Leading the Way as a Community Champion

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Community Champion for The Future Needs Us Now — The Campaign for Wisconsin Medicine. This campaign is made possible through community support, and you are an integral part of our success.

If you’ve chosen to join us as a Community Champion, it’s likely that Wisconsin Medicine has had an important impact on your life. We’re thankful for your willingness to share this impact with your loved ones. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to be an effective Community Champion.

If you have any questions as you create your fundraising campaign, please reach out to us at wiscmedicine@supportuw.org.

1. Create Your Champion Page

You can host a fundraising page as an individual, or with friends and family as a team. As you create your page, be sure to add your own text, pictures or video. You can even set a goal! Consider setting a goal of $500 — 20 loved ones giving $25 each.

Your potential donors may be interested in the Campaign for Wisconsin Medicine, but they’re primarily interested in you. Invite them into the fold by sharing why you chose to get involved in shaping the future of health care.

Visit wiscmedicine.org/fundraise to get started!

2. Give a Little

Other people are more likely to donate to your page when they see that someone has already contributed. Donating some of your own money demonstrates to potential supporters that you are serious about helping the Campaign—and they should be, too.

3. Raise a Little

Invite loved ones to join you by making a gift of any size. Start by asking 5-10 people you’re very close to for a donation. Getting your “inner circle” to join in will help you build momentum. Your closest contacts are most likely to donate, and they can also help you feel more comfortable making the ask to others.

Then, continue expanding the circle of people you invite to give. Reach out to 10-15 close contacts and ask them to support the Campaign. After you’ve connected with your close friends, send a message to as many other contacts as you feel comfortable. You can ask co-workers, friends of friends, distant relatives or even your whole address book.

When you’re reaching out to your contacts, you may use our sample email as a starting place — but don’t be afraid to personalize your message to your own voice and values. Your loved ones will appreciate hearing about your personal connection to Wisconsin Medicine and why it’s important to you. Describing how Wisconsin Medicine has touched your life — and will impact others’ lives — is the most important element of your message.

4. Go Social

After you’ve reached out personally to your contacts, start fundraising through social media. Tag those who have already donated and thank them for their donation. Not every post has to be an “ask” — we invite you to share inspiring news stories or other positive anecdotes about Wisconsin Medicine to tell the story of what’s most important to you.