10 steps to sports fundraising success

Signed up to a charity challenge? Here’s how to raise funds

With the government moving England into step 4 on July 19 came the hopeful return of mass participation fundraising events – something that has been missed not only by competitors but also by the charities that have suffered from the lack of mass participation events as a fundraising tool. And it’s not just the charities that benefit; fundraising for a charity could provide you with a purpose, a sense of community and the motivation to lace up your trainers and head out to train. However, if you’ve never raised money before, it can be difficult to know where to get started. We asked Danielle Morgan, senior event manager at London Landmarks Half Marathon, for her top tips… 1 CHOOSE A CHARITY

Pick a charity that supports a cause close to your heart. This might be a charity that you or a family member has used first hand or a cause you strongly believe in, either way it’s a great way to motivate yourself and keep you focused on the end goal. Take it from Amy, a doctor from Worksop, Nottinghamshire, who ran for Alzheimer’s Research after witnessing the devastating effects of dementia first hand, losing her grandfather to the condition last year.

2 FANCY DRESS

Feel like you’ve exhausted all your good will when it comes to raising money? Then why not add an extra challenge. Running in fancy dress adds an extra challenge, as well as a few more pennies into the pot – then it just comes down to picking your costume. Linking back to your charity is a great way to spark a bit of creativity. This year, we had runners dressed as the Spice Girls and London’s landmarks, while Sam from Surrey ran this year’s half marathon dressed as a tap to raise money for Wateraid.

3 SHARING IS CARING

Sharing your training and stories on social media and through your fundraising page lets people see the highs and lows of your journey to the start line.

This is a great reminder for potential sponsors to support your cause.

4 PUSH YOURSELF

Choose an event that’s a personal challenge, for some that’s a 5K walk, for others it’s a marathon. Pushing for something outside of your comfort zone will give you a real sense of achievement as well as a greater incentive to fundraise.

5 CORPORATE FUNDRAISING

Often companies will sponsor their employees, and some bigger employers even go as far as offering to match fund your sponsorship. So make sure you speak to your boss or HR department as that can really help your charity.

6 FUNDRAISING UPDATES

Sharing updates on your charity and how your fundraising will be used helps people connect with what they do. Some charities are less familiar than others, but sharing will help people to understand the impact of their sponsorship. For example, baby and pregnancy charity Tommy’s, official charity partner of the London Landmarks Half, uses funds to conduct pioneering research into the causes of stillbirth, preterm birth and miscarriage to prevent baby loss.

7 FUN EVENTS

A great way to boost your fundraising is by hosting an event. Office bake sales or quiz nights give you the chance to talk about your charity and fundraising – and cake is always a winner, right?

8 CHARITY SUPPORT

The last thing you want to worry about on top of your weekly mileage is hitting your fundraising target. So if you’re struggling, get in touch with your chosen charity. They can provide ideas and help any fundraising efforts by sending out things like leaflets, balloons, stickers and sponsorship forms. They can also send collection tins – perfect for leaving at your office reception, at your local restaurant or gym, or to give to your spectators on race day. Everyone needs somewhere to put their loose change, after all.

9 IT’S ABOUT THE LITTLE THINGS

It’s amazing how a few small things can bring in a large amount of support. Adding your fundraising link to the signature of your email or reminding people about your event on social media can all give people a nudge or draw in attention from people you wouldn’t think to directly ask for support.

10 THE AFTERMATH

You’ve done it! Your muscles are aching, you’re riding on a high of endorphins and the race is over, but your fundraising doesn’t have to be. A whopping 20 per cent of fundraising comes from after the event, so share your success with anyone who will listen.