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Pay it Forward Prevention Ambassador Fundraising Event

National Safe Place Network (NSPN) is launching a new campaign, Pay it Forward Prevention, and is making a special request to its Safe Place ambassadors. Safe Place ambassadors are the first to learn of the Pay it Forward Prevention campaign. NSPN is including Safe Place ambassadors in the launch of this campaign by hosting a month-long Pay it Forward Prevention ambassador fundraiser. The goal of the ambassador campaign is to raise $10,000 before the end of 2021.

If every dedicated ambassador raised just $100, this would exceed the goal and help keep hundreds of youth safe by supporting the Safe Place program. During the event, ambassadors are encouraged to connect with family, friends, colleagues, and others to ask for support for Safe Place. NSPN will share updates towards the goal and the ambassador who raises the most funds through their JustGiving page will receive a special gift and be highlighted in NSPN publications.

Help NSPN Raise $10,000 Before the End of 2021

NSPN has partnered with JustGiving to give you the chance to create your own fundraising page for the Pay it Forward Prevention campaign.

Setting Up Your JustGiving Page

  • You will be prompted to sign up for an account. (Creating an account is free, quick, and easy.)
  • Add your fundraising page details; include if you are raising money in honor of someone and create your custom website extension. Once finished, click “Create your page.”

  • You’re ready to start fundraising! Your Pay it Forward Prevention fundraising page is now set up and ready to accept donations. Share your personalized link on social media, at holiday parties, via email, at work and in your work email signature line, and more.

Making the Ask

When making an ask, it’s important to be familiar with the cause in which you are supporting. As you know, since 1983, Safe Place has provided outreach and prevention programs for youth in crisis. This collaborative community prevention initiative designates businesses as Safe Place locations, making help readily available to youth across the country. Safe Place also provides TXT 4 HELP, a free text-for-support service, which connects youth to mental health professionals 24/7/365 by texting 'SAFE' to 4HELP (44357).

Start your ask by sharing your involvement with Safe Place and what Safe Place is. Then, share an impact story – a true event where a youth was helped through this critical program.

There are thousands of youth, like Jordan, served by Safe Place. Here are other situations experienced by young people in which Safe Place helped. Without the support of donors, these young people would not have been able to receive the help they desperately needed.

After sharing how Safe Place makes a difference, let them know how they can help.

“By helping me support this national non-profit organization with a proven history of keeping youth safe, we can expand the safety net for youth and make a true difference. You can donate to my JustGiving page at [INSERT YOUR PERSONAL JUSTGIVING PAGE LINK].

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and secure. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to National Safe Place, Inc., so it's the most efficient way to give - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

 Help me ensure all young people in crisis have someplace to go... someone to help.”

To help make asking easier, encourage others to give a specific amount below and share how their gift will make a difference for a youth in crisis.

  • Support one youth to use TXT 4 HELP to immediately connect with a counselor when in crisis for $25.
  • Make two universally recognizable Safe Place signs available for sites so youth know where to go for $50.
  • Provide 4,000 outreach cards to ensure youth know about safe options for $100.
  • Help support an increase in the quality of direct care provided to ten youth for $500.
  • Provide educational materials to youth in ten communities for $1,000.

Fundraising can be daunting and sometimes conversations around money can feel awkward. NSPN appreciates your efforts to fundraise for young people in crisis across the United States. We have compiled some tips for successful fundraising that will help eliminate any worries you may have.

Tips for Successful Fundraising

  1. Make your own donation first.
    We can’t ask others to give if we aren’t willing to. It is easier to ask someone to give once you have made a commitment yourself.

  2. Know what you are supporting and why.
    A positive, confident attitude is the first and most important step. Be clear about your own commitment, be yourself, talk from the heart.

  3. Prepare for effective asking.
    Face-to-face asks are most effective. The holiday season is a great time for fundraising as most individuals are more social. If an in-person conversation isn't possible, check out this ladder of effective asking (adapted from Indiana University) to help determine your plan of action. 



    Sharing on social media is always best with an image. Promote your ask with the Giving Tuesday image below. Just click to download.



  4. Ask your best prospects first.
    If you have friends or family with a history of giving during the holidays, reach out to them. You’ll gain confidence and momentum with an early yes.

  5. Make it personal.
    Examples of how Safe Place and TXT 4 HELP can make a difference in the lives of young people will help sell your giving. Download the Safe Place Makes a Difference flyer to share with those while you’re making an ask.

  6. Aim high and ask for a specific amount.
    NSPN is asking each Ambassador to raise money to help us reach our goal. You can share some of the dollar amounts below so donors have a tangible idea of how their donation will make a difference for young people in crisis.
    • Support one youth to use TXT 4 HELP to immediately connect with a counselor when in crisis for $25.
    • Make two universally recognizable Safe Place signs available for sites so youth know where to go for $50.
    • Provide 4,000 outreach cards to ensure youth know about safe options for $100.
    • Help support an increase in the quality of direct care provided to ten youth for $500.
    • Provide educational materials to youth in ten communities for $1,000.

  7. Make friends for Safe Place.
    Although not everyone will choose to give, you’re making efforts for Pay it Forward Prevention by sharing vital information about Safe Place. Knowing about the program and how it helps is the first step for youth in crisis to access safety when they need it most.

Your Participation Matters

Your support of Safe Place helps young people like 12-year-old Whitney.

Whitney accessed Safe Place after suffering from repeated abuse and neglect. Staff at the local shelter were able to ensure Whitney was able to stay with another family member and continued receiving important supports once she left the shelter.

Your support of Safe Place helps young people like 15-year-old Keith.

Keith had been couch surfing for several weeks after being kicked out of his home. He saw a Safe Place sign at a QuikTrip and was able to access shelter. After his family was contacted, they agreed to participate in family therapy and Keith was able to go back home.

Your support of Safe Place helps young people like 14-year-old Sara.

Sara was having suicidal thoughts after coming out to her parents and not feeling accepted by them. She accessed Safe Place at a local fire station and was able to connect with her local shelter. Sara stayed a few days and began receiving services to help with her mental health.


Without Safe Place, Whitney could still be experiencing abuse and neglect. Keith could still be on the streets. Sara may not be here anymore.

Your support of Safe Place and the Pay it Forward Prevention campaign is so important. Sharing stories of young people who have been served through Safe Place is a key part in fundraising and showing the impact this program makes in the lives of young people nationally.

Not a Campaigner? You can still make a difference.

If you prefer not to support youth through fundraising efforts, you may participate in the Pay it Forward Prevention campaign by making a donation online at www.nationalsafeplace.org/give. Please consider a gift of $100 or more to help meet the campaign goal in an effort to keep hundreds of youth safe. 

Safe Place ambassadors are a vital part of keeping youth safe. Each ambassador's commitment helps provide a deeper connection into communities across the nation, thus expanding the safety net for youth. NSPN appreciates Safe Place ambassadors for their participation in this fundraiser and for their commitment to help keep youth safe.