The earlier you start, the more time you have to reach your fundraising goal. You can get that awkward first donation out of the way by making a contribution to yourself. This not only eliminates the intimidation of the blank pledge sheet, it also shows people you are serious about supporting the cause!

It's free, easy to use and a great way to reach a large amount of people. Look in the registration package that was sent to you for login information and tips on using your page. Take some time to get familiar with all the great features it offers and personalize it with your own photo and message. By emailing your friends, family and colleagues your webpage link, you enable them to donate easily online with a credit card. The system instantly generates a thank-you and tax receipt, so it couldn't be any easier! Teams are also given a team page which allows general team donations.

Tracking your progress will help you stay organized and focused.

This list is the most important tool in your fundraising campaign. Create a list of all prospective people who might be willing to sponsor you in the Rush. Think of anyone you know - friends, family, physicians, co-workers, church members, neighbours, clients, etc. The more people you contact, the easier it will be to reach your goal! You will be surprised by your results, and your contacts will feel privileged to support your efforts for such a worthy cause.
If you have participated in this event before, reaching out to previous donors is a great way to start. These individuals have already shown that they support you and the cause. Here's an easy way to accomplish this using your personal webpage:

Login to your personal webpage HQ
Click on the "Reports" tab
Click on past event donation statistics
Here you can do one of 2 things:
1) Select all the past donors that you would like to send an email to again for 2011
Click send to create an email to all these past donors
Spend some time on customizing the email, and send!
2) Click "export XLS" to create a spreadsheet of past donors' email addresses and donation amounts.
Use this spreadsheet to send out an email from your personal email account. Use the mail merge feature if you want to get creative!

Similar to a sports training schedule or work schedule, you'll need to create a fundraising schedule. Start early so you can set realistic goals and deadlines.

Not only is it great to ask friends, family & colleagues, but everyone else in your life. Some examples are boot camp class, book club, yoga class, bowling buddies, fellow volunteers, church members and teammates of any kind. This way you have a captive audience that already has a connection to you.

Instead of trying to influence everyone in a large group, why not sway one person that already has influence over the group? They can do the work for you! (This is why celebrity endorsements work so well! Think Oprah!)

Don't forget to think corporate. Ask the businesses you frequent and local businesses in your area to support you. Companies are usually eager to support people from within their community. You can also check out the sponsorship programs offered by your employer. Many employers have matching gift programs. Inquire about yours today!

Affordable donations really do make a difference. So many people would be more likely to give you a toonie than $20 without even thinking about it! OR you can ask them to give you the money they would have spent on a non-essential treat or something they've given up – like the $4.65 they would have spent on their grande non-fat vanilla latte or the amount they would have spent on a pack of cigarettes. Making people relate the donation to an everyday item can make them realize how little it really is and how much their small donation can contribute. Remember these tips, and before you know it, you will be at your fundraising goal and beyond!

If you haven't heard from someone, there's nothing wrong with sending a reminder email. It's possible they simply got busy and forgot to donate! You will also find that a post-event email describing your experience often results in a generous donation. Customize your email signature & add a photo to remind everyone you email to donate!

Keep good records by inputting all offline donations of cheques or cash into your website before sending them to the BC Lung Association. That way, you'll have an accurate and up-to-date record of both your online and offline donations.

This is important not only to make sure everyone who helped you along the way feels appreciated, but also to ensure that they'll remember you and want to help you out with fundraising in the future!

If you’re a student, this might be the perfect way for you to raise a bunch of money in one fell swoop – and make sure everyone has a great time while you’re doing it! Click here to view detailed instructions.

No matter how much experience someone has with writing, nothing speaks louder than sincerity. Letting people know why you are so dedicated to this event will help them understand why they should want to help you.

Offer to help friends and relatives with tasks around the house in exchange for donations to your fundraising drive. This way not only do you get one step closer to your fundraising goal, but you also get to help someone you know! What could be better?

Make a video of yourself or your team talking about doing the event and asking people to donate to you; post it on Facebook, Kintera & Youtube and make it viral.

Find a local diner and offer to bus tables for them for donations. Leave multiple jars that are easily accessible by customers and staff.

Anyone who donates to you will get their name on your t-shirt. The bigger the donation, the bigger the space/choice to write what they want. .

Let your guests know in advance that it is a fundraiser and in lieu of bringing hostess gifts/wine/food, have them bring a donation.

It's a great way to raise money and show your loved ones what's really important to you!

Set a (high) goal and tell those donating to you that if you meet that goal, you will do something crazy (e.g. shave head, dye your hair, dress like a superhero for the day, etc). Then ACTUALLY do it (if you meet the goal).