POLITICAL FUNDRAISING@chrisfaulkner

#postparty

Elements of Your Finance Plan

• 1. Personal Solicitation• 2. Finance Committee• 3. Events• 4. Direct Mail• 5. Online• 6. PACS

Personal Solicitations

“Money is the mother’s milk of politics.”Jesse Unruh

Speaker of the CA Assembly

Successful candidates

spend 35-50% of their

time raising money.

Why ask for a

contribution directly,

either by phone or

personal visit?

The most

cost effective

way to raise

$$

Results can

be immediate

Return is

high

Finance Committee

• Recruitment:– Occupation

• Membership Lists• PAC money

– Region– Interest Area

• Venue

• Food

• Drinks

• Invitations

Fundraising

Events

Receptions

Lunches

Breakfast

Fundraising Events

• Lessons Learned:– Fundraising Invitations MUST be followed up by

personal phone calls– Recognize & reward your ticket sellers– Negotiate with hotels & restaurants for best rates– Keep track of everyone who has attended– Always say THANK YOU

Direct Mail

• A direct mail program is the process of soliciting, collecting, and tracking funds

• Regular, systematic source of income• Heavily researched and tracked

3 Steps

Mail the

List

Track the results

Obtain

the List

Mail the Lists

• The Letter– Ask for money.– Tell them why you need

it.– Tell them when you

need it.– Ask for a specific

amount.– Short vs. Long letters.– Use of Inserts (i.e. Palm

cards)

A faster, more efficient, and compelling way to contribute

Media and message tie-in

“Shared” Activity

Importance of the “Small Donors”4

3

2

1

Online Contributions“feed and water your garden”

Online Contributions

• A few tips:– Collect emails at every opportunity– Ask for realistic donations (i.e. $27.50 for 10

yard signs

www.AmericanMajority.orgwww.SamAdamsAlliance.org