Setting up an online fundraising page is easy, and will allow you to exponentially increase your fundraising potential through the power of networking online and in person.

a)      Go to http://www.firstgiving.com/bigsofnc and click the “Get Started” button.

b)      From the list of options, choose the “Bigs Make A Difference” campaign.

c)       The site will ask you to either “log in” or “create an account.” If you have ever set up a First Giving page for our Bowl For Kids Sake or other event, you can log in with your email address and the password you used before.

d)      If you’ve never set up a First Giving page you’ll have to enter one page of simple information, then choose a URL for your personal page (e.g. www.firstgiving.org/paulraymore).

e)      Next, both new and returning users will have the opportunity to personalize their fundraising page. This is the time to tell your own story: Why you became a mentor in the first place, what you and your Little have gotten out of the program, why your friends/family/coworkers/etc. should support the programs that support your match. Oh, and don’t forget to upload a photo of you and your Little doing something fun, and set a personal fundraising target (be realistic, but don’t be afraid to aim high).

f)       When you are finished editing, hit the “save and close” button near the top of the page and you are all set. (We address how to spread the word about your page below in step 3.)

Step 2: Make your own donation at the highest level you can.

OK, so step 1 took a little bit of time, step 2 is much easier. All we’re asking you to do is to set an example and show all the folks you’ll be asking for contributions that you’re serious about the work you do with Big Brothers Big Sisters – so much so that you’re willing to support us with your own dollars.

Give generously! We know you already spend time and money on your Little. So do all of us whose names appear on the Bigs Make A Difference campaign Leadership Committee. But we also realize that the support we receive from the staff at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nevada County & North Lake Tahoe does not come for free; so all of us give additional funds out of our own pockets to support the infrastructure that makes this program work. Please join us.

There is no minimum contribution. Every dollar helps. And you’ll set an example and really motivate yourself and other Bigs to get the ball rolling and make a real difference in our community.  If you already made a contribution this year and are unable to make an additional one, show that as an offline donation on your Firstgiving web page.

Step 3: Invite your friends, family and colleagues to join you in supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nevada County & North Lake Tahoe.

This is the fun part. Now, all you have to do is tell your story. It’s really that simple.

First Giving makes it very easy to create a customized email that you can send out to everyone in your address book (or tailor individual messages to different groups), with a link back to your personal fundraising page.

Talk about why you became a mentor. Talk about the experiences you’ve had with your Little (please remember to be sensitive to privacy concerns and only use your Little’s first name). Talk about the difference every Big makes in a child’s life and the effects that has on our greater community. You know the story! Now you get to tell it.

Send out those emails or tell your friends in-person about your page. First Giving will automatically send thank-you notes to everyone who donates (with a message that you can customize). It will also track the dollars you’ve raised, allowing you to see in real time the impact you’re having on our programs.

And remember, our staff is willing to help you. If you’ve got a friend or family member you think might make a significant donation if he/she were given a little more information about our programs, get in touch with our Executive Director Dena Valin (director@bigsofnc.org or 530-273-2227) for assistance.

Step 4: Follow up, follow up, follow up.

Procrastination is a natural human activity. While we hope all of you will read this information, recognize the value of supporting our agency financially, and join the campaign today, we recognize it will take a little reminding for some of you.

Potential donors are the same. They need to be reminded every now and again about the opportunity to support the work you’re doing.

We’re not saying send them emails every week until they donate. But don’t hesitate to send out reminder emails to folks who you haven’t heard from.

And definitely be sure to say thank you to all those who support the work you’re doing. You can send personal emails, or just say ‘thanks’ the next time you bump into them in the grocery store.