| Without a doubt, one of the most unfortunate | | | | money. Send them a form letter requesting that |
| parts of being a candidate in a local political | | | | they send what they can afford, and include a |
| campaign is the necessity of raising money from | | | | self-addressed envelope that they can send their |
| donors. Asking contributors to give money to | | | | donation back to you in. While postage for these |
| your campaign can be a very uncomfortable thing | | | | types of bulk mailers can be expensive, you |
| to do for a new candidate, but winning your local | | | | should be able to make up the mailing costs with |
| election is much easier if you have enough money | | | | just a few donations, and even if people don't |
| in the bank. While it might be difficult for you to | | | | donate, this is another good way to get your |
| get used to asking for donations, there are some | | | | name out in the community. |
| simple tips you can use to make the process | | | | Your last formal fundraising event should be held |
| easier. | | | | later in the campaign season, preferably in the last |
| First, kickoff your campaign and raise some initial | | | | month before the election, and should be at a |
| seed money by putting on your first fundraiser in | | | | local venue. You can plan to have it open to the |
| your home and limiting it to close friends and | | | | public, and be sure to invite all of the dozens and |
| family. You might not have a huge number of | | | | dozens of people who you have met over the |
| people attend, but it should help you get a few | | | | course of the long campaign. It's best to put a |
| dollars in your campaign account to pay for your | | | | dollar amount on tickets for this even, say fifteen |
| initial expenses. Let your attendees know that | | | | to twenty-five dollars, and let attendees know |
| they can donate whatever amount they want, no | | | | what they will be getting for their money: food, |
| matter how small, and make it an informal, fun | | | | drinks, whatever it is. Start selling your tickets |
| event. In addition to the money you raise, you'll | | | | weeks in advance of the event, and you will |
| get some great support and encouragement that | | | | probably be surprised at the large number of |
| will help you as you get ready to hit the campaign | | | | people who end up attending. |
| trail. | | | | Remember: fundraising might not be fun to do in |
| Following your initial home fundraiser, your next | | | | a local political campaign, but it's a necessity that |
| local political campaign fundraising effort should be | | | | will get easier to do with time. If you do go on to |
| contribution request letter to local voters who you | | | | win your local election, make sure that you hold |
| think might be willing to donate to your campaign. | | | | at least one annual fundraiser every year to keep |
| People in the same political party, voters who | | | | your campaign bank account flush with money |
| signed your nominating petitions, and people you | | | | and to stay in touch with your contributors and |
| know personally are all good prospects for raising | | | | supporters. |