I've been asked by a smallish local charity how they could best make use of a possible offer of support from a League Division 1 football club.
I turned to Twitter and asked a few minutes ago, and have already had some useful suggestions. Within a few minutes I had seven suggestions.
If you're ever in this fortunate position, here is what was suggested:
* abseil from the main stand, auction for a fan to be in team photo and manager for a day
* Peterborough United have just done this for three charities and will auction the shirts: http://bit.ly/5On3VE
* bucket collection at the gates
* asking players to donate a day's wages
* Auction of 'experiences' for fans - eg meet the players, get the chance to train with them
* How about each player donates a days' wages for starters? Announce that prior to bucket collections on match days!
* page in programme?
* Get the players to wear charity's t-shirt in the warm up then auction?
* Short video podcast of some players?
* Spokesman role to the most popular player on relevant topic for example....
* How about each player donates a days' wages for starters? Announce that prior to bucket collections on match days!
* its not *just* about the cash? also about awareness for charity... if it is a small relatively unknown one.
* players to donate percentage of win bonuses? Everybody wins.
* fans forum to meet players/manager - proceeds to charity; giant screen video during half-time; % from matchday catering kiosks
Thank you to the following for their tips:
www.twitter.com/charityshops
www.twitter.com/derekhumphries
www.twitter.com/kidsfirst_trust
www.twitter.com/RKtweets
www.twitter.com/seanmtully
www.twitter.com/GC_helpline
www.twitter.com/rachelbeer
www.twitter.com/frdetective
www.twitter.com/SpecialEffect
Comments
It IS just about the cash
Re: "* its not *just* about the cash? also about awareness for charity... if it is a small relatively unknown one."
Well, football crowds are really not a good target for donor acquisition and building relationships. I used to do a lot of cash collections in the late 80s and early 90s at English First Division games and you have to stay focused. Nothing else is worth it. Make sure you and the football club just work for a cash target.
From a fundraising perspective, awareness is a waste of time regardless of the size of your charity - they are the wrong (fundraising) audience.
Non plaudite modo...
Spot on, Sean. No fundraiser should ever utter the excuse "we didn't raise enough money, but at least we raised awareness", tempting as it can be. It *is* about the money, as you say.
Here's a photo I took last week that sums that up, a Latin inscription on a plinth behind Tate Modern in London.
"Don't just applaud, throw money", it reads.
Fundraisers and charities get plenty of kudos, awards, and press coverage (actually, fundraisers do not get anywhere near enough respect, but that is a different point). What really counts though is that people give money.
How they do it Australia
No messing about - here is how Surf Life Saving are working with Gold Coast United (top of Australian League).
TO: Sean Triner
FROM: Greg Potent (Surf Life Saving)
SUBJECT: Local football team assists Surf Life Saving to raise much needed funds!
Hi Sean
Local football team assists Surf Life Saving to raise much needed funds!
How would you like to see a top game of Football and Support Surf Life Saving?
GOLD Coast United and the Surf Life Saving Foundation have partnered for the big home game against Wellington Phoenix at Skilled Park on Sunday, February 7 (kick-off at 6pm). The match is a fundraising initiative and United’s way of supporting surf lifesaving in Queensland. The club will donate $1 to Surf Life Saving from every ticket sold and there will also be plenty of other fundraising activities at the game.
Much of the fundraising activity will occur in the Chairman’s Club before kickoff.
The Chairman’s Club is Gold Coast United’s highest level corporate entertaining at Skilled Park. If you’re after the best in entertainment, dining and networking, the Chairman’s Club is for you!
Prior to the game you will be treated to a 5 star 3 course buffet meal with beverages including fine wines. You can then enjoy the game in your premium padded seats on the half way line in the western stand, before enjoying further hospitality at half time and then again at the completion of the game. You will also then get an opportunity to mingle with the players at the conclusion of the game.
There will be some terrific auction items on the night, including, signed football memorabilia featuring Maradonna, Liverpool FC, Socceroos and Gold Coast United, as well as some great other auction items.
We want to give you, as a great supporter of Surf Life Saving the opportunity to further show your support by buying a table in the Chairman’s Club. If you are unable to find 10 people you may also consider buying a few seats.
Tickets are normally $229 per head: for our partners tickets are just $200 per head, or $2000 per table.
It’s going to be a great game with both teams jostling for positions at the top of the ladder in the lead up to the exciting Hyundai A-League final series. We hope to see you there supporting Surf Life Saving and Gold Coast United
In the wake of a number of tragic downing’s lately, Gold Coast United’s shirt sponsor Modern Solar has generously given up their position on the back of the players shirts for this game, which will be replaced with the safety message, “Swim between the flags”
It’s the last home game of the regular season, we want to show our support for our local Gold Coast team as they ramp up for the finals, help us fly the flag and raise much needed funds for Surf Life Saving in Queensland.
To buy a table, please contact Neil Rangeley at Gold Coast United on 0408 789 573 or email nrangeley@goldcoastunited.com.au. Make sure you mention “Surf” to Neil to get the $200 Chairman’s Club tickets.
Questions about the night can be directed to me on 0407 201 268 or just reply to this email
thanks
Greg Potent
National Donor Acquisition Manager
Surf Life Saving Foundation
T - 07 3846 8110
F - 07 3846 8099
P - PO Box 3777 South Brisbane Q 4101
W - www.lifesavingfoundation.com.au
ARE YOU A GUARDIAN OF THE SURF?