Got a day job? Great, then you have coworkers, suppliers, vendors, customers. Be professional, but let them know you are running, hand them that all important remit envelope when you sneak in a spiel over lunch or when schmoozing that business deal.
Got friends in Public office? Get their lists. I cannot emphasize this enough, especially if they are endorsing your campaign. They want you to win. They have raised money in the past for their own campaigns and they can help you now, with a data base of names and contact information, maybe even make an introduction or two to their highest powered donors. Don't be shy about asking. People who gave before are the most likely to give again.
Attend church or synagogue? Belong to clubs and organizations? Have kids in school? More potential donors. And don't forget the neighbors. Not only good places to display your window signs, but good people to ask for campaigns donations, even small ones. They all add up.
If you've been endorsed by unions or other endorsing entities, ask their leadership for donations personally. See if they will provide a list of members or send a letter on your behalf.
If letters are sent, do follow up with a personal phone call, especially for higher donors. Volunteers can help with smaller donors.
But follow up is key. And as the candidate, you are in the best position. To make the "pitch." Remember, it's not yourself you are selling, it's all the good you will do in office that will benefit the community and the donor, even indirectly, that motivates the giver.
Now here's a delicious Money Pie to get your campaign fundraising juices flowing.
