10 Online Fundraising Tips To Get You Started

Signed up for the Vhi Virtual Women's Mini Marathon? Congratulations! We know that many of you are joining this movement to raise much-needed funds for a charity close to your heart, especially in this time of unprecedented need.

Since our first event back in 1983, Vhi Women's Mini Marathon participants have together raised €225 million to support hundreds of Irish charities. Last year an estimated €7.8m was raised on race day and this year, at our virtual event, we want to help you to raise even more!

The very first Vhi Virtual Women’s Mini Marathon will invite everyone to live life to the #Powerof10 – 10K, 10 days, €10 million raised for fantastic charities! And if virtual fundraising events are a whole new kettle of fish for you, don’t panic! Our fundraising partner, GivenGain, is here to get you started with 10 online fundraising tips!

1)     The first step is to decide how you are going to complete your 10K challenge.

With your friends, in your garden, in one go or spread over the 10 days – do it your way! Whichever you choose, you’ll be joining your thousands of ladies in completing something that’s more than just a race.

2)     Next it’s time to create your own fundraising project.

Visit our official fundraising page on GivenGain and click on “Start fundraising” to register with your e-mail or Facebook login details. Search for the charity you would like to support and click ‘Select’. All charities on GivenGain are registered non-profit organisations, so all the money you raise is transferred directly to that charity’s bank account.

3)     Remember to personalise your project.

Add a profile picture, a project photo and edit your fundraising story to highlight what you are doing and just how much it means to you.

4)     Reach out to your chosen charity to find out more about the difference your fundraising can make.

If you don’t have a personal story to share, most charity websites will highlight the work they carry out and the impact of a donation. Armed with this new knowledge, show your potential donors what you can achieve together!

5)     It’s all about getting the word out!

On your fundraising project page, you’ll see GivenGain’s easy sharing buttons and your personal project link, directing donors to the right place. In the next few months, aim to post on social media about your fundraising efforts, sharing the link to your project, as much as possible.

6)     For your close family and friends..

Why not pick up the phone, send a text or even write a letter, and let them know what you are up to? Personal communications lead to more donations.

7)     You might not be back in the office yet, but your colleagues can still get involved.

Send an e-mail to your favourite co-workers or post on your internal workplace channels to talk about the charity you are supporting and why they need help. Many organisations even offer corporate matching schemes!

8)     How else can you motivate your network to donate to your fundraising project?

Think of possible things you could offer in return for their support, like a shout-out or an IOU. Perhaps commit to a fun dare if you reach your fundraising target!

 9)     Find opportunities to top up your fundraising project with mini fundraising activities.

Want to catch up with your friends? Host a Zoom bingo evening or a quiz and ask for a donation to take part. Offer to walk the neighbour’s dog in exchange for a donation to your project. Or cook a fancy meal for a loved one and charge them restaurant prices.

10)  Don’t forget to post regular updates to your fundraising page and social media.

Take a picture of your early morning run, celebrate reaching a fundraising milestone and keep pushing for donations. Don’t be afraid to ask twice!

Feeling inspired? What else could you do for a good cause? We can’t wait to see all the creative fundraising ideas that you come up with for the Vhi Virtual Women’s Mini Marathon. Good luck with your charity projects – and with your run!