12 Fundraising Tips for Charity Runners
Updated October 21, 2014.
So you signed up for a charity race and you've got your training plan to follow, but now you need a strategy to tackle the fundraising part. Here are some tips to help you reach your fundraising goal:
One of the quickest and easiest way to raise money is to ask everyone you know to donate. Write a fundraising letter explaining what you're doing and email it to friends, family members, and colleagues. Post the letter on your fundraising website, too.
Also see: 8 Tips for Writing a Fundraising Letter
Sell baked goods at work or at a fundraising event you're having. You can also put out a collection jar for those who want to donate money, but don't what to buy any sweets. Make sure you also have your fundraising link handy so people who want to make a credit card donation can do so easily.
Also see: Recipes for Bestselling Baked Goods
Do you have a lot of clutter in your closets and garage? Clean them out and sell any unwanted items at a yard sale. If you don't want to organize a sale, try selling your used stuff on craigslist or eBay.
Also see: Tips for Selling on eBay
Tips for Having a Successful Garage Sale or Tag Sale
Remember to acknowledge all your donors and thank them for their generosity.
More:
Ways Runners Can Give Back
So you signed up for a charity race and you've got your training plan to follow, but now you need a strategy to tackle the fundraising part. Here are some tips to help you reach your fundraising goal:
1. Start early.
Start your fundraising as soon as you start training for your race. The sooner you begin, the more you'll raise and the less pressure you'll feel, so you can focus on your training.2. Create a fundraising website.
Most charities offer a way for you to publicize your efforts and collect donations online. Make sure you take the steps to set it up (it's usually a very user-friendly process), since people are more likely to donate if there's an online process. The website is also a helpful way to track your donations.3. Set your goal for higher than your minimum.
If potential donors see that you have a low minimum, they may assume you don't really need their donation. But if they see you have a lot to raise, they're more likely to donate and give generously.4. Just ask.
One of the quickest and easiest way to raise money is to ask everyone you know to donate. Write a fundraising letter explaining what you're doing and email it to friends, family members, and colleagues. Post the letter on your fundraising website, too.
Also see: 8 Tips for Writing a Fundraising Letter
5. Share the "why."
Tell potential donors why the cause is meaningful to you. Even if you don't have a personal connection to the cause, explain how their donation will make a difference. Share articles or videos about the cause or organization so they can learn more about where their money will go.6. Use social media.
Post the link to your fundraising website on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media to get your message out.7. Get donations matched.
Ask your company to match what you raise. When people donate, find out if their company has a matching gift program.8. Have a bake sale.
Sell baked goods at work or at a fundraising event you're having. You can also put out a collection jar for those who want to donate money, but don't what to buy any sweets. Make sure you also have your fundraising link handy so people who want to make a credit card donation can do so easily.
Also see: Recipes for Bestselling Baked Goods
9. Follow-up with people.
Some of your friends and family members may have every intention of contributing to your fundraising efforts, but they say they'll do it later and then forget about it. Send a follow-up email to those who you sent your initial email to, let them know how your training is going, and tell them that there's still time to donate.10. Have a fundraising event.
Host a dinner party at your home and ask guests to donate. Or hold a party at a bar or restaurant. Charge admission and/or ask the restaurant to donate a percentage of the proceeds. When you send out the invitations, make sure you include your fundraising link, so those who can't attend can still donate to your cause.11. Hold a yard sale.
Do you have a lot of clutter in your closets and garage? Clean them out and sell any unwanted items at a yard sale. If you don't want to organize a sale, try selling your used stuff on craigslist or eBay.
Also see: Tips for Selling on eBay
Tips for Having a Successful Garage Sale or Tag Sale
12. Don't forget to say thanks.
Remember to acknowledge all your donors and thank them for their generosity.
More:
Ways Runners Can Give Back