FIRST STEP: START NOW!
- Learn more about St. Andrew Legal Clinic, who we serve, and how donations are being used.
St. Andrew Legal Clinic (SALC) is a community-based non-profit organization that provides legal services in the area of family law, to low-income individuals and families who might otherwise not have access to them. SALC has served over 35,000 individuals and families since opening its doors in 1979. SALC helps bridge the gap for families who do not qualify for Legal Aid and can not afford to hire a private attorney. As a result of the legal representation that SALC provides, families have increased financial security, stay off of welfare and are overall more productive members of our society. Children grow up in positive and safe environments as a result of SALC's intervention.
- Set your personal fundraising goal. Aim high! The first rule of fundraising is that you raise money when you ask for it, and you don't raise money you don't ask for. If you ask someone for a $100 donation, you may get $100 or you may get less. But if you ask someone for a $10 donation, then $10 is the maximum amount you'll likely get from that donor. So set your goals high and ask big.
- Create a list of everyone you know. This is your list of potential donors. This includes everyone in your address book: friends, co-workers, family, and neighbors!
- Ask for your first donation. The sooner you get started, the easier fundraising will be. Draft a fundraising letter. Tell the SALC story.
HOW TO ASK
- Create an email (see our sample below or make your own!) and send it to everyone in your email address book. Give them the direct link to pledge for you online www.salcgroup.org/makeagift/donate.cfm
- Mail fundraising letter
- Face-to-face
QUICKLY RAISE $100:
This may be the first time you've participated in a fundraising event. It's simple! Follow a few easy steps and you'll be well on your way:
- Donate $25 yourself
- Ask 3 family members to donate $25 each
- TOTAL $100
KEEP GOING AND RAISE $250:
While you only need to raise $100 in donations to waive your registration fee, we want you to join our Over Achievers Club. Just add a few more people to your “ask” list:
- Find someone to donate $100 – its 100% tax deductible!
- Ask 2 co-workers or friends to donate $25 each.
- That's a TOTAL of $250
SAMPLE FUNDRAISING LETTER OR EMAIL: (Click to open in Microsoft Word)
Dear ________,
On Saturday, June 20, I will run in the Race for Justice, a 5k run/walk in NE Portland, to help support legal services for low-income families.
As an attorney, I believe in our justice system. I also have the good fortune to work with people who can afford to hire legal counsel when they need it. At the end of the day however, my clients represent only a fraction of the people in Oregon who need help. The law should work for everyone.
My participation in this event benefits St. Andrew Legal Clinic (SALC), a non-profit law firm that was founded in Portland in 1979. The clinic focuses solely on family law, helping low-income families navigate the justice system. Unlike Legal Aid, SALC clients pay a portion of their legal fees, so donations go further. Also, when they have a stake in the outcome, clients make better decisions about child support, division of property, custody agreements, visitation, and parenting responsibilities. Because of the work SALC does, there are fewer cases of child abuse and domestic violence kids; and kids are growing up in more stable homes.
SALC has been around for 30 years and has helped 40,000 families (including 3,511 children last year alone). Regrettably, the clinic can only assist as many families as they are financially able to support.
Proceeds from this event provide a large portion of SALC’s operating budget for the year. My goal is to raise $_____ and I am hoping you can help out. I’ve enclosed a self-addressed envelope that you can mail directly back to SALC. Or, you can sponsor me online at www.salcgroup.org/makeagift/donate.cfm
Thank you for helping me cross the finish line!
Sincerely,
(YOUR NAME)
P.S. Please check to see if your company has a matching gift program. Donations are tax-deductible. SALC Tax Identification Number: 93-0739368.
