Key Principles

Message 

1. Be clear on your political ambition (to win, to increase vote share, to push UKIP into 3rd)

2. Be clear on why it matters (a challenge to Govt, a voice for Stockport, a new policy)

3. Be specific on what you need, its reach and impact (£1,000 = GOTV x 3,000 new voters)

4. Check your fundraising message is visionary, urgent and specific

5. You never know who’ll see it so put your message into all your comms.

People 

1. People know people so pick their brains (braindump, check old lists, play the memory game to recall past supporters). The longer your list, the better your result

2. In a group list contacts - friends, colleagues, past donors who have some disposable income, say £100

3. Don’t make an ask to people who haven’t consented to receive appeals Fundraising is a project, it never just happens, people plan it and then they do it

4. Never assume someone won’t donate. Ask them and let them tell you

5. Every donor is your supporter and a part of your campaign, not an outsider 

6. People want to give, to play their part in change and success.

Action 

1. Make a written plan, share it with the team. Keep it simple: what, who, when 

2. Keep a calendar list (pipeline) of prospects and donors

3. Ask one person to chase progress.

Events 

1. Events don’t raise money, people do 

2. Your event will only raise money with the right guests and the right ask 

3. Close to an election guests will often give anyway at lower risk and effort

4. Every fundraising event must have a target. No target?  -  no fundraising.

The Final Stage 

1. Every donation is a choice. Another cause lost out on what you received, so be appreciative

2. A gift is never, ever a ‘payment.’ Treat it like a gift wrapped in paper and ribbon 

3. Words are important, so ask people to donate, gift or contribute, never tell them how to ‘pay’

4. Money gifts demonstrate the power and impact of your campaign, they’re fuel for the engine, not icing on a cake.