Below are helpful tips to reach your IRONBEAR goals:
1. Start Early
The earlier you start training and fundraising, the less time intensive it will be.
2. Asking for Donations
When you ask for donations, tell people why you are participating in the event. If you have a personal connection, let them know about it. The more personal you can make your appeal, the more people will be willing to support you. Even if you don't have a personal connection there is a reason you chose to participate. Tell people about our school and what their funds will go toward.
3. Sponsor a Mile
Whatever activity you decide to perform , ask people to sponsor you per mile you complete during the race. Especially if this distance is new for you, people may be willing to donate several dollars per mile just to help push you to run the entire challenge. The added bonus is that when you're getting tired, you'll have an incentive to keep going.
4. Sponsor Based on Time
If you're running a 5K or 10K, or you're an experienced runner, ask people to donate based on how many seconds or minutes faster your time is than your current PR (personal record). So if you're gunning for a three-minute PR in a 10K ask people to donate $10, $20, or $50 per minute you run faster. Then train smart and go for it on race day.
5. Reach Out Through Email
Write a personal email detailing what you are doing and why—and email everyone you know. It's highly recommended that you send individual emails to your prospective donors because people tend to ignore mass emails. Make sure to include a link to your fundraising page so they can donate online.
6. Facebook Is Your Friend
Post your web page link on Facebook and ask for donations. You will need to post fairly regularly to garner significant donations as not everyone will see it every time you post, and it takes several viewings for most people to donate. Make sure to include a little blurb about what the challenge means to you.
8. Network
Ask all of your donors if they know anyone else that might be willing to donate. Not everyone will, but just a handful of people reaching out to others can help increase your dollar amount.
9. Matching Gift Program
Ask each donor if their employer has a matching gift program.
10. Thank Yous Go a Long Way
Always send a thank you note or email. Do NOT forget to personally thank every single one of your sponsors for donating their hard earned money. You will want them to remember you favorably. Plus, it's just polite.