Grassroots Fundraising Toolbox
Fundraising is one of the most important—and strategic!— things you can do to help Democrats win up and down the ballot.
That’s why Swing Left is giving you the tools you need to help Democrats win. Democrats running in competitive races still need our help, and every dollar makes a real difference when elections are this close.
When people think of fundraising, they often picture big-money events with tuxedos and champagne in sight of the U.S. Capitol. But the most effective fundraising actually happens locally, on zoom, and our own homes. You and your personal network—and thousands of people like you across the country—can beat the Big Money Republicans at their own game. And we can have a lot more fun doing it!
The median donor to Swing Left Funds has given just $25. In 2020, together we raised more than $20 million to support Democratic nominees. That’s the power of our movement, which comes from grassroots fundraisers like you!
Two Ways to Raise Money Using Your Own Personal Network
1. Make online, person-to-person asks
One of the most effective ways to fundraise is to ask people you already know to contribute, like family, friends, and co-workers. Share your fundraising page or event online, through social media or email. Check out our guide to making fundraising asks for more information.
2. Hold a virtual grassroots fundraising event
Check out these tips & tricks or read the full How to Host a Fundraiser Guide.
Be sure to post your event on Swing Left's calendar (or click here if you're part of Swing Left's College Programs) so we can help you recruit attendees.
Advice for Fundraising
Tie fundraising asks to what people care about.
There’s so much at stake , it can be hard to know where to begin. So start with your audience! Progressive donors care deeply about issues. The Covid-19 pandemic, reproductive rights, climate change, economic justice, protecting democracy, and more.
Donate yourself.
It’s hard to convince people to give money if you don’t give yourself. Ask people to follow your example. You can use your personal giving to motivate others to give. For example, tell people you will give $5 for every person who donates, up to $100 dollars. Post your fundraising challenge on social media and chime in and show support when others give! Ask your donors to use your link to host their own matching campaigns when they’re ready to give again.
Giving is contagious.
People give when they know others have given, too, their friends, neighbors and coworkers. So share information about how many people have given already and encourage others to join! And ask donors to share the great news after they’ve given. Give them a public shout out, too, in person or online. We’re all in this together and making our giving visible encourages others to join in.
Ask if people can donate, and don’t be afraid of a “No.”
Asking someone to give money to a cause can be hard! But it gets so so so much easier with time. Asking if someone “can” donate helps them realize that yes—they can. And knowing we can collectively influence an election by supporting candidates is empowering. Still, some people will say “no,” and that’s okay! Ask if they can consider giving later. If not, no worries. Getting a “no” can be disappointing, but it’s part of the process. If you don’t ask because you’re afraid of "No’s," you won’t get any "Yes’s" either!
Useful Links
Purchase anything for your event? Make sure to submit these as in-kind contributions using this form, and send it to us ASAP.
Accepting contributions by check? Please send us an email at [email protected] and we can provide appropriate check instructions for the races you'd like to support.
Become a fundraiser
You can become a fundraiser, too! Create your own fundraising page and join thousands of grassroots volunteers raising money across the country.
Create a Fundraising Page
