free event listings. Larger events may interest local newspapers, radio stations, or TV news.
- Example: Coverage of your event can increase awareness of YPR’s mission, attract new supporters, and enhance sponsor visibility.
4. Outline Detailed Benefits
- Tip: List the benefits companies will receive from sponsoring, like exposure to potential customers, media mentions, and on-site sampling opportunities. Check YPR Connect’s event toolkit for templates on sponsorship benefits.
- Example: Benefits might include logo placement on event signage, mentions in press releases, on-site sampling, VIP access, and social media recognition.
5. Create Customized Pitches
- Tip: Tailor each sponsorship package to align with the prospective sponsor’s brand and business goals. A customized approach shows businesses that you understand their goals and how they align with your event.
- Example: For a fitness company sponsoring a walk-a-thon, provide an on-site space for equipment demos or include discount coupons in goodie bags.
6. Send an Event Recap
- Tip: After the event, send thank-you letters and a recap report to each sponsor. Summarize key details, like attendance, funds raised, press coverage, and attach sample ads or photos. This demonstrates the impact of their support.
- Example: A brief report with photos of the event, press clippings, and mentions of future events they could support will leave a lasting positive impression.
7. Manage Sponsorship Relationships
- Tip: Dedicate someone on your team to maintain sponsor relations. Managing logistics like logo approvals, custom offerings, and communications ensures smooth collaboration and may encourage future sponsorship.
- Example: By providing consistent communication and fulfilling promises, your sponsors may be more inclined to partner with you again.
Use these tips to secure and sustain sponsorships that align with YPR’s mission, ensuring your event has both the resources and local support it needs to succeed. For additional templates, refer to the links above.
Showing appreciation for your donors is a crucial step in building long-term relationships and encouraging continued support. When someone donates to your chapter, it’s essential to acknowledge their generosity and express gratitude promptly. This follow-up also lets them know their contribution is valued and will be put to good use.
How to Show Appreciation
- Thank-You Email: Send a personalized email to each donor as soon as possible after receiving their donation. A thoughtful thank-you message reinforces your appreciation and keeps them engaged with your chapter’s mission.
- Include Specifics: When possible, mention how their donation will impact your chapter’s programs and activities. Specific details help donors feel connected to the cause and confident in their support.
For a Thank-You Email Template
By consistently following up with donors, you build a community of supporters who feel valued and more likely to continue contributing to your chapter’s success.
One of the most effective ways to raise awareness and build partnerships in your community is by hosting an About YPR information session. These sessions give community organizations an inside look at your chapter’s work, its impact, and the opportunities available for support and collaboration.
Event Goals
- Inform and Inspire: Share YPR’s mission, vision, and the specific ways your chapter supports the recovery community.
- Encourage Donations: Showcase how financial support can help expand YPR programs and empower individuals in recovery.
- Foster Collaboration: Build relationships with local organizations, encouraging them to partner with YPR to strengthen the recovery network.
Preparing Your Presentation
- Use the YPR PowerPoint Deck: A pre-prepared PowerPoint deck is available, which chapter leads can customize with specific details about their chapter.
- Personalize with Chapter-Specific Information: Highlight your chapter’s unique initiatives, upcoming events, and any local statistics that show the need for recovery support in your community.
Session Format Suggestions
- Introduction: Begin by introducing yourself and briefly explaining YPR’s role in building recovery-ready communities.
- About YPR: Use the PowerPoint to give an overview of YPR’s mission, values, and core programs.
- Chapter Impact: Share how your chapter’s programs have made a difference locally, including specific examples of events or successes.
- Call to Action: Encourage organizations to consider supporting YPR by donating, partnering on events, or promoting YPR’s resources within their networks.
By hosting informational sessions, your chapter can create meaningful connections and inspire ongoing support from local organizations that are committed to strengthening the recovery community.