There is a great deal of work that goes into setting up a F2F campaign, much like any other fundraising activity. Some are easier than others, but in general it takes a lot of work to setup and manage a successful F2F campaign. It’s a team effort and there are a number of people that are required to come together to setup and manage a campaign. It’s a balancing act at times, as if one area of the campaign falls down (training, lack of sites, little management or no materials) the entire campaign suffers. The setups were always the busiest and most stressful, but also extremely exciting.
What makes everything worthwhile is when you step into the first charity training session and become immersed with their cause, the work they undertake and the challenges they are facing. Many charities have a number of projects that require support for regular givers, but finding the most urgent & simple for people to relate to is key!
It’s this passion, emotion, determination and energy that is so crucial in EVERY campaign. The ability to share this with strangers (many of whom have not heard of the charity until that very minute) and build rapport will make or break a F2F campaign. This is the starting point in the relationship with supporters, and one where charities will need to build upon.
I have many memories of campaign set-ups. Some amazingly exciting and simple campaigns, with a few stressful and complicated ones added in for good measure. However, each one is unique and I can quite safely say – each setup you completed, you walked away with more knowledge & insight than when you began.
If your charity runs F2F campaigns, I would highly recommend going along to a training session with the F2F fundraisers. Not only will you be buzzing with enthusiasm and passion about your cause, you will hear first hand the thoughts & feedback from the general public about your charity and the act of giving itself.
*If you are thinking about setting up a F2F campaign, here are a few of the requirements that are needed:
- Service User Number (from your sponsoring bank)
- DD forms or PDD form on secure electronic devise
- PFRA Membership
- Charity Clothing (including ID badge)
- Sites (licenses form the council’s)
- Fundraising Materials (welcome pack, FR folder, etc.)
- Fundraiser Training (asks, cause, charity history, objection responses, etc.)
- Fundraising Managers (monitor activity, results & complaint handling)
Another F2F set-up requirement essential to counteracting the ‘marmite’ factor – organisational wide F2F education.
Absolutely, agree with you 100% there.