7. Face-to-Face
Ask people face-to-face to donate on your behalf. When you approach someone, bring a paper donation form with you. You can have them fill it out right away if they are willing donate. After they fill out the form, take it and mail it to the charity yourself. Don't let them send the form in as most of the time they will forget or lose the form. If they say they would rather donate online, then get their email address and send them the link via email. Make sure in the email to thank them in advance for their generosity.
More: Build a Budget, Find Sponsors, Promote Your Race
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. You can even check out their employer's program on your own using this corporate matching gift lookup service. If the employer does have a matching gift program, send the donor the link to their employer's matching gift web page. Don't assume they will find it on their own as they will forget to do it. If you provide the link (or a paper form if you have access), it is far more likely that the matching gift will make its way to your charity.
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. If you ever run for charity again, you will want them to remember you favorably. Plus, it's just polite.
More: Running 101: Take the First Step Today
These tips will help you reach your dollar goal well before race day as long as you start early and put in the effort.
Do you have any other fundraising tips? Comment below.
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