Fundraising Tips

  • Ask a large group of family and friends in a social setting (i.e. family gathering, volleyball night, watching a hockey game, etc).
  • Always have donation forms with you and be ready to give information or direction to the website to donate.
  • Be informed about the cause, the history and future of the event. This event raises funds for cancer early detection and exceptional cancer research and services at Stanford Cancer Institute and Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer early Detection. All donations benefit the cause (operations of the event are funded separately).
  • Don’t assume that someone can’t afford to give—ask all of your friends and family.
  • Ask in person, by phone, at events, and by email.  It’s best to send a 1:1 personal email.  Drop in a personal ask at the end of your email.  As a part of your email signature and footer, add a line that says, Thanks to everyone who has supported my fundraising efforts for the Canary Challenge, a bike ride to raise money for early detection cancer research and innovative supportive care programs benefiting the Stanford Cancer Institute.  So far I fundraised $_____and my personal goal is $_____.  If you would like to donate, please email me at ____________.

Thank you to:
Joe Donor
Joanne Donor

  • If you have a personal reason for participating in the Canary Challenge, personalize your fundraising efforts and let your friends know that you’re dedicating your participation to a loved one, honoring someone living with cancer, or giving back to the community that played part in your own cancer treatments.
  • Combine more than one fundraising idea at one event (i.e. 50/50 draw at a Karaoke night).
  • Be sure to advertise your fundraising events early and well (advertise a month and a half prior and send out email reminders every week).

How to Raise $400 in 5 Days

Day 1:  Donate $50 yourself.

$50

Day 2:  Ask your housemate/spouse/partner to donate $50

$100

Day 3:  Ask two relatives to donate $50 each

$200

Day 4:  Ask two friends to donate $50 each

$300

Day 5:  Ask two neighbors/colleagues to donate  $50 each                                               $400

 

Letter-writing campaigns are successful!  Write a letter or email individually to friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors to let them know what you’re doing and ask them  to donate to cancer research on your behalf.  And, always send a thank you note to your donors!