Welcome to our new fundraising how-to blog series! As we get closer to event day, we’re here to bring you all the tips and tricks you need to hit your fundraising goals. These monthly posts will cover everything from goal-setting to creative asks, but May is kicking off with the most essential subject of all: how to start.
Step #1: Register!
So, you’ve taken the big first step of any Susan G. Komen 3-Day event: registering. Whether this is your fiftieth event or you’re gearing yourself up for the first-ever, you’ve made an extraordinary commitment in entering the Pink Bubble and starting the journey. (That alone deserves a round of applause!) There are countless out of the box ideas to get your fundraising soaring, but before you find yourself among the clouds, you’ll have to get off the ground first. But where do you begin? Although hitting your minimum fundraising requirement may seem like a daunting task, as the saying goes, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
Step #2: Get Personal with your Participant Center
Personalize your fundraising page in your Participant Center, as this is the platform that you’ll use to not only raise money, but also share your story. Upload your photo or record a video, customize your URL, take some time to sit and write why the 3-Day matters to you, and get ready to relay it to the world. For some, vulnerability is a challenge. Putting yourself out there means being open and honest about how breast cancer has impacted your life. You yourself might be a survivor, currently in the fight, or walking in honor/memory of someone close to you. Regardless, your experience is exactly what will help people understand what motivates you to walk. Whether implemented in a Facebook fundraiser, your email signature, or even decorating your car, this page will serve as your primary calling card, so make sure it’s shipshape.
Step #3: Walk the Walk and Make Your Own Donation
Before you get to the potential donors in your circle, do yourself a favor and be your very own inaugural patron. Whether it’s $500 or $5, why not be the first individual to contribute to your own efforts?
Step #4: Talk the Talk and Secure Your Second Donation
After that, make a personal commitment to secure another donation within 24 hours. Momentum is the name of the game, so finding ways to keep the ball rolling, and the funds incoming, is key. Between parents and siblings, friends and coworkers, there are probably plenty of names right on the tip of your tongue, and those should be some of the first people you solicit. It could be face-to-face, by text, phone, email, or social media, but choose one of the many options at your disposal to connect with those around you.
Getting the ball rolling might be difficult at first, but never forget that you’re not alone! Between your coach and the Facebook groups, there’s always a community standing at the ready to offer sparks of inspiration. Once you’re up and running, you’ll be well on your way to hitting your target and contributing to our shared vision: a world without breast cancer. Join us in June as we spotlight our next topic, and please leave a comment with any of your own tips or tricks!
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