Getting Started - Simple Tips for Successful Fundraising
Welcome! Thank you for your participation in the 17th Annual Walk with the Heart of a Child. It's easy to participate and form a team with your family, friends, neighbors and colleagues. We want all of our teams to be successful, so we have created some simple tips to help get you started!
Fundraising Supports YOUR Community!
You're here because you want to fundraise for Children’s Heart Foundation and support your community by walking in honor of our littlest heart warriors... Well, before we get started, we just want to make sure you feel that virtual hug — it's for you. Seriously, your commitment to our community and Children’s Heart Foundation is inspiring. We'd be happy to back up that digital embrace with a real-life high-five (or hug) any time. Come find us on Walk day. We mean it.
Now that we're both settled on your status as a walking inspiration, we've got a few ideas to make your campaign a booming success and a few incentives to motivate you.
FUNdraising Tips
Tip 01: Give It Your All
Be sure to tell your friends that you are highly committed to Children’s Heart Foundation and that you want to see the individuals that they serve, receive the proper financial, emotional and family support.
Tip 02: Tell Your Story
Your passion and enthusiasm are contagious! Personalize your fundraising page by uploading a photo and sharing your story about why you're walking. People have tripled their fundraising with this simple step.
Tip 03: Rally The Troops
Whether you're communicating online, over the phone or shouting it to the world in Times Square, be committed. Invite friends, family members, and colleagues to participate with you and donate today. Send an email, which includes a link back to your personal fundraising page. Remind them how their donation isn't only tax deductible but it is also helping local families with financial assistance, support groups, community outreach, sending kids to Camp Mend-a Heart and other helpful programs for families of children with heart conditions.
Tip 04: Lead By Example
Show donors that you are fully committed to the cause by kicking off your campaign with a personal donation. If others, see your generosity they’ll be encouraged to follow your footsteps.
Tip 05: Mind Your Manners
Please and thank you can go a long way. Be polite to foster relationships with potential donors. Act quickly and respond to all donations no matter the size of their contribution.
Tip 06: Ask Away
If you don’t ask, they don’t know. Donations can come from places you least expect them to so ask a diverse audience and do not be afraid of rejection. Personalize emails in your Race Center for more effectiveness and ask away.
Tip 07: Get Social
In this digital age, one of the easiest yet most effective things you can do is reach out online. You can even update your Facebook Cover Photo, Instagram and Twitter pages to show your commitment to children battling heart conditions!
Tip 08: Double Your Impact
Match the efforts! Reach out to HR to see if your company will match your donations. Make sure to check to see if your company matches money you give.
Tip 09: Look Good Doing It
Design t-shirts for your team to wear at the Walk and list all donors on the back. This is a great way to unify your team in the fight for our community’s littlest heart warriors!
Tip 10: Reason to Celebrate
Ask people to donate to your fundraiser in lieu of gift giving at your next birthday, wedding or any other special occasion. Your guests will be in awe of your selflessness and commitment to Children’s Heart Foundation.
Tip 11: Stay Active
A great way to fundraise and stay in shape at the same time is to have donors sponsor your workouts. For example: $10 per mile on the treadmill or 50 cents per push up.
Tip 12: Track Your Progress
Track your progress against your goal! Raise $100 to receive a commemorative shirt and raise even more to receive other great incentives!