Love it or hate it, fundraising is an essential part of any political campaign. Recently, I was asked to list my top ten fundraising tips for first-time candidates running for office. While your fundraising strategy is ultimately determined by the size and scope of your race, here are some basic principles that apply to every political campaign:
Have a plan. Anticipate how much money you’ll need and when you’ll need to have it by.
Educate yourself. Understand campaign finance laws as they pertain to your race and appoint a treasurer with campaign experience.
Do your homework. Pull campaign finance records to learn who has contributed to candidates in the past and seek to understand why they gave.
Meet with key players early. Gain their support and often the money will follow.
Get organized. Gather contact information and create a system for organizing and managing it.
Make direct contact. Meet potential contributors in person or call them on the phone.
Host fundraising events. Fundraisers will help to grow your grassroots support and give you a reason to ask for contributions.
Seek out in-kind donations. Find restaurants, caterers, printers, etc. who are willing to donate their goods and services in-kind.
Go for broke. Ask early, ask often, and don’t be afraid to ask for the maximum.
Hire a fundraiser. Although a fundraising consultant can’t replace you, the candidate, they can help you to devise a good strategy, coach you on what to say, and help you open doors that might otherwise be closed.
For more tips and local campaign news, visit www.onmessagestrategic.wordpress.com
