Getting started
I have an idea, how can I get started?
You can get going by clicking the ‘Get started’ button. Straight away you’ll be able to set up your fundraising page and start sharing your event or fundraising challenge with family and friends.
How do I decide what to do?
The beauty of fundraising online is that it’s completely up to you! Pick something you find challenging, or something you’d like to give up (or do more of), face a fear, or take on a physical challenge. Host a morning tea at work, shave your head – the options are endless! What matters is that it’s a challenge to you (that way your supporters will surely get behind you). If you’d like to chat to us about an idea please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
I’m holding an event, do you have any gear I can use?
For sure! We have stickers, balloons, and other gear you can use, just get in touch.
I have a special occasion coming up. Can I ask family and friends to donate instead of giving me a gift?
Absolutely! That’s such a lovely thought. You can set up a fundraising page here. Get in touch if you have any questions.
Blind Low Vision NZ meant a lot to my loved one who has passed away. I’d like to ask people to make a donation instead of sending flowers. How can I do this?
Making a donation to Blind Low Vision NZ in lieu of sending flowers to a memorial service is a wonderful way to honour the memory of loved ones. To set up a fundraising page to share with family and friends, please click here. If pen and paper will work better for you then we can send you a donation form and return envelope, please contact us .
Fundraising
How do I ask people for donations?
A personal ask works best! Start by sending your fundraising page URL to your closest family and friends (basically the ones you know will donate). They’ll help you build some momentum on your page. When your closest family and friends have donated, share your page with your next circle of friends, then everyone you know!
We suggest starting by explaining the challenge you’re taking on, and how you feel about it. Then tell people about your connection to the cause, or what their donation will help accomplish. At the end, make a clear ask for financial support so people know exactly what you’re after.
You know your family and friends best, so don’t feel like you have to stick to a predefined formula! A quick message might work best for some, a phone call may suit others.
How do I thank my supporters?
Send them a message to let them know how much you appreciate their gift. Then, tag everyone on Facebook who’s donated that day/week. You’ll be sharing the love, and your Facebook post will also serve as a reminder to those who’ve forgotten to donate!
Can I get a letter of support for approaching businesses for prizes?
Yes! We can give you a letter to confirm that you’re fundraising for Blind Low Vision NZ.
Can you help me with a letter for my boss about holding an event at work?
Certainly, just get in touch!
I want to find out if my work matches fundraising. How can I do this?
We suggest speaking with your manager, and if they don’t know the HR team will usually be the ones to speak to.
My work does match funds, but they need proof and a bank account to put money into. Can you give me this?
Fantastic! We can certainly give you whatever documentation you need, please contact our friendly team.
I’d like to fundraise online, and have a physical event too. Is this possible?
Absolutely! In fact, this is one of the best ways to reach your fundraising target. Get in touch with our friendly team if you have any questions about putting on event at work, school, or in the community.
How do I bank the money I’ve raised?
The easiest way is to bank the money to yourself then donate it back to your online fundraising page, that way the cash you’ve raised will automatically add to your growing tally.
If this isn’t possible, just get in touch with our team. We can give you a bank account number and reference to donate cash, or an address to send cheques to if they’re made out to Blind Low Vision NZ.
Can I get tax receipts for my donors?
Your supporters will be sent a tax receipt automatically if they make a donation (over $5) to your online fundraising page.
If they’ve given you cash, let us know and we can send them a receipt manually.
Just remember that receipts cannot be given when there is an exchange for goods or services, for example event tickets, raffle tickets, bake or sausage sales, or for money that was fundraised (where multiple people contributed).
Can’t see your question?
Please get in touch and our team will be very happy to help!
