Brazil Fund Raise Packet 2010

Raise Funds for AYS and Receive a Discount on an Expedition

Volunteers that raise funds for AYS will receive a discount on the cost of an expedition based on reaching fund raising goals. The following guidelines apply.

For example, if the cost of the trip is $2,495 and you solicit donations in the amount of $1,600 for AYS, you would receive a discount of $1,500 toward the expedition of your choice. Your cost to participate in the expedition would only be $995 ($2,495-$1,500).

How to Raise Funds for AYS

Start your fund raising right away. Many people are nervous about asking others for money. It's perfectly natural to be uneasy with it. Once you get into it, you will be surprised how easy and fun it can be. Remember that you are volunteering for a good cause and this is one way to let others know about what you are doing and letting them get involved in making a difference in other people's lives through you.

Here are some pointers:

• Be prepared to tell why you are involved with AYS (see the sample letters for background information. They are included below).
• Start with people you know well; they will probably be open to what you are doing and will want to support your efforts.
• Don't try to determine how much you think they will be able to help, let them decide how much to pledge, but you can give suggestions such as, "it costs $8.00 for a bag of cement, would you be willing to cover the cost of 5 bags?"
• When someone says they will donate, ask if you can collect it on the spot. This saves going back another time.

How to Ask:

1. Talk to people on the phone or face to face.
2. Write letters and send to everyone you know - try for 100 names. Use our sample letters (make sure you personalize it with your information - don't just print off the letter and mail it. If the donors are LDS, you may want to include in the letter that you get to spend about 2 weeks working closely with other LDS youth, adults and LDS members in the country where you're going). Also see our fund raising list for help with writing letters.
   Make sure to:
   
   • Personalize the letters.
   • Make it creative (add your picture, etc.).
   • Ask them to send the check made out to AYS back to you (if the check is in your name, it is not tax deductible for the donor).
   • Offer a follow-up such as a written report, slide show, etc. so they can see the good that came from their contribution.
   • When you receive a donation send a personal thank you note.

Other Creative Fund Raising Ideas:

• Garage, yard or craft sales (you can ask for donations for items after explaining your cause).
• Wash cars.
• Babysitting, one way is to have a night where several couples bring their children to one spot (make sure you have help).
• Provide other services such as facials, manicures, etc. for a donation.
• Wash windows.
• Mow lawns.
• Rent the machine and offer to aerate all the neighbor's lawns for a donation.
• Compile a cookbook with your favorite recipes to sell.

Receiving Donations:

• Check should be made payable to AYS (if the check is in your name, it is not tax deductible for the donor).
• Use the "Donor Record" included below to keep a record of donations.
• Mail in checks every few weeks with a copy of the "Donor Record" form.
• Issue a receipt to the contributor if you receive the donation directly (see receipts included below).

Tax Deductions: Alliance for Youth Service is a 501(c)(3) corporation and thus donations sent in are tax deductible if they are given on an unfettered basis
(as opposed to supporting only an individual).

Keep an accurate record of the donations you receive. You can use the "Donor Record" form that follows. If someone gives you cash immediately record their name, address, phone number and amount. Please convert it into a money order or personal check before mailing in. You can send in donations at any time, don't wait too long to gather them up. Be sure that your name is on the "Donor Record" form and note the date it was submitted to AYS in the lower bottom corner. You may download additional forms on AYS website, under fund raising packet. This record can then be used for sending thank you cards and follow up letters. It is very important to thank these donors.