Fundraising

Q: Why is there a $25 registration fee?

A: There’s a non-refundable $25 registration fee for each volunteer to help share in the progam costs (supplies, t-shirts, water and snacks) of the day.

Q: Why are you also asking me to fundraise?

A: Just like Walk for the Cure (Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer) or Relay for Life (American Cancer Society), Servathon helps raise money for Greater DC Cares to provide volunteer and capacity building services to area nonprofits throughout the year. To this end, we encourage each volunteer to raise $100 or more. It’s not mandatory but we greatly appreciate your help! 

Thanks to generous donations from local businesses, Greater DC Cares will be able to thank you for your fundraising efforts by awarding our top fundraisers with special prizes. We recognize that being a top fundraiser doesn’t always mean raising the most money, so we’re awarding prizes in each of the following categories:

  • Top 20 fundraisers overall
  • First 150 fundraisers to reach $100
  • Fundraiser with the most donors, regardless of donation amount

The top fundraiser overall will also win a special grand prize. In addition, we’ll hold mini-contests over the next few months where the top fundraisers during each two-week period will be eligible to win prizes.

Q: I’ve never raised money before. Will you help me?

A: Yes! Greater DC Cares will make it easy for you. Once you’ve registered, we’ll give you tools and resources to help you raise funds including Servathon fact sheets, sample email to send potential sponsors, sample invitations for potential team members, and talking points.

You can then customize these materials for each person or group you approach. We even give you your own Web page and email address to communicate with your prospects and donors!

Remember, the #1 reason people give is because they were asked. Your family, friends and co-workers will donate because Servathon and volunteerism are obviously important to you.

Here are some tips for fundraising:

  • The #1 reason that people donate is because they are asked. Tap into your network! Your friends, family, classmates, and coworkers care about you and want to support you. Talk enthusiastically about what you’re doing and why!
  • How about a little friendly competition? We’re awarding prizes to our top fundraisers in many different categories! There will be several rounds of competition where prizes will be awarded, and they aren’t all based on raising the most money, so anyone who fundraises can win.
  • Goal-setting is key. We ask each volunteer to raise $100- but why stop there? Regardless of how much money you hope to raise, set a fundraising goal for yourself, and let your donors know what it is. Everyone will be excited to watch you move closer and closer towards your goal!
  • Every dollar counts. Many people worry that small donations don’t make a difference, but they do! Every dollar raised supports the cause and helps make service possible.
  • Thank you, thank you, thank you! It makes a huge difference when your donors know how much you appreciate their support; you literally can’t thank them enough! Greater DC Cares will send our own thank you letters to every donor that supports the cause, but you should always make sure you are thanking them personally as well.

Q: Will my donors’ contributions be tax deductible?

A: Yes. Greater DC Cares is a 501(c) (3) organization. Our tax ID# is 52–162-5585.

Q: What will the money be used for?
A: Your team members can feel great about the money they raise, because every dollar goes a long way. For example, a donation of:

  • $15 allows Greater DC Cares to organize a morning of food delivery to homebound individuals.
  • $100 allows us to purchase supplies to paint one classroom at a public school.
  • $1,000 allows us to install a computer lab at a job placement center using volunteer technology professionals.

Q: What if my company has a matching gift program?
A: Matching gifts are a great way to double — even triple — the value of your donation to Greater DC Cares! Ask your human resources department for more information.
Get a matching gift form from your company, complete it and send to:

Greater DC Cares
ATTN: Servathon Manager
1156 15th St, NW Ste 840
Washington, DC 20005

Did You Know?

Did you know that Servathon volunteers alone raise over $100,000 for year round services provided to area nonprofits and schools through Greater DC Cares? Services that include: the board leadership program, community tool chest, leadership & development trainings, volunteer services and more!

This year we have an ambitious goal to raise $160,000 – and we need your help! The money raised during Servathon helps fund Greater DC Cares services throughout the year. Service such as large days of service, skilled volunteering, trainnings, and much much more.

Show your support by making a donation at www.servathon.org or mailing a check to our offices at 1156 15th Street NW, Suite 840 Washington, DC 20005. If you have questions about raising funds through Servathon, contact Lauren Conte at 202-777-4451 or lconte@greaterdccares.org. Thank you for your support!