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Crossing the Canyon: Fundraising Tips

by Maria Parker on May 10, 2016 Comments Off on Crossing the Canyon: Fundraising Tips

This is part of a Crossing the Canyon blog series. In it, we’ll share training tips, motivation and some fundraising suggestions. If you’re planning to hike, check out Maria’s 12 Week Couch to Rim to Rim training plan here. For more information about Crossing the Canyon or to sign up to join the team, head here.

Fundraising for brain cancer research will bring a sense of purpose to your training over the next months and weeks.  It’s much easier to train when you know your event will benefit others.  It can be challenging fundraising though, so below are some tips to help you get started.

  1. Start early.  As soon as you have your fundraising page set-up begin fundraising. E-mail people the minute you start.  E-mail them frequently. Do a weekly blog talking about your experience training and send that out to friends and family.
  2. Ask, Ask Ask and don’t be inhibited about it.  Get over the nervousness early in the process.  Remember you are asking your friends and family to give to a charity that will give hope to people with brain cancer. Hope is in short supply when it comes to brain tumors.  Be proud of raising money for 3000 Miles to a Cure.  Remember you’re giving people an opportunity to be selfless and help others.  
  3. What’s your personal connection to the cause? Do you know someone who has brain cancer, someone who whose family was impacted by a brain tumor? Were you inspired by someone who led you to do the Crossing the Canyon?  Read about brain tumors to understand it’s impact. Read about research and the hurdles that researchers must overcome to find a cure. Talk frequently about your connection to the cause.
  4. Create a fundraising letter/e-mail that is compelling and personal.  It must explain why you are raising money for 3000 Miles to a Cure, and why it’s a great cause for people to donate to.  Tell people your personal story, what brings you to this cause.
  5. Include a call to action in your fundraising letter.  This seems obvious, but be sure to ask for donations and to ask your supporters to forward the request to others who may support 3000 Miles to a Cure.  
  6. Share your story with everyone and anyone you can think of.  Most people know someone who has suffered from cancer.  It’s impossible to predict who will relate strongly to your cause.  If you are doing the crossing with some one particular in mind, be sure to reach out to that person and/or their family and community for support.. Use snail mail too. Many people will respond to a letter or card they receive in the mail more readily than to an e-mail. Other communities to remember: neighborhood association, work friends, congregation and clubs.  
  7. Social Media.  Tell your story on facebook, twitter and instagram.  People may like or share your story and increase your reach.  Social media is also a great way to keep people posted on the progress of your training and fundraising.  
  8. Follow-up.  If someone promises to donate, set a reminder on your calendar to follow-up. Don’t be too aggressive, but most people don’t mind being reminded if they have already committed to giving.  
  9. Send personal thank you notes to every contributor. Make sure they know that their gift will have an impact on people who are fighting brain cancer and their families.

Fundraising is an opportunity to bring people together for a cause. Most people are delighted to give if they know it is a cause you care about.  Asking for their support allows your community to become  part of something bigger than themselves.

 

Maria ParkerCrossing the Canyon: Fundraising Tips