Shop · The Complete Campaign Fundraising Guide
How to Ask for Campaign Donations, Even If You've Never Done It
Whether you're running for city council, mayor, state house, state senate or statewide office, now you need money, and you can't afford a firm. This guide shows you who to ask, what to say, and how to ask again. Step by step, in plain words.
Launch price $49, goes to $79 on January 1, 2027
Who it's for
- Candidates running for city council or mayor
- Candidates running for state house, state senate or statewide office who want to raise money without a big finance staff
- Candidates who hate asking for money and want a script that works for them
- Anyone who wants a real plan, not a pile of tips
Who it's not for
- Congressional or other federal races with a full finance staff
- Anyone looking for legal advice. This is guidance. Your state's rules still come first.
What's inside
10 chapters that take you from zero to a working finance plan
- Start here. What the guide covers and why you raise money in circles, closest people first.
- Set the goal. Build your budget backward from what your race costs, then set a weekly target.
- Your own money. What you put in first, and why it still gets reported.
- The friends and family list. Build your full contact list and rank who to ask first.
- The personal ask. Call time, short scripts, naming a number, and when to stop talking.
- Events. House parties, host committees, ticket levels and how to work the room.
- Direct mail. A sample letter, #10 envelope, #9 reply envelope and reply card mockups.
- Online giving. Your donate page and email asks to people who signed up.
- Follow up. Thank every donor fast, then ask again.
- Stay legal. Treasurer, limits, donor records, paid-for-by lines and in-kind gifts. Links to every state's campaign finance office.
Plus
- Editable letter and reply card templates (.docx). Fill in your name and send.
- Bonus: "Get the word out." Ties your social posts to your fundraising asks and events, so you know what to post before, during and after each push.
See inside
Why Red Helium
Red Helium Strategies is Josh Gibbons' political consulting firm. Josh founded Red Helium Strategies in 2018 and was named Canyon County Hall of Fame, Republican of the Year, 2023. This guide puts the way we raise money into a kit you can run yourself.
FAQ
Will this work in my state?
The fundraising steps work for city council and mayor races all the way up through state house, state senate and statewide races. The rules on limits, who can give and what you record change from state to state. The guide gives you guidance, tells you what to ask, and links you to your state's official campaign finance office. Always check your Secretary of State, local election office or city clerk before you send anything.
Is this legal advice?
No. It's guidance. For legal questions, talk to your Secretary of State, local election office, city clerk or a lawyer.
I've never asked anyone for money. Is that a problem?
No. The guide gives you scripts and tells you who to call first.
What format is it?
A PDF guide plus editable Word (.docx) templates for the letter and reply card.
How do I get it?
Buy with the button below. You'll get your download link after checkout.
Can I edit the templates?
Yes. Put in your name, your committee and your paid-for-by line.
Get the guide
The Complete Campaign Fundraising Guide
10 chapters, editable templates and the "Get the word out" bonus.
Launch price $49, goes to $79 on January 1, 2027
Want us to do it for you? Talk to Red Helium.
Guidance, not legal advice. State rules vary. Check with your Secretary of State, local election office or city clerk.