3-Day Fall Fundraising Ideas

There are only a few months left in the year, but we also still have three more 3-Days ahead of us. So, let’s get to work! Don’t let the change of season slow your fundraising mojo…instead, use this time of year to reinvigorate your goals and dedication. It’s the perfect time to test out new fundraising strategies, and perfect classic tactics to make the most of all the 3-Day tools at your disposal.

Check in with your 2019 goals: If you set goals at the start of this year, now is the time to check in and see what progress you have made. We are officially in our final quarter of not only the year, but the decade! This makes it the perfect opportunity to check in with yourself, and see not only where you can go, but to acknowledge all the amazing work you have done so far.

Make sure your Personal Page is up to date: Your personal page is the simplest way for potential donors to learn your 3-Day story, and to directly donate to you. Make sure it reflects exactly who you are and shows why you walk!

This is especially important because its super easy to send donation emails from your Participant Center, and then any emails you send from that platform will automatically include the direct link to your personal page. Since most donations to 3-Day participants are made online, you will want to make your page impactful and inspiring.

You should also make sure your personal page is public so that donors can find you in the search results on the 3-Day website.

Lastly, you can use the blog function on your personal fundraising page to keep your supporters updated on your progress as you fundraise and train. You can also use this to countdown to your 3-Day and remind people to donate!

Remind past donors: Use email, social media, and in-person reminders to keep the 3-Day top of mind for all your friends and family. This is especially important for people who have donated before. Past donors, on average, give 38% more than donors who are giving for the first time. If you use your Participant Center to send emails, at the “Set Recipients” step, select Group>Past Donors to send your email too all of your past donors at once.

Don’t forget recurring payments: One way you can work with donors is to remind them of the easy way you can set up recurring payments. If someone can donate $25 to you this month, take that next step and see if they are willing to donate $25 a month for the rest of the year. By taking advantage of the monthly recurring payment option, you have the potential to turn a $25 donation into a $75 or $150 donation.

To make a monthly recurring donation, you just have to donate online at The3Day.org like normal, then select the number of payments (two, three or four monthly payments of $25 or more) you want to make!

Always be ready: You never know when someone might want to know more about the 3-Day! Just in case, make several copies of your personal donation form (you can find it in your Participant Center and at The3Day.org/DonationForm) and 3-Day informational business cards (you can find these at The3Day.org/Cards).

You can also check out The3Day.org/Fundraising for more printable tools, like 3-Day posters you can put up at work.

It’s all about the app! Add the 3-Day Fundraise app to your phone so you can continue to fundraise from anywhere…even on the go. The app is free, and you can use it to ask for donations, track fundraising, and send thank you messages to your donors. It also syncs up to your social media, and you can easily find it in your app store if you search for “Susan G. Komen 3-Day Fundraise.”

Make the most of your resources: There are so many tools out there to help you hit your fundraising goals! Make sure to watch our fundraising webinars at The3Day.org/FundraisingWebinar for quick, successful tips from coaches and fellow participants. And speaking of coaches, don’t forget about them either! Call your coach at 800-996-3DAY if you are feeling stuck. They have been in your shoes before and are always here to help.

Remember that every minute counts: There’s no bad time to send a fundraising reminder, even if it’s right before you start your 60-mile journey! Send one final email in the week leading up to your walk to pick up any last-minute donations. You never know who might help in those last few days!

What are your fall fundraising plans? Or your tips to make the most of the last few weeks of fundraising? Tell us

What You Can Expect from a 60-Mile Walk for Breast Cancer

What is the 3-Day? It’s been called everything from “The Pink Bubble” to “Pinklandia” and more. Those who have walked or crewed or even seen the 3-Day experience each have their own feelings about the 60-mile life-changing journey.

Those who haven’t can only look forward to the 3 days that lie ahead of them. If you want a sneak peak of what it’s like to be a part of our 3-Day family (and who wouldn’t?), we are giving you a look from the outside in. And now is the perfect time to learn more, because through February 5th, you can register for only $50! Read on, and we’re sure you’ll want to sign up!

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On the 3-Day, you can expect…

To be challenged

For some people, training is the toughest part. For others, it’s fundraising. No matter who you are, raising money for a good cause and training for a good long walk, all while making new friends or working with existing ones, can be a lot to put on a to-do list. However, part of joining the 3-Day family is to challenge yourself! It’s in challenging yourself that you grow, find new strengths, and create a support system you’ll have long after you walk.

One tip is to identify what most scares or challenges you about the 3-Day, and really focus in on that. Stick to a training schedule and get a work out buddy to motivate you. Give yourself small fundraising goals and reward yourself when you hit them. Make new friends on your team by the end of the weekend. Whatever helps you, go for it and grow! Don’t forget that your coaches is an excellent resource for you if you need support in any way – you can find them on their Facebook pages, separated by walk, on these Facebook Event Pages, on our website at The3Day.org/Coaches or by calling 800-996-3DAY.

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To make lots of new friends

In speaking with coaches, walkers, and crew, everyone has a story of someone they have met and connected with on the walk. Some meet on training walks, others with a random tent-mate, at the dining table or along the route. The welcoming spirit is pervasive throughout the whole 3-Day experience, so lean in and go for it! Walk up to a stranger. Compliment someone’s shoes or tutu or team T-shirts. You never know, you could be meeting your brand new bestie.

To feel a whole lot of emotion

Yes, even those who claim to “never cry” might shed a tear or two, especially during the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. That’s okay! Emotion is welcomed and encouraged at the 3-Day. You will meet survivors, people currently battling breast cancer, and people who have lost loved ones. Maybe you are one of those groups of people. Maybe that’s why you walk. No matter the reason that brought you to the 3-Day, you’ll likely get hit with all the feels on the walk – and we embrace it, because the 3-Day is healing.

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To be tired and sore

Walking 60 miles is no joke. No matter how fit you are, this will take a toll on your body. That is why it’s important to properly train, continuously hydrate, and pay attention to your body during each step. Also remember that there are Sweep Vans patrolling the entire route that can take you to the next rest stop, or camp, if you have walked as far as you can. We know you can do it, and we know you know yourself and just how far you can go. You got this!

To spread the love

Once you’ve walked the walk, you’ll want to talk the talk too. Tell your friends, your family, your doctors, teachers, dog walkers, book club, financial advisor, and anyone you can! Spreading the 3-Day love will help you recruit new team members, expand your fundraising list, and put smiles on people’s faces. You can also spread the love online by interacting with our community on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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To come back again

One of the greatest part of the 3-Day is seeing people year after year, and often times in multiple cities each year. Once you get hit with the 3-Day “bug,” you’ll probably want to come back for more. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself signing up for your tenth walk before you even know it! We’ll be happy to have you back, and welcome you into the 3-Day family with open arms every time.

Have we convinced you to join us on this 60-mile journey? Register now! Through February 5th, you can take $20 off your registration. So, join us in 2018! We can’t wait to have you on the 3-Day!

What else would you add to our list for people new to the 3-Day to expect? Let’s hear it!

Make the Most of February

February gets a bad rap sometimes, especially because it’s the shortest month of the year. Even with only 28 days, it packs a lot of punch! It has already hosted the Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day and more, and we still have Mardi Gras on the horizon! If you haven’t made the most of February, there’s still time though. Here are some fun and simple ways to make the most of the rest of your month…

Get outside!

Much of the country is experiencing milder temperatures than usual for this time of year, and there is no excuse not to celebrate warmer weather, especially when it’s happening in what is usually the heart of wintertime. If you can, go for a walk with friends this weekend! It will get you training out in the fresh air; plus new scenery can lead to great brainstorming for fundraising ideas.

Give one more fundraising push

Try to end the month on a high note with your fundraising! We have loved hearing from our 3-Day walkers who have already hit their fundraising goal for 2017, but there is still plenty of time left for everyone. Check out our exciting and creative fundraising ideas here on the blog, plus on Pinterest, or share one of the cute graphics above on social media to help give a boost!

Practice your acceptance speech

We think every 3-Dayer deserves an award, and this weekend you can practice your speech. The Academy Awards are this Sunday, so get your 3-Day team together and host a watch party! It’s a cozy and relaxing way to spend a Sunday night, and the red carpet is always a glamorous affair.

Let the good times roll

Mardi Gras is right around the corner, and if that’s not an excuse to do a little indulging, we don’t know what is! Our Mardi Gras themed pit stops are always a blast on the 3-Day so if you’re a member on a Mardi Gras-themed crew team, or you want your walking team to be blinged out at the 3-Day, look for deals on beads, feathers and more at local stores. There will also likely be fun culinary events and more in your local neighborhood. It’s the perfect way to end the month!

Plan a trip

You can also give yourself something to look forward to next month by planning a spring trip. Spring breaks are coming up, and it’s the best time of year to head for warmer weather. Plan a hiking or camping trip and you can still keep your 3-Day training on track, or take some much-deserved time off with a relaxing beach day. Knowing that there’s sunshine ahead will help you get through the last weeks of winter with ease.

Think pink!

Hit your fundraising goal? Have a great training session? Get a new friend to join your 3-Day team? Reward yourself with some pretty pink gear for the upcoming 3-Day walk season! ShopKomen.com has outfits and accessories for every occasion that you can wear now, and on your 2017 walk. Plus, a little bit of pink is sure to brighten even a February day.

Do you have anything fun planned for the last few days of the month?