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

10 Ways to Update Your 3-Day Training as the Weather Cools

Last month was the official start of Fall, and now October is here! Where has the time gone? But we still have three more 3-Day walks ahead for the year, and we know that many of you are kicking your training into high gear for these final weeks. As the days get shorter and the weather gets cooler, your training plans need to change with the season. There are a few simple steps you can take to make your fall training safer and more productive.

Tip 1 — Plan ahead: Temperature isn’t the only thing you should be monitoring as fall and winter arrive. You should also look out for rain and/or fog in the forecast. Plan your route for places you know well, and that have areas to step off the route for a rest or to seek shelter if rain begins.

Tip 2 — Increase stretching: Stretch inside before you begin your walk, then do another quick stretch outside right before you start. Finally, don’t forget to stretch when you’re back home and the walk is done! You need to keep your muscles limber and as warm as much as possible.

Tip 3 — Stay in the sunshine while you can: Many parts of the country will have warmer weather for a bit longer, so take advantage while you can! Also, no matter where you live, check the weather for the day to make sure there isn’t rain or snow coming up, and to schedule your walk for when the sun is highest, and the weather is warmest.

Tip 4 — Layer up but keep your layers thin: Avoid bulk that will get annoying as you walk! Instead, dress in multiple layers that you can easily remove if you get warmer. Pack items like a hat or scarf in your pack in case the wind shifts or it gets cooler.

Tip 5 — Don’t forget your fingers and skin: They need to be kept warm, too! People often remember a warmer hat, but don’t forget your gloves. Pack lotion and lip balm for longer walks because your skin will need extra hydration and protection in cooler temps. And don’t forget sunscreen! Even when it’s cold, you still need to protect your skin from the sun’s rays.

Tip 6 — Space out your steps: Instead of aiming for much longer walks only once or twice a week, plan your schedule to include more frequent walks with less miles in each one. This will keep you from being outside for longer than necessary.

Tip 7 — Go with your gut: Don’t insist on walking for a set number of times or hours. If you feel too chilly, weather pops up, or you just need to turn back, listen to your body! If need be, you can even pop into the next shop or café you see and order a cab to take you back to your starting point. Don’t push yourself unnecessarily!

Tip 8 — Stay alert: Keeping eyes on the ground and on your surroundings will keep you safe! Many people walk with headphones in, and this is an extra important tip for all of you. From icy patches to big puddles, to cars or snowplows and more… there is a lot to keep an eye out for.

Tip 9 — Hydration is still key: You might not feel thirsty, but you still need to drink and pee! We always remind you of this on the 3-Day but on your training walks, please remember to hydrate even more than you think you do.

Tip 10 — Grab a buddy! Laughter might not technically warm your body, but having a walking partner will warm your heart ? They can also track your hydration, help you keep an eye out for traffic or looming rain clouds, and keep you motivated on your walk.

What are your training goals for Fall 2019? Tell us in the comments, and share your tips for making the most of those walks…

For tips about healthy living, click here for advice and support to keep you on track for the 3-Day and beyond. Thanks to the support of Amgen and in partnership with American Bone Health, the Healthy Living series was designed to prepare your mind, body and bones for the 3-Day.