Creative Ways to Boost Your Charity Bib Donations
Guest Post by Wander Project Ambassador David Jackson
So, you’ve taken the leap, signed up for a charity bib, and started your fundraising journey. You kicked things off with a strong “why” (see the “Getting Started Checklist” and the “How to Craft an Engaging Story”post), sending out social media posts and sharing your story, but now the donations have slowed to a trickle. Sound familiar?
Hitting a fundraising wall is something every charity runner faces at some point. But don’t worry—there are plenty of avenues left to explore that can help you break through that barrier and reach your goal.
1. Tap into Your Workplace
Your workplace can be an untapped goldmine for fundraising. Here are a few ways to engage your colleagues and company:
- Matching Gifts: Many companies offer matching gift programs where they match the donations their employees raise for charity. Check if your employer has such a program, and if not, it might be worth asking if they’d consider it.
- Corporate Sponsorship: Ask if your company would consider sponsoring your race. In return, you can offer to wear their logo during the race, shout them out to your followers on social media, and mention them in any related media coverage.
- Office Fundraisers: Organize small events like bake sales and lunch-and-learn sessions. These might seem small, but they add up quickly.
2. Partner with Local Businesses
What local businesses do you frequent? Where do you eat, shop, and play? Local businesses are often eager to support their customers, especially when it’s for a good cause. Here’s how to get them involved:
- Sponsor a Mile: Reach out to local businesses to sponsor a mile (or more) of your race. In exchange, you can offer to promote their business through your social media channels, race day apparel, or even in thank-you emails to donors.
- Host an Event: See if a local restaurant, café, or bar would be willing to host a fundraising event where a percentage of the night’s proceeds go towards your charity. This is also a great way to get the community involved.
- Name Drop: Once you get a few businesses on board, use their names when asking other businesses to sponsor you, especially if it’s a popular or well-respected business. Local businesses don’t want to miss out if other businesses are donating. It also lends credibility to your mission.
3. Think Outside the Box with Creative Ideas
Sometimes, the most successful fundraising campaigns are the ones that think outside the box. Here are some creative ways to raise those last dollars:
- Garage Sale: Declutter your home and host a garage sale with all proceeds going to your fundraiser. Invite friends and neighbors to donate items as well.
- Personalized Challenges: Challenge yourself with something a little crazy—like running a mile in a costume or shaving your head if you hit a certain donation milestone. People love supporting these unique challenges.
- Charity Auction: Ask friends and family to donate experiences or services (like a weekend getaway, a home-cooked meal, or a professional consultation) and auction them off online.
4. Leverage Your Network
Never underestimate the power of your network. Your friends, family, and colleagues may be more connected than you realize:
- Referral Campaigns: Ask your current donors to share your campaign with their own networks. Offer a small incentive, like a handwritten thank-you note or a shout-out on social media, for every referral they bring in.
- Reconnect with Old Contacts: Don’t hesitate to reach out to old friends, classmates, or colleagues. Update them on your journey and ask if they’d be willing to support you. People often appreciate being included in such meaningful endeavors.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
Remember, you’ve developed a powerful “why” for your fundraising, and it’s something worth sharing. If you believe in your cause, others will too. People feed off your energy, so if you think your “why” deserves support, don’t be afraid to ask for money. Sometimes, all it takes is a direct, confident request to inspire others to contribute. Always remember—you will miss 100% of the shots you don’t take, so take your shot!
6. Get Local Media Involved
Local newspapers, radio stations, and community websites are always looking for feel-good stories. Pitch your story to them:
- Share Your Journey: Write a press release or personal story and send it to local media. Highlight your connection to the charity and why this cause matters to you.
- Be Available: Offer to do interviews or write a guest blog post for local outlets. This not only spreads awareness but also helps drive donations from people who otherwise wouldn’t have known about your cause.
Hitting a fundraising wall is frustrating, but it’s also an opportunity to get creative and engage with your community in new ways. By tapping into local businesses, leveraging your workplace, and thinking outside the box, you can push through that barrier and reach your fundraising goal. Remember, every dollar counts, and with persistence and creativity, you’ll cross that finish line both physically and financially.
Happy fundraising!