Birdathon/CBC Pledge Sheet*
NYC Bird Species Checklist - Birdathon
NYC Bird Species Checklist - City Birding Challenge
City Birding Challenge Rules*
City Birding Challenge Registration Form

*Please note: This information is also available for download when you register and create your own personal Birdathon or City Birding Challenge participant website.

In addition to being a fun and educational events, the Birdathon and Challenge serve as fundraisers for NYC Audubon's programs. By collecting pledges from your friends, family and neighbors, you can help us reach our fundraising goal of $10,000. Asking people for money isn't always easy so we've put together some tips to help you out. Good luck and thanks for your support!

This year, we've added the ability to create your own personal webpages! Once you register for either event you can add photos, ask for sponsors, track your fundraising success and share your experience.

The Cause
When you approach potential sponsors, explain what the Birdathon/CBC is. Let them know why you are participating and how their money will help benefit wild birds and essential habitat in New York City. Every dollar collected directly supports NYC Audubon's conservation, education and advocacy programs: Harbor Herons, Project Safe Flight, Making Buildings Safe, Natural Areas Initiative, NYC Audubon Adventures, and Look Around NYC. When you ask for pledges, you help raise awareness about a good cause, and one that is important to you.

Who to ask
It's always hard to ask someone you know for money so start with people you feel comfortable approaching. Ask your friends, family, or co-workers and anyone who may have asked you in the past to support his or her cause. Some employees may even be able to double their pledge with a matching gift from their company. You won't know if someone will give unless you ask.

How to Ask
Ask is in person or by email. Easily send emails from your Birdathon/CBC webpage. Direct your sponsors to your webpage where they can make a donation to help you reach your fundraising goal.

• Describe what the Birdathon/CBC is and why you are participating. Let your sponsors know how their support will help birds and natural areas in NYC.
• Tell them about your birding route and indicate how many bird species you are likely to see. You don't want your sponsor to be shocked when they pledged $5 per species and you inform them that you saw 100 species.
• " Let them know that with a donation of $25 or more, they will receive a FREE, one-year membership in NYC Audubon complete with discounts on trips and classes. Make sure they provide their contact information with their pledge.
• Remind them that their contribution is entirely TAX-DEDUCTIBLE!
• THANK THEM for supporting you and a cause that is important to you.

The Report
Within a week of your Birdathon/CBC be sure to follow up with all your sponsors to collect outstanding per species pledges and to regale them with tales of your adventurous day. Again, send emails from your website. Items you may wish to include:

• Make it fun for your sponsors to read; add some humor and describe the highlights of your day of birding. If you fell in a river while trying to spot that rare raptor, be sure to let them know!
• Tell them how many species you saw and mention any sightings of interest.
• If they pledged per species, let them know how much they owe and direct them to your webpage or NYC Audubon's website. (Checks can also be made payable to NYC Audubon and sent to you).
• Remind them that their contribution is tax-deductible and that they will receive a letter from NYC Audubon acknowledging their donation.
• Most importantly, THANK THEM!

Submitting Donations
Donations made by your sponsors online will automatically be credited to you. If you have created a web page, you can enter your pledges online.
If you are collecting checks, submit them with your pledge sheet to:

NYC Audubon
Birdathon/CBC
71 West 23rd St., Room 1523
New York, NY 10010

If your sponsors give you cash, please write a check to NYC Audubon for the amount. Do not mail cash to NYC Audubon. Please indicate whose pledge the check covers.

We hope these tips will help get you started. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact Emily FitzGerald. NYC Audubon is here to help!