The money you raise will help us to develop innovative projects bringing together the exceptional skills and expertise of our partner charities and others, to get more help to more people. Here are some tips on how to get those all important donations rolling in.
JUST ASK!
Don’t be shy to ask for money, you’re not asking for yourself, you’re asking for a much needed cause! People will give because you ask – because they believe in you and want to support you in the amazing challenge you’re taking on!
Try to ask face to face. Social media is a great tool, but it’s full of people asking for money. If you blush at the idea of asking for money you could ask over the phone.
It can be helpful to suggest an amount, maybe give a few options – could this person donate £20 or would they stretch to £50? You never know unless you ask.
Ask anyone and everyone, you just never know who might give.
Start Early
Start your fundraising as early as possible, so that when your time is taken up by those long runs in March and April, your fundraising is already in hand.
Plan your fundraising
Break your target down into manageable chunks, and think about who you can engage with different fundraising activities – colleagues, local community or friends and family – as well as how they can help you reach your goals.
Sharing is caring
Tell your personal story on your fundraising page, why is tackling the stigma attached to mental health important to you? And why are you running the marathon? Don’t forget to keep your supporters updated on your progress and your training with posts, photos and videos.
Be creative!
You will put so much time and effort into your training, so try and do the same with your fundraising!
Host an event
Events are a great way raise funds quickly, why not hold a dinner party, or a pub quiz, or even have a dry night out and ask people to donate the money they saved on not buying alcohol.
Work, work, work
Try and utilise your workplace as much as possible. Can you add your Virgin Money Giving link to your email signature? Put a message on your staff intranet? Could they help you with a venue or prize for an event? Will your team help you fundraise?
Colleagues are often really supportive, and as mental health effects the lives of so many, you never know who might be willing to give.
