Six ways to get the most out of your fundraising
We’ve listed some tips below to help you get the most from your fundraising. Whatever you’re doing, these will help you get off to a winning start and smash your target
1. Make the most of social media and what it has to offer
A very reliable and instant way to reach potential donors is through social media. You can link through to a giving page, website or listing and it's a very personal way to tell your story to friends and family. It's a really great way to captivate people's interest - through videos, TikTok, posts, stories and tweets. If this is all new to you, enlist the help of someone who is good with technology. Here is our guide to setting up an online giving page.
2. Make the most of your giving page
If you’ve created an online giving page, make it work hard for you. Aim for a realistic but ambitious target and then share your story. Use photos, videos, and livestreams, update people on your progress, share, share and share again, and don't forget to update anyone important who isn't on social media. Did you know that 20% of donations come in after your activity? Celebrate the completion of your challenge, keep thanking everyone and you may end up with extra donations.
3. Consider all your networks
Fundraising can be daunting but you'd be surprised by how many people, near and far, will want to support you. Through the power of displaying permissible workplace posters, to updating your Facebook page, you can reach a wide pool of people. Does your employer run a scheme where they can match fund your efforts? Would a nearby school be interested in knowing about your challenge? Could you hold a coffee morning to help boost your funds? Make a list of ideas and see what you could make happen.
4. Let them eat cake
We are all very used to hearing about a bake sale, a coffee morning and seeing sponsorship forms and raffle tickets. These fundraising methods do work. Most people like cake and understand that signing a sponsorship form is a commitment to helping you achieve something challenging. If you are planning something bigger but need to boost your target in other ways, these fail-safe ideas are a good choice.
5. Contact your local media
Community is about stories and if you scan your local magazines, brochures and post you’ll often see a feature on someone’s fundraising efforts. Put together a press release and see if anyone is interested. Contact us on community.fundraising@nas.org.uk for a press release template and guidelines on contacting your local media.
Advertising your efforts can bring in donations but also offers of support and new connections, so be sure to create a poster to display at your workplace, school or local shop. If you’re training, your gym board might gain some interest if you’re looking to recruit new supporters or participants.
6. Reach out to local businesses
Depending on your activity, you could benefit from the support of a local business. Be prepared when you contact them and work out exactly what you're asking for, whether its prizes for a raffle or competition or sponsorship. There are mutual benefits too, so be sure to work out any agreements in writing. Please contact us at community.fundraising@nas.org.uk for a letter of authority which will support you with your ask.