Share this story: Just this week, NYAAF is helping to fund Amanda*, an uninsured patient whose procedure costs $11,000 and who will have to travel across the country to be seen by a provider. Donations during the Bowl-a-thon provide the bulk of our funding to help patients like Amanda* access the abortion services they need!

Email: Only if it makes sense! If you know people who frequently check their email then go for it, if they’re not one of those people think of different ways to get in touch
Facebook/ Twitter/Other Social Media Outlets: Pick a certain time to put updates.  Be intentional when you ask online. Be sure to tell folks why you care and ask for their support with a specific amount.

Face to Face Or Phone: Always more effective! The more personal your ask the higher chance of you receiving the amount you asked for.

Get into a rhythm!! Fundraising isn’t separate of what’s happening in your life. Get into a rhythm of talking about the bowl-a-thon in your daily conversations.

Step 1: Make contact!
Reach out by emailing and calling your networks! Tell them what you’re doing (I’m participating in this awesome fundraiser to support one of my favorite organizations, the New York Abortion Access Fund – NYAAF) In your email be sure to tell them what the Bowl-a-thon is and why you support NYAAF. (All this info can be found on the NYAAF website) Speak from the heart!

Step 2: Make the Ask! 
Explicitly ask your network, friends, family, etc…to support your efforts and NYAAF by making a donation today! Remind them that any gift is welcome no matter how small or large. Or ask for a specific amount (Would you be wiling to pledge $100?). Remember, if you’re on a team, your folks can donate directly to you online at your personal page.

Step 3: Follow up, follow up, follow up! 
Some of your people may say “Yes, I’d love to support, but can I give you money next week?” or something to that affect. In order to met your goal (and hopefully exceed it), you must call and email to remind everyone to turn in their pledges to you!! Before the Bowl-a-thon you must collect all checks and cash, as well as email all those people who said “oh yes I’ve been meaning to give to you”. Online donations can be a great way to get people to donate sooner rather than later. Don’t forget to encourage people to donate online!

Step 4: Answer any questions they have!
Some of your donors have never heard of NYAAF, or maybe they don’t know about abortion funds, or the need for NYAAF, etc…. That’s okay! This is a great opportunity to get the word out about what we at NYAAF do. Feel free to use our website, FB page, Twitter account, and ME as resources to help talk about our incredible work with the people you’re asking to support you. Also, feel free to direct them to any of the above resources or provide them with my email if they have questions you aren’t able, or feel comfortable answering.

Step 5: Thank them!
This is the most important step! NYAAF/NNAF will send all your donors thank you notes/tax receipts, but a personalized thank you from you will feel awesome and will make sure your donors know that you appreciate their support.

As always, if you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here for anything and everything and to support you in anyway!!

KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!

Thank you!

Dana

Bowl-a-thon Coordinator