Fundraising Tips

How to Fundraise

So, you've decided to run the Half Marathon for charity, brilliant! How do you go about raising as much money as you can? Well, start by following these simple steps to help you on your way...

1. Choose a charity that really means something to you personally. It is much easier to ask people to support you when you can talk passionately to them about something that really matters to you.
2. Plan how you're going to raise money and start now! Set a target that is achievable and that you will also feel proud to have raised - for example, if your chosen charity asks you to raise £550, try setting your target for £700 - it is very satisfying to exceed people's expectations!
3. Create an online sponsorship page. These are simple to set up and personalise and they make the admin easier by collecting sponsorship money from your supporters. We've teamed up with Bmycharity to help you do this, so click here to create your page.
4. Tell EVERYONE what you're doing. A Half Marathon is a serious challenge that many people would not undertake, so others will be keen to support your efforts. In fact, get everyone you talk to to tell everyone they know!
5. Think creatively - getting sponsorship is just one way that you can raise your target amount. Why not try asking if your company will match what you raise? Or try baking cakes and selling them to your family, friends and colleagues? Or why not hold a fundraising coffee morning or a pool tournament at the local pub!
6. Be Brave. You have to ASK people to support you and KEEP ASKING! Remember, you're asking them to support your charity, not you. Obviously you want to ask nicely, but if you can talk enthusiastically about the run and why you're doing it, you will find most people are happy to support your endeavours.
7. Make the most of Gift Aid. This is a scheme where charities can claim back the tax paid on donations by individual donors, eg if a donor sponsors you for £10, then the charity can actually receive £12.80 if the Gift Aid declaration box is ticked. It will also mean you hit your target faster!
8. Keep coming back to this site regularly. We're teaming up with the experts at the Institute of Fundraising (who are really very good at raising money) to provide you with loads of practical ideas and "how to" guides to help you...

Good luck!