From 5ks to ultra marathons in Canada, there are a number of ways to turn kilometres into dollars.

Start a charity fundraiser

Why do a charity marathon or half marathon

Combine your love for running with your favourite charity. If you are already training for a marathon or half marathon, much of the hard work is being done. Simply and effectively tie a cause you care about to your efforts and make an impact in your community.

Support your favourite cause and charity

Choose a charity that matters to you. For example, if loved ones have battled cancer you can support a charity whose mission is to find a cure and support cancer patients. And since you will be approaching your family and friends for donations, if the cause is important to you, it is likely important to them.

Whether or not you have a personal tie to the organization, there are tens of thousands of charities fighting for issues like climate justice, racial equality and inclusion, mental health, and much, much more. Charity Navigator is a great tool to find charities that align with your values.

Generate more awareness around the issue

By incorporating a fundraiser into your big race, you are helping drive not just donations but awareness for your cause. First, craft a fundraiser hashtag that is creative, compelling, and relevant to your cause and be consistent when using your new hashtag in all of your posts and within your campaign story. This is an important component for any successful fundraiser, and it helps introduce more people to  your cause every time a friend shares your fundraiser. Be sure to reach out to local media, encourage your friends to share your fundraiser across social channels,, and keep your donors engaged with frequent updates about your fundraiser and run.

See how these runners made an impact:

• Owen is a grade 10 student at Carson Graham Secondary School. As the pandemic hit and hospitals were losing funding, Owen wanted to help. Lions Gate hospital needed to upgrade its critical care unit and Owen launched a GoFundMe and started training for a marathon to make this goal a reality for the hospital. Step by step, Owen raised an incredible $11,000 for the hospital and embarked on a solo marathon.
• Michael’s dad, Charles, needs a new kidney.  Charles is fighting for his life, and to help raise awareness for the larger cause, his son is running 100km from Richmond to Squamish. All funds raised will support The Kidney Foundation of Canada, an organization committed to achieving excellent kidney health, optimal quality of life, and a cure for kidney disease.

Make it a fundraising challenge

If you are training for charity marathons and half marathons in Canada, chances are you have a competitive spirit!  Bring that spirit into your fundraiser by adding some competition. Build your fundraising goals into your running goals. You can get creative in countless ways. A few examples are below:

• Running one kilometre for every $100 raised
• Donate $42 for 42 kilometres
• Raising  $5,000 for a 5k

And with GoFundMe Team Fundraising you can raise money with a  group of people, and each team member has the same tools to share the fundraiser across social channels. With a leaderboard built into your fundraising dashboard, you can inspire friendly competition to drive donations.

Five top charity marathons and half marathons to consider

With hundreds of thousands of people participating in marathons across the country, here are some of the best marathons in Canada. And since many of these runs are going virtual for 2020,  see how you can raise money for a great cause and compete in these races in your very own backyard.  Here are some of the best marathons and half marathons in Canada.

1. Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon

The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the country. The race offers a 42k, 21k, 10k, and 5k challenge and welcomes 25,000 runners from across the globe. The money raised during the races helps support over 100 official Canadian charities. Given social distancing protocols in 2020, the race is going virtual.

2. Vancouver Marathon

The Vancouver Marathon lets participants choose between the marathon, half-marathon, 8K, and even an option for the kids. The Vancouver Marathon has beautiful running routes that span parks and beaches, including the picturesque Vancouver seawall. The Vancouver Marathon partnered with Run4Hope to help runners fundraise for a number of great causes.

3. Rock ‘N’ Roll Montreal

Rock ‘N’ Roll Montreal is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The marathon uses the power of music to inspire their participants to run—and dance—their way to the finish line. The event offers races for every level, and encourages people to get involved in running clubs.

4. Legs for Literacy

One of the largest running events in Atlantic Canada, Legs for Literacy features a  half marathon, 10K, and 5K race in Moncton, New Brunswick. The event raises funds for local school literacy programs. For their virtual event, each participant will receive a medal and a face mask.

5. Ottawa Race Weekend

The Ottawa Race Weekend is an annual weekend of road running events, including 1.2K kids marathon, and a 2K, 5K, 10K, half marathon, wheelchair marathon, and marathon. The marathon is the largest in Canada, attracting 40,000 runners from around the world. Each year, the runners raise around $1 million for 25 local and national charities affiliated with the event. For this year’s virtual event, all the participants will receive their race kits, including their medal, t-shirt and a few surprises to encourage everyone to race at their pace.

Get your GoFundMe moving!

If you’ve decided to run a half marathon or marathon for charity, it couldn’t be easier to start a GoFundMe and see the donations roll in as you lace up your trainers and start pounding the pavement. Before you head to the start line, take some of our our best practice tips to really see your fundraiser shine.

• Maximise your fundraiser story: Your fundraiser story is the place to set out why you’re fundraising, what you’re doing and why the cause you’ve chosen is close to your heart. Go into as much detail as you feel comfortable with explaining your backstory – and remember to illustrate it with a compelling picture.
• Share your fundraiser: Once you’ve started your GoFundMe, it’s really important to get sharing! Share the link on your social media channels to let people know that you’ve started a fundraiser and why. When you have any updates such as meeting a fundraising goal or hosting an offline fundraiser, post again. Utilise any community groups you can post in or group chats with friends.
• Post updates: A really important step in any fundraising journey is posting updates. Not only does it make the page look current and active, but your kind donors will want to see what you’re up to. You can add pictures into your updates, too.
• Thank your donors: Everyone likes to feel appreciated, and this is especially important when it comes to thanking your kind donors. Writing a personalised thanks in the form of a letter or email detailing exactly how much their donation means to you can also encourage repeat donations, too.

Start fundraising for your favourite cause today

Run and fundraise for a cause you are passionate about. Rally your friends and family to contribute to your fundraiser so you can reach your running and fundraising goals. Charity fundraising on GoFundMe makes it easy to effectively and simply raise money for your favourite charity.  Take your fundraiser to the finish line and start charity fundraising today.

Start a charity fundraiser

The post Running for Charity: The Top Half and Full Marathons in Canada appeared first on GoFundMe (CA).

The following coronavirus facts have been sourced directly from the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Learn how to help

What is the coronavirus and how is it spread?

The new coronavirus, also called COVID-19, is an infectious disease that originated in Wuhan, China and has spread to every continent except for Antarctica.

Someone can catch the virus when they come into contact with the respiratory droplets of an infected person. These droplets are spread through coughing and sneezing. It is also possible to get COVID-19 by touching a surface that is contaminated with the virus and then touching your own face. Scientists estimate that the virus can live on surfaces for anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

• About 80% of those infected with COVID-19 recover from it without any special treatment
• 1 out of every 5 people infected with it will need hospital care
• People over the age of 60 and those with underlying medical conditions are more at risk of developing complications from the coronavirus

What are the symptoms of the coronavirus?

The main coronavirus symptoms are:

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Tiredness
• Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath

Those infected with the virus may also experience general cold and flu symptoms and diarrhea, but other people may not notice any symptoms. The incubation period for the virus is between 1-14 days.

How can you protect yourself from the coronavirus?

It’s important to create habits that will keep you healthy. Here are four ways you can reduce your chances of getting the coronavirus:

1. Frequently clean your hands

The best way to protect yourself from infection is by frequently washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. You can also use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Along these same lines, avoid touching your face.

2. Practice social distancing

It’s important to stay home if you’re sick or starting to feel sick, and be sure to keep your distance from people you know are sick.

If you are in an area where COVID-19 is spreading quickly, try to limit your interactions with others in your community. Avoid large gatherings, public transportation, and try to keep a distance of six feet from people in public. You can use this interactive COVID-19 map created by Johns Hopkins University to track the high-risk regions.

3. Refrain from touching others

Handshakes, high-fives, and hugs are a part of our daily lives, but it’s important to swap these habits for new ones in the wake of the coronavirus. Instead of handshakes, try a head nod, and give a thumbs up instead of a high-five.

4. Clean surfaces regularly

Get in the daily habit of sanitizing surfaces you frequently touch with a disinfectant product. Some examples of high-touch surfaces are doorknobs, light switches, and phones.

5. Stay informed of local guidelines

Staying on top of updates from your local public health authorities is important as new developments related to COVID-19 unfold. Local and state authorities are initiating different rules about travel and group interactions, depending on your location.

What should you do if you think you have the coronavirus? 

If you think you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 or have a fever and respiratory problems, you should call a healthcare professional right away.

Follow these guidelines as well:

• Stay home and do not go out in public, except to get medical care from your doctor.
• If you plan to visit your doctor, call them ahead of time so they can take the necessary steps to prepare for your visit.
• Wash your hands frequently and cover your coughs and sneezes.
• Regularly disinfect surfaces you frequently touch.
• Try to limit your contact with pets, and if possible, ask for another household member to care for them until you recover.
•  Do not share household items with other people in your home, such as towels, drinking cups, or utensils.
• Call your doctor right away if your symptoms worsen.
• Call 911 in the case of a medical emergency, like if you’re having trouble breathing, and notify the dispatcher that you have COVID-19 or you suspect you may have it.
• Talk to your doctor about how long you should isolate yourself at home.

For more details, see the CDC’s full list of instructions for what do when you’re sick with the coronavirus.

What are some common coronavirus myths? 

It’s easy for misinformation to be shared when there is widespread concern about a disease, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting the right facts. Below are some of the most common myths about COVID-19.

Can the coronavirus live in hot and humid climates?

The outside temperature of a place has no effect on COVID-19. The disease can be transmitted in hot and humid climates, as well as in cold climates.

Are certain races or ethnicities more likely to get COVID-19?

Certain races or ethnicities, including Chinese Americans or people of Asian descent, are not more susceptible to the coronavirus. You can do your part to stop the spread of fear and misinformation by letting others know that being of a certain ethnicity does not mean you’re more likely to contract or spread COVID-19.

Is there a vaccine or cure for the coronavirus?

There is no vaccine or cure for COVID-19 at this time. Scientists are researching drug treatments, and WHO is helping organize vaccine development efforts.

Can you stop the coronavirus by drinking a lot of water?

Drinking water won’t prevent the coronavirus, contrary to many tips circulating the internet. These posts claim that sipping water every 15 minutes can wash the virus into your stomach, where it will be killed by stomach acids, but there is no medical basis for this advice.

Can antibiotics kill the coronavirus?

Antibiotics only work on bacterial infections, not viruses. No antibiotics are effective in treating COVID-19.

Can spraying yourself with bleach, chlorine, or alcohol kill the virus?

Spraying your body with bleach, chlorine, or alcohol will not kill COVID-19. These substances can be harmful if you spray them on yourself.

In a time of uncertainty, you can make a real difference

Learn how to take action now

The post Here Are the Coronavirus Facts You Need to Know to Stay Safe appeared first on GoFundMe (CA).

Start a birthday fundraiser

Tips for creating a successful birthday fundraiser

From writing the perfect fundraiser story to reaching out to your network for support, these tips will tell you how to start a birthday fundraiser and put you on the path to success.

Make your birthday the fundraiser deadline

Deadlines are “ticking clocks” that inspire donors to respond faster. Raising funds around a birthday creates a natural deadline that can compel people to donate, and it also gives you permission to gently remind people to make a donation by that date. With a birthday fundraiser, you can make the deadline your birthday, or the day after your birthday.

Draw others into your story

A birthday or other special date creates a natural storytelling opportunity, and telling your fundraiser story is a crucial part of crowdfunding. Your story should answer basic questions any reader would have: who, what, where, when, why, and how. You’ll also want to give your fundraiser a catchy title to grab readers’ attention.

What will the funds be used for? How are you connected to the cause? When it comes to fundraising, the why is particularly important—why does the recipient or organization need this donation? Adding fundraiser images and catchy videos can also help readers engage with your story and want to learn more.

Use social media to spread your message

To get the most from your birthday fundraiser, take advantage of all the tools that social media offers. If you’re consistent about sharing your fundraiser, you’ll be able to turn social media followers into donors. For specific social media fundraising ideas, see these blog posts:

• These Valuable Facebook Fundraising Tips Can Boost Donations
• Promoting Your Fundraiser Online: Strategies that Actually Work
• Why You Should Always Use Social Media to Promote Your Fundraiser
• 25 Fundraiser Sharing Tips to Increase Donations

Make a specific request of your supporters

People are often more likely to donate if you ask for a specific donation amount. Why not ask everyone to give up their daily latte for your birthday and instead donate $5 to your cause? This type of very specific request enables people to donate a reasonable amount without having to overthink the process.

Don’t forget to share offline

To raise as much as possible, you’ll want to take your sharing strategy beyond Facebook messages and posts. Fundraising without social media can mean writing personal emails to your contacts, sending text messages, or talking to people face-to-face about your cause.

Why not fundraise for other important dates too?

You can borrow the idea of starting a fundraiser that’s tied to a special date—your birthday—and fundraise for other important dates as well. Think of any anniversaries, yahrzeits, memorials, or other dates from your personal life that could have a significant connection to your fundraiser or cause. Raising money on Giving Tuesday or Breast Cancer Awareness Month are just a few other ideas.

Plan a birthday party that doubles as a fundraising event

Who doesn’t love a birthday party? And when it’s also for a good cause, there’s more reason to celebrate. A birthday party fundraiser event serves a few purposes—they help you raise money for your cause, bring communities together for a common purpose, and spreading awareness of your cause in unique ways. Meeting with your friends and family face-to-face in a casual environment also gives you an opportunity to ask for support in a low-pressure way.

For event ideas, see our blog post Top 10 Fundraising Event Ideas.

Take advantage of free fundraising resources

If you need some extra support as you plan your birthday fundraiser, we’ve got top fundraising tips to help:

• The Beginner’s Guide to Viral Fundraising
• 18 Free Online Fundraising Tools That Will Help You Raise More
• Donor Retention Strategies: Six Tips to Encourage Recurring Giving
• How to Set Up a Donation Page and Raise Money for What Matters
• Thirteen Easy Ways to Give to Charity and Make An Impact

A quick look at successful birthday fundraisers

If you’re wondering how to create a birthday party fundraiser that’s successful, take a look at what these individuals did. They wanted to do something extra special on their birthdays, so they turned to GoFundMe to raise money for causes they care about.

Murphy & Valentina’s Birthday Fundraiser!

Rachel’s fundraiser proves that you’re not limited to only raising funds for your own birthday; you can create a birthday fundraiser for anyone—even your pets! Rachel wanted to give back to the French Bulldog organization that helped reunite and care for her sibling Frenchies, Murphy and Valentina, so she launched a GoFundMe. She exceeded her fundraising goal and was able to gift over $4,000 to the nonprofit.

KINDNESS shoes for Sequoyah

Bethany was working as a kindergarten teacher’s assistant at a low-income school when she began noticing that some children used duct tape to keep their shoes together. Wanting to help, Bethany started a birthday fundraiser to buy all 620 students a new pair of shoes. She blew past her goal of $10,000 and raised over $19,500 to help every student.

Let’s make it a date

Creating a birthday fundraiser is a special opportunity to bring people together for the purpose of reaching a common goal. What better way to unite people than with a birthday or other special date? GoFundMe makes it easy to reach your goals faster with our free fundraising platform, and our 24/7 Customer Care team is always ready to help you day or night. Sign up now and get the party started.

Start your birthday fundraiser

The post Want to make a difference this year? Try a birthday fundraiser appeared first on GoFundMe (CA).

How to share your fundraiser without social media

1. Meet with people in person

• Instead of meeting with people one by one, save time by gathering people together at a party or event or going to where people are. If you find the process of asking for donations awkward, take a look at our helpful blog post on how to ask for donations.
• Are there any foundations, companies, or wealthy individuals that have a history of supporting related causes? Try setting up a meeting with them or their representatives. Even if their guidelines prevent them from making a donation to your cause, you can ask them to point you toward other people or organizations who might be able to help.
• When you talk to people, tell them why the cause is so important to you, and why your fundraiser will make a difference. If it seems appropriate, have photos and a presentation ready to show your audience.
• Practice your in-person pitch or presentation with a friend or family member first. Repeat it until you feel comfortable and your “audience” is convinced that others will make donations.
• People raise funds on street corners, door-to-door, at grocery stores, at events, and more. If any of those methods seem like a good fit for your fundraiser, consider adding them to your fundraising arsenal. Be sure to follow local regulations that may restrict such activities.

2. Ask your friends and family to share with their networks

• This is an easy and efficient way to increase awareness of your fundraiser especially if you don’t have social media yourself. 
• Contact a few friends or family members who use social media and ask if they could share your fundraiser with their online networks.  
• Be sure to share your fundraiser link with them so they can include it in their posts.

3. Reach out over the phone

• Working the phone can greatly expand the geography you’re able to reach. 
• A call is less personal than meeting in person but usually more personal than an email.
• Calling is also a good way to follow up after you’ve sent emails and texts. A call can be the next step toward an in-person meeting or all you need to secure a donation.
• Some nonprofits rely heavily on telemarketing to raise funds. There’s a “push” approach that involves both cold calls to random households and “warm” calls to past donors. There’s also a “pull” approach in which people are directed by other means (such as TV and radio ads) to call and make a donation.
• Apply the tips for in-person meetings to your phone conversations and other outreach efforts. For example, you’ll need to be able to succinctly explain why your fundraiser will make a difference.

4. Connect with others through email

• The advantage of email is its efficiency and low cost. The disadvantage is how impersonal it is—and therefore, how easy it is for the recipient to dismiss.
• Personalize your emails as much as possible. Use a fundraising email template, but customize it to each person in such a way that recipients know you took extra time to speak to them personally.
• Unlike in-person and phone fundraising, email fundraising allows you to very easily track your efforts—keep a master list, track who’s donated and who hasn’t, who’s received the message and who hasn’t, etc. If your fundraiser is an annual or repeating one, this can come in handy and make each successive fundraiser more effective.

5. Share your fundraiser via text

• Even though it’s technically possible to send group texts, avoid it. All it takes is one unfavorable reply thread to make everyone leave a conversation.
• Send each text message individually to each person, as a one-on-one conversation.
• As with email, use a template for your essential message, but shape it to each individual. It should be clear to recipients that you’re reaching out to them personally.
• Text people only during the hours you would call someone.
• Offer different ways they can support you like sharing your fundraiser over social networks, donating, or both.

6. Promote your fundraiser at events

• Events come in all sizes, from small local gatherings and weekly farmers’ markets to annual events with tens of thousands of attendees. The question is: Which events offer you the best fundraising opportunities?
• It’s hard to beat the effectiveness of meeting people in person. Events give you an opportunity to do that efficiently.
• Another huge advantage of events is the opportunity for exposure of all kinds. The media might be there, which could help your cause score valuable publicity. Are you prepared to give a newsworthy interview with succinct answers full of soundbites? Practice with friends and family before the event.
• Each person in attendance could photograph or share your fundraiser—if you give them something fun and shareable. It could be as simple as a fun activity at your table.
• To encourage the spread of your fundraiser, share your fundraiser URL in your materials.

7. Post your fundraiser on bulletin boards

• Old-fashioned bulletin boards (found in cafés, community centers, and other local establishments) can be surprisingly effective—especially if your cause is hyper-local.
• Create a poster with all the key information a potential donor would need to be inspired, take action, and donate. 
• If there’s one thing the Internet is great at, it’s bringing together niche communities that often have their own virtual bulletin boards. Search for communities that might welcome your fundraiser. Post a link to your fundraising page on the board or in a comment in a discussion thread. This is a key tactic for online fundraising without social media.

8. Contact supporters through direct mail

• Direct mail is effective for fundraisers reaching out to past supporters, particularly with annual donation drives around the holidays.
• It’s possible to do a small, DIY direct-mail fundraiser. Look at the email recommendations above and incorporate the relevant tips into your direct-mail plan.
• Start by mailing those closest to you and expanding your circle from there.
• Direct mail is more expensive and less efficient than email, but it can also feel more personal.
• Think about sending a custom postcard using a key image from your fundraiser, perhaps one where you’re in the picture.
• On your postcard or in your letter, give donors the link to your GoFundMe fundraiser or your mailing address for sending checks.
• See our blog post on how to write a fundraising letter for detailed tips.

9. Raise awareness using flyers or other creative materials

• Flyers: Post flyers on bulletin boards. Approach local businesses to see if they would be willing to leave flyers at the counter or allow you to place them in their windows. Cafés often have areas where flyers can be stacked and made available to customers.
• Create a PDF: A PDF or other image file of the flyer can also be shared electronically or as an attachment to your emails or texts. Just make sure the design still works (is readable, etc.) on a phone as well as it does in print.

10. Create a QR code for your fundraiser

• Consider adding a QR code to your flyer that people can easily scan to be taken directly to your fundraising page. You can also attach your fundraiser’s QR code to your emails or letters.
• Read our Help Center article on sharing your fundraiser outside of social media for steps on how to create a QR code.

Execute online fundraising without social media

All of these fundraising methods and techniques can be effective with or without social media. Through a variety of ways, you can still take advantage of social media’s virality without using social media yourself. GoFundMe offers a wide range of resources and tips for successful crowdfunding. Check out our fundraising ideas for social media for even more inspiration. By using our resources in combination with these ways to share your GoFundMe offline, you’ll be able to raise the funds you need to reach your fundraising goals.

The post Tips for effective online fundraising without social media appeared first on GoFundMe (CA).

Giving Tuesday, often stylized online as #GivingTuesday, is the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Started in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation, it’s a day of widespread giving designed to kick off the holiday season on the right note—a less commercial one than the consumer fest that is Black Friday.

Online fundraising on Giving Tuesday

In the years since its founding, we’ve seen a lot of crowdfunding done on GoFundMe in connection with Giving Tuesday. It makes sense—people use our free crowdfunding platform to raise funds for personal, medical, and charitable causes, and we have a 0% platform fee.

If you’re wondering how to get rolling with a Giving Tuesday fundraiser, it’s as simple as starting a fundraiser for the cause of your choice.

Determine your approach

For Giving Tuesday, people often raise funds for something they plan to do themselves (like delivering meals to people in need) or to give to an organization already doing that kind of work (for example, Meals On Wheels or Blanket Coverage). Alternately, you might decide to promote your fundraiser for yourself or a loved one in conjunction with this day of giving. The approach you take will vary depending on which of these camps you fall into.

1. If you’re running a fundraiser for an action you plan to take, say deliver meals to people in need or to organize a beach cleanup, be very clear about exactly how the funds you raise will be used. Unlike known nonprofit organizations with established reputations, which people already trust, you’ll need to inspire trust in potential donors. A few simple ideas to build trust are being vulnerable by telling a personal story that connects you to your cause or by matching donations to your cause.
2. If your Giving Tuesday fundraiser plan is to raise money to donate to a well-known organization, then the focus of your donation page shifts away from legitimizing your effort and toward revealing your personal investment in the cause. Why is this particular need important to you? Make a clear and compelling case to inspire donations. Try to play off of the cause when thinking of fundraising ideas. For example, if you’re raising funds for an animal shelter consider hosting a dog wash.
3. If your Giving Tuesday fundraiser is to raise money for yourself or a loved one, think about how you might tie it to an event, online or in person, on that day. Examples might include issuing a “local challenge” in your neighbourhood to raise money for neighbours in need after a house fire, or promoting a 24-hour “mini-goal” for donations within a larger fundraiser for a loved one fighting cancer.

Best practices for a Giving Tuesday fundraiser

If you’ve never run a crowdfunding fundraiser before, here are some guidelines for crafting a successful Giving Tuesday fundraiser.

Assemble your team

We recommend teaming up with others—friends, family, anyone you know who shares a passion for your cause. Fundraising is more fun when you aren’t overburdened and can divide tasks like posting updates and writing thank-yous among your team. Also, when it comes time to share your fundraiser, you’ll have far more reach with your combined social networks. Read our guide How to Build a Winning Fundraising Team.

Tell your story with images

One way to do that is to use photos and videos, which are a great way to tell your story honestly while adding legitimacy and interest. For more tips on telling your story effectively, see our post Writing Your Fundraiser Story: A Comprehensive Guide.

Keep donors posted with updates

As with any fundraiser, it’s important to post frequent fundraiser updates to make donors part of the story. Show what their donations means to you and to the beneficiaries, and you keep people connected to your fundraiser. You’re also more likely to inspire repeat donations and shares—including shares related to #GivingTuesday.

Create a fundraiser hashtag

Speaking of hashtags, consider creating one for your fundraiser, then pair it with #GivingTuesday when you share it socially. Hashtags help other people find your fundraiser and link to it.

Express your thanks

Last but definitely not least, don’t forget to thank your donors. If people feel good about the contribution they made this year, chances are lots of them will be ready to donate again after 51 weeks of Taco Tuesdays.

Giving Tuesday fundraising ideas

If you want to add even more fuel to your Giving Tuesday fundraising fire, consider these proven methods for raising funds:

1. Partner with a local business

Get businesses to promise matching donations, and/or sponsor your fundraising efforts. The more naturally connected a business is to your cause, the more receptive it will be. Getting a local restaurant, coffee shop or art gallery to host, or provide a space for, a fundraising event is often a win-win.

2. Spark interest with a challenge

If there’s a cause you care about, issue a challenge to like-minded people to start a similar fundraiser in their area. A great example of this is the #BlackPantherChallenge started by Frederick Joseph. Once his fundraiser Help Children See “Black Panther” took off, he challenged others to follow suit in their neighborhoods and ended up starting a movement.

3. Raise funds at work

Start a fundraising challenge at your workplace. Place empty jars around your space and encourage colleagues to put spare change in them for a number of weeks.

4. Use your social network

Start a social media contest and support it with other social media fundraising tools. This can be especially effective if you’ve teamed up with others and can tap into your combined social media networks to spread the word.

5. Plan an event

The holiday season is a festive time—think about pairing your online fundraiser with a real-world event. It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive—how about a meetup at an ice skating rink, or a potluck dinner? With a tablet or smartphone hand, it’s easy to accept onsite donations (perhaps as the price of admission). Just make sure that people know the event is a fundraiser when you invite them.

6. Go viral

Boost the exposure of your Giving Tuesday fundraiser with these viral fundraising ideas and tips for building awareness of your cause.

Double your donations by fundraising on Giving Tuesday

Whatever ideas you use to make your Giving Tuesday fundraiser success, their methods should reinforce each other and connect back to your cause in a way that feels right. We’re here to support you every step of the way with free tips and ideas.

Giving Tuesday is only once a year. Dive in, get friends onboard, and make it happen.

Start a Giving Tuesday fundraiser

The post How to Plan a Powerful Giving Tuesday Fundraiser appeared first on GoFundMe (CA).

To reach as many people as possible, tailoring each idea to suit your fundraiser. Keep in mind that when your cause is worthwhile, raising awareness for it doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s all about engaging people with the right ideas.

Awareness event ideas to drive donations

1. Host fundraising events

A fundraising event can help boost both awareness and donations. This could be something you organize alone, or part of a larger event organized by others—perhaps an art exhibition or a sporting event. Hosting events where people meet in person can help you begin to build a real community around your cause. There’s no shortage of winning fundraising event ideas.

For example: Off The Record – Fundraising Event

A group of students decided to throw a volleyball tournament at their university to raise money for Off the Record, a charity dedicated to mental health. With this simple event, they were able to beat their fundraising goal.

2. Organize educational events

Offer up your skills, either in a standalone workshop or as part of a series of related workshops. At the event, talk about your cause and connect with like-minded people. Examples of useful skills to teach may include creating resumes, providing lessons for a musical instrument or an introductory course to Adobe Photoshop.

3. Set a world record

Brainstorm ways you could potentially set a world record (perhaps a Guinness World Record) that’s related to your cause. It could generate publicity and direct people to your fundraiser. Turn it into an event—ask existing supporters to participate, or to cheer you on. Well before your event date, reach out to local media through calls, emails, or a press release.

For example: Tara’s Guinness World Record Event

Tara wanted to raise money for The Herren Project, a nonprofit helping with substance abuse. Since she’s a confident runner she decided to take on the 24-hour treadmill Guinness World Record. She raised more than $4,000 for her cause.

Contest ideas to bring out some healthy competition

4. Hold a photo contest

Pick a theme (tacos), a time frame (Tuesday), and a social media platform (Twitter). Ask your supporters to submit their best photos around this theme, entering a contest by tagging you. Select a few winners, and feature them on all of your social media pages.

5. Host a video contest

Ask people to create a short video about your cause and submit it on social media. After you pick the winner (and perhaps a few runners-up), share the video with your supporters.

6. Host a like and comment to win social media contest

Create a social media post, make sure it links to your fundraiser, and explain the contest to your followers. Choose the winner at random from all comments—use an online random number generator. Consider asking local businesses if they would sponsor a prize, like a gift card.

For tips read How to Run a Successful Social Media Contest in Six Easy Steps.

Brand your cause to leave a lasting impression 

7. Be consistent

The key to making your cause easy to recognize is keeping your imagery and wording consistent. Always use the same image or logo for profile pictures, and make sure your call to action doesn’t vary.

8. Design and distribute swag

If it seems like a worthwhile expense, spend a small amount of money making branded “swag”—personalized giveaways that you can hand out at events. Keep it simple, with items such as stickers, bookmarks, buttons, or T-shirts.

For example: Jada’sJellyBeans T-shirt Fundraiser

After Jada was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in second grade her family started a fundraiser and created t-shirts to help raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

9. Boost social media awareness

Create accounts for your cause on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Start engaging with people and related communities. Try sparking thoughtful conversations about your cause by asking questions or giving feedback.

Content ideas to pique your donor’s interest

10. Produce content others find valuable

Are you an expert at something? Find a way to relate it to your cause, and give your supporters something of value. Examples include video how-to’s and other educational guides. Make sure the design includes your logo and is consistent with your other branded materials.

11. Make informational pamphlets

A great way for people to learn about your fundraiser is through informational pamphlets, whether printed or digital. Organize key information summarizing your cause, and craft it into a piece of content that catches people’s interest. Ask local businesses if you can leave pamphlets out for people to take.

12. Write a press release

Learn how to write a press release to raise awareness for your cause. You can submit press releases to sites such as PR Newswire. Include eye-catching photos to increase the chances of getting your story featured.

Challenge ideas to drum up support

13. Make a viral challenge video

Everyone remembers the Ice Bucket Challenge. Come up with your own viral video challenge to get people talking about your cause. Read this blog for more tips on how to increase your chances of going viral.

14. Challenge your coworkers

Encourage people to participate in a workplace challenge to raise awareness and money for your fundraiser. Ideas include anything from a cook-off to a board game tournament.

15. Take on a challenge

Garner attention by taking on an impressive challenge. Donors may be impressed by your dedication. Pick something that fits well with your lifestyle. Do you enjoy working out? Take on an athletic challenge. Are you an artist? Challenge yourself to create 5 new pieces a day.

For example: Cycling for Change

Lucy and her dad cycled 2,500 miles across the country to raise money for early breast cancer detection in their fundraiser.

Raise awareness and double your donations

Now you know how to raise awareness for a cause. Use these proven methods to truly put the crowd in crowdfunding. On GoFundMe, our fundraising model ensures that you get to keep more of the money you raise by eliminating the platform fee. Read honest GoFundMe reviews from people just like you.

Be sure to check out the latest fundraising tips and ideas. Start a fundraiser today.

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