fbpx
Apply Today

Birthday Fundraising Guide

In the immortal words of Unity’s Aaron Coleman, “Thank you for being born!”  Your birthday is a wonderful occasion for celebration, for you and for Unity.  A birthday fundraising campaign is a powerful and personal way to support Unity.  By leveraging the celebratory nature of birthdays, you can rally your friends, family, and network to support our school.  This guide will help you create and execute an effective birthday fundraising campaign.  For extra help, check out Go Fund Me’s Complete Guide to Planning Birthday Fundraiser.

1
Timing: 3 Weeks Before Your Birthday

SET A GOAL AND TIMELINE

  1. Determine a fundraising goal.  Consider connecting each donation to your age (e.g., $30 for a 30th birthday) or another meaningful number.
  2. Decide the campaign’s start and end dates (e.g., the week before and after your birthday).
  3. Write your “pitch” using the template below.
2
Timing: 2 Weeks Before Your Birthday

Set Up Your Campaign Page

  1. Go to Unity’s Go Fund Me site.
  2. Click “Start a GoFundMe”.
    • Key info:
      1. Unity’s zip code is 11221.
      2. Select “Fundraising for a charity” – enter “Unity Prep” (EIN 461540346) in the search tab.
      3. Select a photo or video that illustrates Unity and the cause you’re supporting.
      4. Paste in your “pitch”.
      5. Give your fundraiser a title.
  3. Click “Complete Fundraiser” to launch your campaign page!
3
Timing: 1-2 Weeks Before Your Birthday

Start Your Outreach

  1. Leverage Social Media:
    • Post about your campaign regularly leading up to and on your birthday.
    • Use photos, videos, or live streams to engage your audience.
  2. Send Personal Messages:
    • Reach out to close friends and family directly.
    • Tailor messages to individuals to increase response rates.
  3. Tag and Engage:
    • Tag donors in thank-you posts (with their permission).
    • Respond to comments and shares to keep the momentum going.
4
Timing: On Your Birthday

Share Your Campaign

  1. Share a celebratory post with a donation link.
  2. Host a small event or live stream to celebrate and fundraise.
  3. Update your audience when you hit 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of your goal.
  4. Highlight impact by sharing stories or statistics showing how donors’ contributions are making a difference.
5
Timing: 1 Week After Your Birthday

Celebrate and Thank Supporters

  1. Express Gratitude:
    • Send personalized thank-you notes or messages to each donor.
    • Post a public thank-you on social media.
  2. Share Results:
    • Let everyone know how much was raised and the impact their donations will have.

Write Your Pitch - Template

  1. Adapt the text on the right by including a couple of heartfelt sentences about why this cause matters to you.
    • Key point:
      1. Share your personal connection to Unity.
  2. Insert a photo or video that connects with the campaign.
  3. Clearly state your fundraising goal and deadline.
  4. Use specific examples of how donations will make an impact

“Hello, friends!

I’m turning 30 on (DATE)!  This year, help me celebrate by making a difference!

For my birthday, instead of gifts, I ask that you donate to my school Unity Prep.  I am asking you to support Unity because ____________.

(INSERT PHOTO/VIDEO)

This fundraiser will end on (INSERT DATE), one week after my birthday.  I hope to raise $_____ for Unity by then!

If it is within your means, I ask that you donate $30, to commemorate my 30th birthday.  Of course, feel free to donate more if you are able!  Your donations will support my work -(DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO).

Thank you for helping make my birthday extra special this year, and for supporting work that is so near to my heart.”

WordPress Lightbox Plugin