Step 1 to a Successful Textbook Fundraiser - Engaging Donors

In my book, a successful textbook fundraiser

• Shows students their potential to make a difference in the world, 
• Contributes financially to great causes, and
• Reduces waste/maximizes value by putting unused books in others' hands.

But, how do we achieve this? After you've committed to a cause, how do you actually run a fundraiser that accomplishes these goals?

Step 1: Engaging Donors
When all is said and done, the mission of Compassion by the Book (my nonprofit, textbook fundraising organization) is about people. You can't raise anything without donors. Clearly It all starts with sharing the idea and vision of your textbook fundraiser. Engaging donors is not a one-size-fits-all task and takes all sorts of methods, from emails to the sharing of a personal testimony to an announcement at a club meeting (personal invitations seem to be the most effective).

The most important step is sharing the vision, but you must convey three crucial pieces of information: A) the cause(s) they can support, B) how they can join, and C) how they know they can trust you (i.e. how do they know the money goes where you say it will).

Responses will vary. Some students will offer to donate before you even have the chance to ask, while others need longer to digest the information before they decide whether they can help. Start with your close friends. Your friends and your friends' friends are connected to you and trust you, so they will give you the time of day. The worst they can do is say no. My experience is that your enthusiasm and passion will rub off and as you demonstrate how easy it is to get involved and show the good a donation does!

Your invitation to donate a book shows your passion, turns unused resources into aid for good causes, and opens the eyes of another to their own potential!

What is the next step? How do you turn good intentions or interest into action? Share your ideas or experience in a comment!