Signing Up Sponsors

• Causes -- Tell sponsors what the Birdathon will benefit. Explain why your causes are important to them and the community. Donna McCarty, from Amos Butler Audubon, advises, "pick a cause people can identify with and are willing to give money to." Save articles and other printed material about your cause to distribute with you pledge forms and sign up sheets.

• The "Ask" -- There are three ways to ask for pledges (in order of effectiveness): (i) in person, (ii) on the phone, or (iii) by letter (click here for sample). Make the "ask" as personal as possible. If you write to prospective sponsors, include the reply card and add a personalized note.

• Ask For a Specific Amount -- Ask people to give a specific amount per species or give them the option of giving a flat donation. Different people can afford different levels of giving. Review your prospect list and assess what each person can afford.

• Chapter Membership -- Use your newsletter and phone your chapter's membership and ask them to participate both as Birdathoners and sponsors. Try not to rely solely on the membership of your chapter.

  Anyone donating $20 or more, and not currently a member, is entitled to a one-year introductory membership to the National Audubon Society. Membership benefits include a membership in a local Chapter, as well as a subscription to the award-winning magazine, AUDUBON. All new Birdathon donors who would like to receive an introductory membership, need only be included on the specially coded form: 7BRT4 along with a check(s) to cover this introductory membership.

• People You Know -- People give to those they know and trust, and supporting a worthy cause for a worthy friend makes people feel good! Everyone has at least five people they can ask to sponsor their Birdathon: yourself, spouse, parent, sibling, best friend, neighbor and a co-worker. Circulate a pledge sheet to co-workers. Be sure that your own pledge is the first!

• Your "Personal Public" -- Ask the many people with whom you do business every day: doctor, lawyer, accountant, past associates, local bird seed store, bank officials, bakery owner, car dealership, dry cleaner, insurance agent, video store, golf pro, and your veterinarian. Review your address book and don't hesitate to ask.

• Matching Donations -- Many employers have a matching gifts program. Find out if your employer matches donations to Non-profit Organizations.

• Outreach -- Use the Birdathon as an opportunity to tell people about Audubon's important local and national work to conserve birds, other wildlife and their habitats.

• The "Report" Letter -- Your sponsors will be curious how your Birdathon day turned out. Include a brief letter highlighting your day- mentioning the number of birds you saw, species of interest, the area covered, and the overall joy of being outdoors for a day. Finally, mention how much they pledged and remind them of Audubon's mission to save wildlife and natural habitats. (Click here for a Sample Report Letter)

E*Mail birdathon@audubon.org
or phone 1-800-542-2748 for more info.