Though no two Loose Change campaigns are exactly alike, we’ve compiled a list of some common strategies that can help make the whole process, from brainstorming to planning to running the campaign, easier for you. For more ideas, we encourage you to check out previous Loose Change campaign stories.
1) Decide what kind of campaign you want to run. Depending on the size of your group, where you will be holding the campaign, and the audience you want to target for fundraising, you have many options for the kinds of campaigns you can run. You can do anything from setting out jars to collect change around your school or community center to organizing a full-fledged talent show or auction. Download more campaign ideas
2) Set a goal for your campaign. Once you decide what kind of campaign you want to run, brainstorm with your group to come up with a fundraising target. Try to set a goal that is realistic, but also challenging. It will feel much better to come close to a goal you thought you could never reach than to accomplish your goal too easily!
3) Pick a time and place. The sooner you know when and where you will be holding the campaign, the sooner you can start building excitement that will translate into successful fundraising. Keep in mind that, depending on the size and scale of your campaign, you might have to plan well in advance to make sure you can confirm a location.
4) Get organized. Brainstorm all of the things you will need to do to make the campaign a reality, and delegate tasks among your group to make sure that nothing gets forgotten. Often, it is easiest to start planning with the campaign kick-off date and work backwards to make sure you have allotted enough time to organize everything.
5) Spread the word. This is by far the most important part - even the best-organized campaign won’t reach its goals if no one knows that it’s going on! Think about how you can reach out to the community around you, whether by distributing flyers, spreading word of mouth, making announcements at large meetings, sending emails, or creating a Facebook group - whatever you can think of!
6) Educate yourself and your group about NTDs. Because most people have never heard of the NTDs before, you will probably receive many questions about them during your campaign. It is important that you and your group have an understanding about some of the basic facts of NTDs so that you can answer simple questions about them and know where to refer people for more information. The Global Network’s informational brochure and website are a great resource for information on NTDs.
7) Have fun! There’s nothing like organizing a successful event that gets people excited and makes them feel good about contributing to a cause. As long as you take the time to organize in advance, running the campaign itself should be fun for you and your group.
