You will need to raise some funds to cover the cost of your exhibit.This includes the materials to buy or build the witness such as plywood and paint, and promotional materials such as creating banners, brochures, luminary candles, and program book. While it might seem overwhelming for inexperienced fundraising, the reality is anyone can obtain the resources needed.
Here are three sample letters for general public, corporations and faith-based groups. Files will be downloaded to your computer.
General Public
Corporations
Faith-based groups
Getting Items Donated
Local businesses, labor or trade unions, home supply stores, hardware stores and printers could all be approached to donate the materials free of charge. For instance, maybe a home improvement store would provide the plywood, the local Sherwin Williams provides the paint, and a local construction company could provide the labor. You are only out your time to ask.
Raising the Money
Here’s an idea that has proven to be a motivator for companies and individuals to sponsor a Witness. Encourage the group or individuals who sponsored a Witness to identify a particular one they want to sponsor. Then, when the Silent Witnesses are at your event, that group or individual can carry the Witness. Having groups invest money, time, and their name to your project will encourage them to participate in your future events.
You can do the same for individuals. Break down the cost of other things you need like shields, paint, candles, storybooks so they can still feel they are a specific sponsor for the event.
Encourage the person to consider asking one of each of the following 10 people:
- One other family member (either immediate or extended)
- Two friends
- Someone from your place of worship
- Two neighbors
- A co-worker
- Someone from another civic or volunteer group you support
- A member of a recreational sports team you play on
- Someone who recently asked you to sponsor
or support them to return the favor - http://www.easy-fundraising-ideas.com/
- http://www.fundraising-ideas.org/
- http://www.pinterest.com/fundraiserhelp/fundraising-ideas/
- http://gofundme.com or similar sites