This past Sunday, I took part in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk. For those who don’t know, my grandma suffered from dementia for several years before she passed away in the summer of 2008. Participating in the walk and raising money for the Alzheimer’s Association is my way of being the change.

Since this was my third walk in as many years, I was already well versed in the process of fundraising that takes place in the months leading up to the event. But, I did some things differently this year, and as a result, I was able to raise more than $1,000. I cannot even express in words how proud and excited I am to be able to make such a substantial contribution. To those of you who supported me, thank you so much! Last year, I surpassed my goal of $500, and I thought that was pretty awesome. So, how did I double my fundraising efforts this year? Here are some tips for raising money offline and online:

1. Don’t be shy! Yes, it can be difficult and uncomfortable to ask people for money, but it’s not like you’re asking your parents for a raise in your allowance. You’re asking someone to contribute to a worthy cause, a cause that is obviously important to you. The worst that can happen is they’ll say no.

2. Use e-mail to communicate with potential supporters. See if the event site has pre-written fundraising e-mails or send your own. Provide the basic information about the event, your connection to it, and simple instructions for how to donate. This is the easiest method of mass communication.

3. Be persistent! People are busy and need reminding. You’re not being annoying if you email them more than once. In fact, you’re probably being helpful!

4. Make your online fundraising page your own. Upload a personal picture if you can, and edit the stock description to add a personal touch. Putting a little effort into customization will go a long way.

5. Take advantage of your networks. At work: Ask the people you’re closest with to contribute. You’d be surprised how generous people will be if you just ask. Family: They’re related to you, and chances are they’ll take the opportunity to support you. Online: Blog, tweet, update your Facebook status, reach out to your communities. Social networks are perfect fundraising tools because of the ability to reach hundreds and thousands of people at once. Friends: See #6.

6. Stress that no amount is too small, because it really isn’t! Many Gen Yers are living on pretty small budgets, so when you reach out to your friends, remind them that a little goes a long way. If ten people give $5, that’s $50 right there. More than $200 of my total was made up of donations of $25 or less.

7. Say thank you. It sounds simple, but make sure you send some sort of quick note thanking each person who contributes. Do this within a day afterwards because it’s polite…and you won’t have to worry about remembering.

8. Show your supporters what they supported. Take a picture of yourself at the event, and send it in an email with a recap of how everything went. People will appreciate having a visual, and you’ll have another opportunity to thank them.

I’m sure there’s more I could say on this subject, and I’d be happy to talk more specifically with anyone who is interested. The most important thing is to believe in what you’re doing and let your passion drive you. Helping others will not only makes them feel good, it’ll make you feel pretty darn good too.