GRS’s Fundraising Ideas for Kids

- Fundraising Guide
- GRS Advocacy Help Sheet

Remember that the only reason the “Dribble 2008” exists, the only reason Ethan Zohn has volunteered to attempt this 500 mile journey with a soccer ball is to help raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. Many of us know people who have died from this fatal disease. Grassroot Soccer is committed to educating the youth of the world (specifically those in Africa) and teaching them about ways to end the spread HIV/AIDS. With enough education such fatalities can be avoided, and it is only through people's generous donations that Grassroot Soccer is able to achieve its mission.

Okay, we are ready! You want to win the trip to Africa? You want to win cool soccer gear? Here are some suggestions that will help you raise more money than your teammates!

Ask Ask Ask!

Have a game plan, set goals.

Step 1: Set your goal. Actually write down on a piece of paper the amount of money you hope to raise. $500? $1000? $10,000? Whichever amount you want to achieve, write it down.

Step 2: Do the math. If you aim for $1000, and you think you can raise $100 per person, then you will need 10 people to donate for you to reach your goal. Maybe you will be able to score 50% of the time, therefore you will have to have twenty people to speak with to reach your goal. Okay, are we ready!

Step 3: Make a list. Write down the names of 20 people. Maybe you know a lot of people! If your goal is $10,000 you will only need 100 people to say yes to donating $100 and suddenly you have raised $10,000 [link to stuff one wins at 10k]!!!!

Everything is possible, all you have to do is ASK!

Tips, Hints and Ideas

Your Family is a great place to start: Ask your Mom, ask your Dad. Your Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles... anyone and everyone related to you.

People you know: Ask your neighbors, ask your boss, ask anyone you have worked for in the past.

People your parents know: Ask your parents for a list of people they think may be willing to not only speak with you, but also who may be interested in donating some money.

Ask the donator: After you are able to “score” a donation, ask that person if they could suggest anyone for you to contact who would be interested in talking with you.

Businesses: Businesses can be very generous, sometimes giving thousands of dollars. You can write down a list of businesses in your town and go door to door. Be sure to ask for a manager, also mention that their donation would be tax deductible.

Persuasion: when you go to speak to someone about donating money arrive with a small gift. Cookies, or a patch from your local soccer club, or a photo of you dribbling a soccer ball in a Grassroot Soccer t-shirt. People will be more likely to donate if you first show generosity to them.

Be sure to mention that people's donations are tax deductible!

Practice: As with soccer (as well as many aspects of life) being prepared makes all the difference. Practice your sales pitch, appear professional (bring a soccer ball with you, maybe they will want to kick around a bit.), and ask everyone! Remember, you can't score unless you shoot!

Network with your peers: Use the Blog United link on the website to ask questions of other kids raising money. What are they doing? How are they doing it? Read about other experiences.

Develop a fundraising event: Create your own Dribble. Juggling contest. Soccer clinic for neighborhood kids. Car wash. Bake sale with soccer ball shaped cookies. Ask us for more ideas, forms and what has worked in the past. EMAIL FOR FUNDRAISING IDEAS.
Good Luck!