By Frederick Ballo
Fundraising can be an intimidating task. But, if you keep the goal affordable and simple, completing this task is rather easy. This honest and sustainable fundraising approach has been key for me during economic downturns, or geopolitical chaos.
- Title Your Ask: “$5 Within 5 Days” can be the subject line in an email or just a question you put to someone you’re chatting with, “Can you donate $5 within the next 5 days?” This draws attention to what you are attempting to do. The amount is within your donors’ budgets. I’ve found that the donation amount tends to be either at that amount or twice that of the asking amount.
Example: “$5 Within 5 Days”. If you go with this approach or another one, you should let your title be the shortest explanation of the fundraising details. - Ownership: If you really think about it, your donors are a part of something greater than they even know. Remind them of how helpful they are and not just a number. People enjoy being appreciated before, during, and after your fundraising campaign. They help make a difference.
Example: For the “$5 Within Five Days” challenge, I kicked it off by donating $5 to my fundraising myself. That way, donors can see I have already contributed establishing my personal stake. - Numbers Game. I like to think that you have a 50/50 chance of receiving any donations from donors that you’ve asked. Don’t be discouraged by the outcome if they don’t give. Be sure to ask 100% of your potential donor list for support. Offer alternative ways to contribute for those who can’t give financially. Many of your donors may give more than $5, but ultimately your success depends on broad outreach, so build a large contact list.
Example: Unable to donate $5.00? Share and or invite this fundraiser with five of your friends, family members, and co-workers. At the end of the day, we all want to do good for the planet. - Time Frame: Adding a time limit creates a sense urgency for fundraising. Your donors will come forward if they are reminded of your progress daily. They will know you have a deadline!
Example: 2. Donate between these dates – March 17-21, 2025 - Set The Example. Donors need a reason why they should donate. $5 is easy to relate to common items they might purchase daily, like a coffee. Inform them that this is an investment in your success. We all spend $5 dollar a day on something unknowingly. Coffee, fuel, transport fare, bank fees, shipping fees, tips, etc.
Example: Skip that extra coffee or desert and invest in our planet with me!
Here is what a simple message taking this tact looks like. I hope this helps, thanks for reading!
$5 Within 5 Day -This may be the most unorthodox fundraising “ask” of this decade!
Can you donate $5 in the next 5 days? You can see I have already donated to myself. I hope you’ll join me by:
- Donating the affordable, minimum of $5.00 (If you would like to donate more, that’s always helpful)!
- Donate between these dates – Month/Day/Year.
For just the cost of a cup of coffee, you can help me to help the planet. Unable to donate $5.00? Share and or invite this fundraiser with five of your friends, family members, and co-workers. At the end of the day, investing is what we all want to do for the planet.
Thank you!
Your Name
Frederick Ballo is a 20x Climate Rider and has raised over $40,000 to date!