Fundraising Tips By Selina
Before joining Challenge Central, I used to fundraise for a Cancer Charity (Myeloma UK). In 2013, I set up a group 3 Peaks Challenge with Challenge Central for myself and colleagues at my place of work at the time. Fifteen of my colleagues agreed to share the challenge and experience with me, and together, we set out about fundraising for our minimum sponsorship target.
With my experience in fundraising, the team came to me for suggestions, and I offered them the following tips:
Set up an online fundraising page
Although you can still collect sponsors on a paper form, setting up an online fundraising page is a more efficient way of collecting donations. With the ever-changing world of technology and social media, it's much easier to spread the word by sharing the online fundraising page link. People can easily give Gift Aid if they are eligible.
Ask everyone
Don't be afraid to ask anyone that knows you to sponsor you. Friends, family, colleagues, and even friends of friends or family may wish to support you, so it's worth asking. You are more likely to spread the word quickly and easily online to people you know and even don’t know should your family/friends share it with their friends/family. If you are working and have permission to add the donation link to your company signature, this is a great way to get others aware of what you are doing without having to ask directly. Sharing on social media means the recipients can make their own decisions without feeling pressured to support as you are not asking them face to face (plus they can stay anonymous on most giving pages too if they prefer!).
Speak to the Charity
Contact your chosen charity and share what you are planning to do. They are likely to have a dedicated fundraising person or department who can assist in providing you with advice, extra fundraising tips as well as potentially merchandise to wear or use as part of the charity exposure.
Organise a fundraising event or two
Consider organizing a fundraising event to raise money. It can be anything from a bake sale, quiz night, or car boot sale. These events are relatively inexpensive to set up and yet a great way for you to raise sponsorship. You can get companies to donate prizes for raffles, colleagues or family to bake/buy cakes, and everyone I am sure will have something they are happy to lose from their life for a car-boot sale.
Corporate Sponsors or Match Giving
See whether your company or companies you know of will donate money to your cause. The company I worked for back in 2013 had a “top-up” scheme whereby they would give an extra 20% on the funds their employees raised. As we were all from the same company, this made a massive difference to our overall fundraising total!
Other Fundraising Ideas
There are many other ways in which you could get sponsorship/fundraising. Think outside the box a little, and although the popular fundraising ideas are great, sometimes those that are a little unusual will attract more donations. Here are a few additional fundraising ideas:
>> Supermarket bag packing
>> Sweepstake
>> Afternoon tea/coffee morning and cake
>> Sponsored walk/cycle/silence
>> Race night
>> Car washing
>> Sporting event
>> Book sale
>> Auction
>> Karaoke
Final Thoughts:
Fundraising can be challenging, but it's important to remember that every little bit counts. Don't be afraid to ask for help and support, and always be grateful to those who have contributed to your cause. Think outside the box, and have fun with it. Happy fundraising and good luck!