Fundraising Tips
The funds you raise through NIJC’s 5K for Immigrant Justice help provide life-changing legal services for people, including those seeking asylum, and community outreach and education through the National Immigrant Justice Center. NIJC serves 10,000 people every year and this work is critical. Having a lawyer can prevent deportation, protect families, and ensure everyone knows their rights. Your participation means more people in our communities will have access to legal services and support to help them thrive.
Be a Part of a Team
You can't do it alone—join a team with friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues! Each team member will get an individual fundraising page that links to the team. Set a goal together, inspire some friendly competition, and build toward your goal.
Tell Your Story
Personalize your fundraising page by adding a photo, sharing your story, setting your goal, and making a donation. Help your donors understand why NIJC and this cause is so important to you and how their support makes an impact.
Ask for Support
The best way to raise money is to ask! Write letters, send emails, and reach out by phone or text. Share your link on social media and in an email signature. Share your story and remind donors that their gift is tax deductible and supports immigrants and people seeking safety in our communities. Here’s a sample message you can personalize with your own experience or story:
“I'm participating in the 5K for Immigrant Justice to raise funds for the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC), one of the country's leading human rights organizations that provides life-changing legal services to immigrants and people seeking asylum and advocates for a humane immigration system. I invite you to join me in supporting this important cause by donating to my fundraiser at [paste your fundraising page URL here]. Your donation will keep families together, protect a neighbor from deportation and detention, and ensure someone can start a new and safe life in the United States. Plus, your donation is tax-deductible. Thank you very much for your support!”
Follow Up & Thank
Give a friendly reminder to your network and ask more than once. People might see your email or Facebook post, tell themselves they will respond later, and then get distracted and forget to come back to it. It might take multiple asks before you catch people at the right time, so make sure to follow up. And most importantly, be sure to thank them when they do donate! You can write a personal email, send a text, give them a call, or send a hand-written note or card. Donors will receive a thank you and acknowledgment from NIJC via email or through the mail if they sent a check, but they donated to support your campaign so it’s important that you thank them personally too.
Share Your Success
Keep track of your donations and keep sharing progress toward your goal. It can help motivate others to give and show your donors their impact on your goal.
