Thank you…
for helping SHCS reach our goal of engaging 10,000 people in our effort to acquire a new building!
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead
Below you’ll find:
Why this? Why now? review of the project
brief step by step guide for planning a successful fundraiser and
resources to use - how to create an online fundraiser, sample story/email, links to photos, sample social media posts
help form
1) Why this? Why now?
Today SHCS works with nearly 50,000 community members each year. This is 5 times the number of people we helped when our center at First and Alma was built in 1998.
This year we are opening a second location in downtown San Jose in order to create:
more choice and dignity in our food pantry and clothes closet
private spaces for people to problem solve during times of hardship
group spaces for volunteers, partners and staff to learn, plan, and celebrate
reserves so that we can continue to respond in times of crisis
2) Planning your fundraiser
Tell your story
Above you can read why we need to do this fundraiser, but why do you care? Take a few minutes to write a couple of sentences about what SHCS and this project mean to you. Click here if you’d like samples. Consider:
how you’ve been involved in SHCS
what you love about it
why is this project important to you
a specific ask
Make a list
Write down the names of 10 close friends or family you know would support you. You will ask them first. You can just send an email or prep them with a quick call, text, or update next time you see them in person. Knowing to look out for your email can help you get a response. After these 10 give, reach out to 10-20 more people.
Set a goal
Consider what your first 10 people would be willing to donate. Add it up and set that as your goal. Share the goal. Fundraisers with a specific goal are more likely to succeed.
Timeline
Please complete your 6-week fundraiser by June 15. Start now!
Week 1: Announce your participation via email AND send texts/calls
Week 2: Share progress and encourage others to join via email and social media
Week 4: Update progress and remind others to join via email and social media
Week 5, day 1-2: Tell people it is the last chance to give via email and social media
Week 6: Thank people who gave and share final result
3) Resources
Registering your fundraiser
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Step One
Go to the main donation page and click “BECOME A FUNDRAISER”
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Step Two
Select the type of fundraising you want. If you are reaching out to your own friends and family only click “As an individual.” If you and a group of friends are all reaching out to different people click “Join a team” if you are joining or “Create a team” if you are leading your group.
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Step Three
If you have never fundraised for SHCS before, you will need to create an account. If you have done an online fundraiser click “LOG IN”
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Step Four
After you’ve logged in, follow the prompts to build your page. You’ll get a link you can share with friends, family, and on social media. Need more tech support? Click below.
Sample Ask/Email
Consider:
how you’ve been involved in SHCS
what you love about it
why this project is important to you
a specific ask
Photos are key to story telling - on your fundraising webpage and especially on social media. Find some photos of you at SHCS or
Sample story
I've been a volunteer at SHCS for 5 years. SHCS provides food, clothing and rental assistance to neighbors that need help. I love that they are also at the forefront in advocating for more just public policy - especially renters and immigrant protections. In my experience, SHCS does A LOT with a little and their building has always been very crowded. Adding additional space will help us to serve our community with dignity and respect. Can you give $25 to help me reach my $250 goal?
Sample Social Media Posts
EX: Announcement post
I just started fundraising so that @sacredheartcs, the leading organization fighting poverty in San Jose, can continue providing services and working for justice. Learn more sacredheartcs.org/building2022
Give to my fundraiser (insert your link) #buildingcommunitySHCS #building2022SHCS
EX: Update post
So far I've raised $175 for @sacredheartcs to expand to a 2nd building in downtown San Jose. Can you give so I reach my goal of $250 and we can continue helping our neighbors with dignity and developing leaders to fight for justice?
(insert your link) #buildingcommunitySHCS #building2022SHCS
4) Have more questions?
Fill out a short form here and a staff member or volunteer will respond within 2 business days.