Basics
Cyclists are required to raise a minimum of $2,500 in donations. We know that many of you are slightly intimidated by this requirement. However, most of you are going to be surprised at how quickly the donations add up once you put your heart, creativity, and commitment into the effort.
The key is getting started if you haven't already. We are extremely pleased when participants tell us they are striving to exceed the minimum fundraising requirement. More funds raised means more support for critical AIDS and HIV services.
How about you? What will your fundraising goal be if you choose to go beyond the minimum? $3,000? Double the minimum? Triple? If there is something keeping you from meeting the deadline, don't panic. Give your Cycle Buddy a call and formulate a fundraising plan.
If you have never raised money before (or even if you have), it is probably a little frightening. Rest assured, most people feel the same way! The good news is that there are many different ways to fundraise. Check out this list of more than 125 ideas, or ask your Cycle Buddy for help. Listed below are just a few things to keep in mind.
It is not for you. Remember, you are not asking people to fund your next car payment or Hawaiian vacation. You are asking for money to help provide services to people living with HIV/AIDS. The San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center depend on these funds to deliver the best possible HIV/AIDS-related programs to those who need them.
Know your stuff. Be informed about why you are doing this. Memorize a few key facts about your local beneficiary, and some of the work they do, and make yourself familiar with the current state of the AIDS pandemic, particularly in your community. Maybe carry around a little card with notes. More information can be found in your manual, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation website at www.sfaf.org, or the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center website at www.lagaycenter.org. There are many reasons to support AIDS LifeCycle and you should share them with your donors.
Be prepared. Always carry your AIDS/LifeCycle donation forms, pledge letters, and pre-addressed envelopes. Always. Because ...
You never know. A donation could come from anyone, anywhere, anytime. So...
Talk, talk, talk. Tell everyone you know that you are raising at least $2,500 and riding a bicycle 545 miles to help fund programs for people with HIV and AIDS.
The magic words. Of course you will say please when asking for donations, but do not forget to thank your sponsors too. Send them a simple note, a photo of you wearing your AIDS/LifeCycle t-shirt, or a training update. Make your donors a part of your AIDS/LifeCycle experience, and they will feel even better about contributing.
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