Fundraising FAQ

Questions about Teams
1. Can my team have co-captains?
2. Can my team have more than 6 members?

Questions Fundraising
1. How many times should I ask people for a donation?
2. What's the best way to use social network sites (i.e. Facebook, MySpace)?
3. How do I approach people if I'm not sure they're pro-choice?
4. What do I do if a check is written out to me personally?
5. If I can't participate in the event, what happens to my donations?
6. Are there any restrictions on what I can do to raise money?
7. Can I get PCR materials to help with my fundraising?
8. Can I enter cash or check donations into my online fundraising record?
9. A donor is asking for a tax ID number (or EIN number), what is it and where do I get it?
10. A donor is requesting a 501(c)3 letter. What is it and how do I get it?
11. Where can I find the pledge form for all of my off-line donations?
12. How do I obtain matching gifts for my fundraising?


Answers about Teams
Can my team have co-captains? Of course! Co-captains get it done.

Can my team have more than 6 members? No problem. Your team has one hour to bowl their game. If you're team isn't done bowling during your hour, you'll have to mosey off the lanes even if you're not done. But if you're cool with that, we're cool with you having more than 6 members.

Answers about Fundraising
How many times should I ask people for a donation? Three. Reach out to people three times. If they don't respond to you after the third try, it's best to let it go.

What's the best way to use social network sites (i.e. Facebook, MySpace)? Use the widgits included through our onilne fundraising system. Make sure and tell people why you're participating in the event. Without the personal connection, people won't donate.

How do I approach people if I'm not sure they're pro-choice? You can approach people in a variety of ways. The majority of Americans support contraception and sex education, both of which PCR promotes through The Birds & Bees Project. Or you can simply ask if the person you're approaching supports reproductive rights, and talk about PCR's mission to support women in all of their choices (whether that means adoption, parenting, abortion, or preventing unplanned pregnancies using the contraception of their choice.) The key is to look for a conversation opportunity.  

What do I do if a check is written out to me personally? If a donation check has been written out to you personally, you may endorse the back of the check, fill out the pledge form and include it with your fundraising totals at the event. Or you may cash the check and write a check out to PCR. But remember to fill out the pledge form!

If I can't participate in the event, what happens to my donations? All donations submitted to PCR's Bowl-a-Thon are non-transferable and non-refundable. If you are unable to participate in the event, your donations cannot be refunded nor can they be transferred to another participant. We hope your donors will appreciate supporting PCR regardless of your participation in the actual event.

Are there any restrictions on what I can do to raise money? Many bowlers host local events and activities to help them reach their fundraising goal. If you plan to fundraise through these methods, please remember the following:

* Often, states and local communities have laws governing many fundraising activities, including raffles, garage sales, leafleting, auctions and other promotional activities. Compliance is the responsibility of each participant. Please check the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits for more information.

* If you plan to post flyers in a public space (grocery stores, malls, parking lots, etc.), please check with the Property Manager before posting your materials

Can I get PCR materials to help with my fundraising? You bet. Drop us an e-mail at pcr@birdsandbees.org and we'll get some in the mail right away.

Can I enter cash or check donations into my online fundraising record? Yes, you can. Log onto your fundraising page, go to the fundraising tab, and click the pledge button. You can enter the information just as you would for an online donation. It won't show up in the scroll of names below your fundraising thermometer or pie, but it will be include in your total.

A donor is asking for a tax ID number (or EIN number), what is it and where do I get it? A tax ID number or EIN number identifies Pro-Choice Resources as a non-profit event. Please contact PCR to get this number.

A donor is requesting a 501(c)3 letter. What is it and how do I get it? The 501(c)(3) letter is proof that PCR is recognized as a non-profit organization by the federal government. Please call us at 612-825-200 if you need a copy of this letter.

Where can I find the pledge form for all of my off-line donations? You can find it by clicking here!

How do I obtain matching gifts for my fundraising? Check out our matching gift FAQ by clicking here.


If you still have questions, please contact us at bowl@birdsandbees.org or 612-825-2000.