Political Campaign Fundraising Ideas and Tips

For some candidates this can be one of the most challenging parts of the Political Campaign for them.  Asking for money and support doesn’t come easily.  The fear of rejection or possibly offending someone can overpower the desire to ask for the funds.

The better questions for a candidate to ask are, “Do I believe in what I am doing? Do I think I can make a difference for the community, state or whatever group you are representing?” – if you think you are the best person for the constituents, you will want to incorporate that conviction in to your fundraising.

For a campaign of any level to be successful it will require funds.  There are many facets to a campaign, even if it is for local school board or city council.  It is important that you feel like your campaign has a plan and is ready to run the political race.

Concentric Circles

When I think of raising funds for a Political Campaign, I find myself reflecting on concentric circles.  For your campaign you will want to start in that closest circle.  These are your close friends, maybe these are the people that encouraged you to get into the race.  Start with them, this is usually the low hanging fruit and the easiest funds to acquire.  This circle should also help you to build some confidence as you work your way out to the next concentric circle.

Another effective tool when raising funds is to find some of those people that are in your innermost circle and ask them to help with the process.  If they truly believe in you and the impact that you can have on the community you serve, they will have no problem reaching out to their circle of friends to help you raise some dollars. 

One effective way for them to do this is to host gatherings, maybe in the backyard over a fire pit or on a deck, etc.  These gatherings are perfect for you to get to know their friends and for them to witness firsthand the impact you can have when you are elected.

The second circle are those individuals that you identify with like-minded opinions.  If you are looking at a race that has a political leaning – you could look to those in your area that have similar thoughts as you.  A letter campaign to this audience is often an effective way to secure funds.  This circle would also include any Pac’s or groups that are maybe supporting candidates that align with them.  Pac’s or special interest groups can be a nice way to raise some significant dollars toward your campaign rather quickly.

The third circle to consider would be more of a general appeal to a larger broader audience.  Having donation envelopes at your various campaign events. These donors often times didn’t know you before the event but found your presentation compelling, so much so that they want to step up and support your campaign.  I would also consider your website or social media posts in this category when it comes to acquiring financial support for your campaign.  With this area it is more about casting a wide net and hoping to catch some interest in support for your political campaign.

It is OK to do a follow-up reach out to those that have supported you previously.  Maybe set a benchmark goal and then do a fundraising mailing to them asking them to help get you over that benchmark.  It is also effective to even let them know what you are looking at doing with those funds. 

For example, maybe you are securing a billboard at a certain location, increasing your reach on an Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) Campaign. (Have a link here that ties back to the Eddm Blog Post) People like to be a part of a winning team and they like to feel they are the “white knight” riding in to help save the day.

Have fun with this process, get creative, dream big!!  

This is all sales 101 – you will get rejection; some people will say no and that is perfectly ok.  It just means that you are that much closer to the next yes.  Listen to your constituents and their feedback so that you are ready to adapt as needed.

Tri M Graphics has several tools at the ready to help you raise these funds.  We would love the opportunity to chat with you, to learn more about your campaign and what resource we have to help you and your election.

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Michael Jensen

President

Tri M Graphics