Fundraising for The Inn

Once you create or join a fundraising page, follow these steps to ensure you reach your goal:

1. Determine How You Are Going to Raise Funds

Upcoming birthday? Supporting a loved one? Hold a meaningful fundraiser, and use your skills and creativity to develop an idea that works best for you and your supporters.

2. Set A Meaningful Goal

Every dollar raised makes a meaningful impact. A gift of $100 helps a family buy groceries during one week of their stay. Let everyone know your goal and why. Make your page personal. Friends and family are more likely to donate when you share why this cause is important to you. Don’t forget to share your progress! Your milestones will be motivators for giving.

3. Be the First Donor

Be a leader, and others will follow. Making the first contribution will demonstrate your commitment to the cause!

4. Gather Support

Ask your friends and family to be involved. Send personalized messages. Share information about The Children’s Inn (provided at the end of this toolkit) to highlight the impact you’re helping create!

5. Spread the Word

Use social media and post often, using photos or graphics to boost visibility. Posts can include how much you’ve raised, tagging and thanking donors, and more. Be creative!

6. Follow Up

If you haven’t heard back from someone you asked for a donation, reach out again! We’re all busy, and a reminder can help ensure that you don’t lose any opportunities. Be sure to include a link to your personal page.

7. Thank Your Supporters

When you receive a contribution, please say thank you with an email through the platform, a text message, or a social media post.

• Please pass along samples of promotional materials that use The Children’s Inn at NIH's name or logo for our review, including advertisements, press releases, etc.
• Please make it clear that The Children's Inn at NIH is the beneficiary, not the sponsor, of the event. Clearly state what dollar amount or percentage of sales you intend to donate to The Inn. The Inn cannot provide mailing lists or share donor information.
• The Inn cannot guarantee participation in staffing your fundraising event, although we do try. We may also provide materials such as brochures, giveaways, and other items.
• When an independent fundraising event is open to the public, we may promote the event on The Inn’s website, via email, or with printed invitations to our supporters. Decisions regarding promoting a fundraiser are made on a case-by-case basis.
• The Children's Inn at NIH acknowledges donors in our annual report and by sending thank-you letters, based on the donor's preferences and, if the event organizer provides contact information. (Contact information must include name, address, amount, and date of gift.)
• Events must comply with all applicable tax laws for goods or services provided as a donation. Please make checks payable to The Children’s Inn at NIH and send donations along with your name, contact information, and the name of your event to: