Fundraising From Start to Finish: Fundraising During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in a world where breast cancer impacts hundreds of thousands of people each year, initiatives to research and treat the disease often hinge on financial resources. Your commitment to raising $2,300 (or more!) as a 3-Day participant provides critical funding for research, care and advocacy so that we lose fewer of the people we love to this terrible illness. As you work to make positive change in peoples’ lives across the world, there’s much more to fundraising than meets the eye. Let’s dive further into the art of fundraising, exploring the strategies, challenges, and rewards of mobilizing collective efforts to empower change.

Understanding the Importance of Fundraising

Fundraising plays a vital role in filling the financial gaps that public and private funding may not cover entirely. Since 2003, the 3-Day has raised $889 million to help support more than 2,700 research projects and more than 500 clinical trials.* Great progress has been made in drug development, including Kadcyla® and many other cancer-specific drugs. Without a pipeline of resources to continue this life-saving work, such progress will come to a halt.

The Art of Storytelling

Here at the 3-Day, every step is a story. Though it may bring up complicated emotions, being authentic with donors is the best way to connect and raise funds to fight against breast cancer. By sharing your personal story, you are more likely to motivate and inspire your donors to give. In addition, share this infographic to show them how funds are actively helping us get closer to finding the cures for breast cancer and assisting those receiving treatment. Other powerful resources to share with potential donors include the 3-Day Impact Since 2003 and Komen Research Programs.

Setting Clear Goals and Objectives

With a goal to raise at least $2,300, oftentimes the biggest struggle is understanding where to start. We recommend getting the ball rolling with a donation to your own fundraising account to solidify your commitment to the 3-Day. Map out how much time you have to complete your fundraising efforts and work backwards. Check out this handy guide on Raising $2,300 in 2 Months!

Be sure to continually check back into your fundraising progress and see if you can push further. Need some motivation to kick it up a notch? Check out our 2023 fundraising rewards.

P.S. Our 2024 fundraising rewards will launch next spring!

Diversifying Fundraising Strategies

An effective fundraising campaign should employ a variety of strategies to engage different audiences. Lean into your skills and interests. Are you a fitness fanatic? Contact your local gym to see if an instructor would be willing to volunteer their time to teach a donation-based class. Maybe you’re a foodie and you can connect with your favorite restaurant to host a fundraiser where a portion of the proceeds goes towards your fundraising. Are there services you can provide in exchange for a donation (babysitting, grocery shopping, etc.). Take a peek at these 101 Fundraising Ideas and get inspired!

Check in with your job to see if they provide corporate matching, which can double your fundraising efforts. And ask every donor if they work for a company that matches. Go to The3Day.org/Matching for more information. Remember that matching gifts can take 4 to 6 weeks to post to your account.

Harness the Power of Social Media

There’s no arguing that social media has revolutionized the world around us… and fundraising is no exception! Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and beyond provide 3-Dayers with powerful tools to reach a global audience. Maybe you met someone on vacation who you friended on Facebook last year or your middle school classmate follows you on Instagram. Personally ask people in your network if they will donate to your participation in the 3-Day, and then ask if they can help you spread the message. Download the Komen 3-Day app, share your personal fundraising page link, and post photos of your training walks whenever possible. Take advantage of the extended reach and get to posting! Remember, fundraising via social media should be one part of a multi-channel approach you use to fundraise, not the only way you ask for donations.

Engaging Donors and Building Relationships

Fundraising is not meant to be a one-time transactional event. Building lasting relationships with donors is essential for sustainable fundraising efforts. Express gratitude with handwritten cards, provide updates on how their contributions have made a difference, and involve them in the organization’s activities to help foster a sense of ownership and commitment to the cause. Also consider how you can involve them in your event experience. You can ask your donors for the names of the people in their lives who have been impacted by a breast cancer diagnosis. During the event you can carry or wear something with those names. Knowing that your steps will be dedicated to those your donors love as well will make the event even more impactful for them. And increases the likelihood that they will become repeat donors.

Overcoming Challenges

Fundraising is not without its challenges. There are times where you may struggle, but by staying adaptable, maintaining transparency, and effectively communicating the impact of contributions, you can overcome these obstacles. Keep track of your progress with our Journey to the Goal Worksheet and be kind to yourself every step of the way. And remember that you must follow-up with your donors. You will not get a donation the first time you ask from everyone you’ve asked. A good fundraising strategy means you have to ask more than once! There are so many resources available to you, including your 3-Day coach, who are here to ensure you meet your fundraising goal.

Celebrating Success

A successful 3-Day is not just about walking 60 miles. It’s about coming together to fight against breast cancer and doing your part for the community. No matter how much you raise or how far you walk, your fundraising efforts, this month and every month, are making a difference.

For a wholistic list of fundraising resources, visit The3Day.org/Fundraising

Let’s Keep It Going! Beginning Your Fundraising Journey for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day

Welcome to part two of our fundraising how-two series!

This week, we’ll be talking about how to start your fundraising. By the time you’re reading this, the New England 3-Day, our very first of the 2023 season, is exactly 64 days away, with Denver and Chicago close on its heels. Although that may seem like plenty of time, it’ll be here before you know it. That said, a sense of urgency is your best friend as you work to meet or exceed your fundraising goals. But where to begin?

Spotlight: Check out this handy guide on Raising $2,300 in 2 Months!

Whether this is your first walk or your 101^st, The3Day.org can serve as your central hub for help. The fundraising page hosts a wide range of invaluable resources to help orient you on this journey. Trying to utilize social media for your campaign and want to know what to post? Check the Fundraising page. Need 101 different appeal ideas, or are you attempting to meet your $2,300 goal in one month? Fundraising page. Searching for sample solicitation letters to get in touch with a local business? Fundraising page. From outreach templates to thank you notes and everything in between, the 3-Day fundraising page serves as a comprehensive online resource, along with all of the tools in your Participant Center.

If you’re like some participants, fundraising for the 3-Day could be the first time you’ve ever raised money for an event. Not to fear! Taking care of things early means you can free up mental space and energy to focus all of your attention on training. Approaching your fundraising with strategy and careful planning can make all the difference. For example, rather than asking a potential donor, “Hey, I’m walking the Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day in October, would you like to donate?”, be as specific as possible! “I’m aiming to raise $3,000 [or whatever your fundraising goal is — name a specific amount] by the end of July. Can I count on you to make a donation of $60 today?” Do you have 23 family members that you can ask for $100? Are there 46 friends who could support you with $50 each? Asking for a specific amount, and asking big, is the best way to get you to your goals faster. Whatever the denomination and whomever the patron base is, thinking critically about how to best navigate the landscape can be just the move to put the winds in your sails.

Regardless of your preferred methods or how you choose to space out different milestones, the biggest stride you can take toward success is simply getting started. Go for that initial ask, make your first donation follow up, and don’t be afraid to tap into your network. While there are many people just waiting to support you, life can get busy! Even with the best intentions, your donors can forget to revisit Facebook fundraisers, or lose track of email requests. You will have to ask more than once or twice. Be brave in how you approach family, friends, and community members, and just as you push your body to cover more and more ground each week during training, you can push yourself more and more to march toward your fundraising target.

The money we raise is invaluable to the individuals and their loved ones supported by Susan G. Komen. Your efforts are instrumental in the funding of research, as well as patient care and advocacy, all of which help us in the fight against breast cancer. These real efforts impact real people and are fueled by the fundraising dollars you raise!

Stay tuned for our July post as we dive into part three of our series and, in the meantime, check out part one. As always, feel free to share your thoughts and drop a comment below!

To recap:

Tip #1 — Check out the fundraising page. If you’re in search of creative ideas or need a bit of structure, this resource is sure to act as your starting point and guide you in the right direction.

Tip #2 — Stick to your plan. The equation for donations is pretty simple: your solicitations + support from your community = you hitting your goal! Take a moment to map out the time you have, the people you know, and the dollars you need. If you do your math correctly, your solution will come that much easier.

Tip #3 — The best way to build momentum is by moving! If you don’t know who to start with, consider your last call or text message. Chances are, you were just speaking with someone who’d love to help you on your quest.

Let’s Get it Started! Your Ultimate Fundraising Guide to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day

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!