Starfish Fundraising Toolkit 2020

FUNDRAISING TOOLKIT In this kit, you will find the tools you need to successfully fundraise for camp by taking 4 easy steps: 1. LEARN MORE ABOUT CAMP 2. PERSONALIZE & LAUNCH STARFISH & THE CAMPAIGN YOUR CAMPAIGN 3. SPREAD THE WORD 4. THANK YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY

1. Learn More About Camp Starfish & The Campaign There are many reasons your family, friends, and others in your network will want to help Camp Starfish, just like you do! Help them learn more about what we do at camp! Camp Starfish provides young people who have emotional, behavioral and learning challenges with the tools they need to be successful at home, at school, and in their communities. Starfish is the only camp in New England that offers a 1:1 camper to counselor ratio, which ensures that each camper may receive individualized attention. Attending camp has a tremendous impact on children's lives. Families tell us their children demonstrate dramatic improvements in behavior, coping skills, and self esteem. Starfish is launching this campaign due to the financial crisis that Covid19 has caused the organization. The future of Starfish is at stake! Starfish was not able to open camp in 2020. In a normal operating year, 80% of revenue comes from camper tuition. Starfish incurred many preseason expenses before the decision was made to not open in 2020. Regardless of whether camp offers programming, there are many fixed costs associated with property upkeep. Despite reducing expenses and finding additional sources of revenue (including government aid and foundation support), Starfish still faces a funding gap. We need $175,000 to bring our campers back to camp in 2021! In preparing for programs to run in 2021, Starfish needs to fund significant Covid-related expenses.

2. Personalize & Launch Your Campaign Set a Personal Campaign Goal: Consider how much money you want to raise for Camp Starfish during this campaign. Set a number and work to meet that dollar amount by the end of the year! Who to Ask: Make a list of people you want to ask - think broadly! You may consider friends, family, coworkers, neighbors and others in your community. You never know who will be moved by your story and Camp Starfish's mission. How to Ask: You can make asks in person and via phone, email, snail mail, and social media. (Facebook makes it easy to create your own fundraiser!) Try reaching your audience in multiple ways! The most successful asks are those in which you, the fundraiser, share why the organization is important to you. Oftentimes, sharing an anecdote, personal story, or photo/video will help connect the donor to the cause. How Friends And Family Can Give: Give securely online via the Giving Portal Text-To-Give: (508) 960-7586 Simply text the number above with the dollar amount you would like to donate. For example, text \"100\" to securely and easily donate $100. Snail Mail Camp Starfish a check: Camp Starfish 636 Great Road, Suite 2 Stow, MA 01775 How Often to Ask: Don't be afraid to ask more than once. The people in your network are busy and will appreciate the reminder.

3. Spread the Word Share Updates: Post campaign updates to social media, or include an update in follow up emails to those you are asking. Individuals who have already donated will appreciate knowing their gift made a difference and those who haven't yet donated will be encouraged to join in on the philanthropy. Encourage Your Donors to Spread the Word: Sometimes when you make a sucessful ask, that donor becomes Camp Starfish's next biggest fan. If the donor asks how they may help further, encourage them to spread the word about Starfish via their own network. 4. Thank Your Friends & Family Personally Thank Every Donor: It is important that you thank your donors. They will receive an automated e-mail from Camp Starfish, but your personal thank you will mean so much! Consider sending a handwritten thank you note or calling the donor to thank them in conversation. Additional Resources: Website: www.CampStarfish.org Giving Portal: https://camp-starfish.snwbll.com/giving-portal Text-To-Give Number: (508) 960-7586 Camp Video: https://youtu.be/LF3hr8wtxPA