Is this your first time fundraising? Or perhaps it’s the most ambitious target you’ve set. Either way, we’ve got you.
Fundraising can be incredibly rewarding, and you will probably surprise yourself and raise more than you initially thought. However, much like your Training Plan, you will have to chip away at your target, and there will be highs and lows.
Here are seven essential tips to get you going.
1. Share your QR code
The first step is setting up your page on our official fundraising platform, Enthuse. Your page will be automatically kitted out in your charity’s branding and ensures your donations will be part of the official total at the end of the event.
Personalise your page and, most importantly, tell everyone why you are running the marathon. Your why can help you through the most challenging training runs. If you are yet to consider your why, Pete Cooper - founder of London Marathon Events’ Official Training App, Coopah - talks about how to find yours here.
You will also spot a QR code under the social share buttons on your page. You can add this to fundraising posters or even pop in your phone case, so if you mention the marathon, it is easy for someone to get to your page. The easier you make it, the easier it is to donate.
2. Tell us what your charity means to you
Your why may also be the driving force behind your fundraising. Is it a charity that has directly helped you? Is it a cause with a personal family connection? Or perhaps it is just something you believe in.
Whatever your motivation, tell your story and make sure people know what you are fundraising to achieve. Do your research, and know the stats and recent news and developments about your cause.
If you’re looking to raise awareness, it might be worth reaching out to your local newspaper or radio station to see if they can cover your story.
3. What can 10 people do for you?
To make your fundraising target seem less daunting, break it down into manageable chunks. If 10 people give you a tenner, that’s already £100. Who are the 10 people you could send your link to?
You will have several networks invested in your marathon journey. Who is closest to you when it comes to friends, family, and colleagues? Then think broader: do you go to a regular gym class? Or does your child have a playgroup? You can even try hosting an event to reach those who don't know you yet.
Remember, not everyone will be able to donate financially, but they might be able to help in other ways.
4. Ask HR about match funding
Some employers match the money you have raised pound-for-pound or donate a fixed amount.
If your company can’t do this, they might be able to support you differently, so it’s worth having the conversation. Or you might even be the one to inspire HR to consider match funding!
You can read more about match funding on Enthuse’s site here.
5. Think very big and very small
Open your notes app and start typing “Can I…” and follow it with whatever comes to mind.
Give yourself five minutes. Don’t overthink it. Think ridiculously big and then actions that can be achieved in less than 30 minutes.
Here are five to get you going…
- Can I sell some things I no longer need on Facebook Marketplace and add the proceeds as donations to my page?
- Can I add my fundraising page to my email signature?
- Can I incentivise donations, say if you donate £50 I’ll do a 10K training ride dressed as a banana.
- Can I ask my local gym if I can put up a fundraising poster?
- Can I make something to sell?
After you have compiled your list, pick your top three and put them into action!
6. Send to all
Lean into the age-old mantra: “If you don’t ask, you don’t get."
A quick win is to send your fundraising page link to all, either an all-staff/student email or a WhatsApp broadcast list is a good way to get started. You might be surprised who can donate.
Don’t be afraid of approaching local businesses to see if they can donate a prize for a raffle. Even if they cannot give a prize, they might be able to offer a space instead.
Don’t forget to check in with your charity, either. They will have plenty of tips and can introduce you to other charity runners who might be up for pooling your fundraising efforts.
Don’t worry about sending out your fundraising page more than once. Remember to be persistent but not a pest, and be aware of your timing when asking for donations. The week following payday is better than the agonising one before.
Thank everyone who donates, in person, by call, or via message. It’s amazingly generous and will help your charity enormously.
7. Keep those updates coming
Finally, make sure you take everyone on your training journey. Take a post-run selfie, Strava screenshot, whatever your style. Be honest with your updates too. It won't always be easy, but that will show people how hard you are working to reach your target.