We’ve asked some of our top fundraisers what they think are the best ways to raise money for ReachOut.com in fitness challenges and running events. Check out the awesome fundraising ideas below, and share your best tips with us.
Emma-lee Knight, 20, reckons an inspiring or insightful post about the cause is more effective than just posting a link to your fundraising page. “Social media can reach so many people so quickly,” she says. “Share your reasons behind your fundraising and be genuine about what you do.”
Niamh Cronin, 28, chose to back ReachOut.com because two of her friends have lost loved ones to suicide. "I am running in their honour to create awareness in hope that no other young person goes through what they went through." Niamh says sharing her story connects people to the cause. "When you are open and honest about the cause, people can relate. They get behind you and want to support you more.
Samantha Cole, 22, is a ReachOut.com Leader from Western Australia. She says that sharing statistics is a convincing way to help friends and family understand the extend of the issue. “Using statistics made people realise the importance of the issue, and how great a resource ReachOut.com is for helping young people,” she says. With suicide the leading cause of death for young Australians, and 1 in 4 young people experiencing a mental health difficulty, the statistics are a shocking call to action.
Eliza Kerr, 25, bought boxes of Cadbury’s fundraising chocolates and sold them at her workplace, friends’ offices and cafes. “My family, workmates, friends and even people on the street bought them. I stuck labels with a mental health fact from ReachOut.com on each one, and said if you want to donate go to my fundraising website,” she says. It’s a pretty sweet way to raise funds. Learn more about Cadbury Fundraiser.
For Annie Swanton, 50, it’s the generosity of her friends and family that keeps her going when training and fundraising. She wanted to give back to them in some way, so she hosted a fundraising dinner in her home. “I asked my family and closest friends over for a big Mexican fiesta, and asked everyone to put the price of their dinner towards my fundraising efforts for ReachOut.com. We not only raised more than $1,000 in one night! but also raised everyone’s awareness about ReachOut.com does and where their money would be going
One of our team members, Doug Millen, 25, hit his fundraising goal 48 hours after kicking off, but noticed that donations tended to match the amount he suggested. “I was surprised how many spot-on $25 donations I got after I posted that number on Facebook. The next amount I suggested was $50 and, amazingly, in rolled the $50 donations,” he says. This technique works especially well if you match your suggested amount with the friends you’re asking to donate.
John Wang, 29, says a valuable way to remind your friends of your fundraising challenge is to post your training online. “Posting your training progress along with your support page after each run is be really helpful,” he says. “Fundraise by showing your commitment and trainings. Also, show your appreciation to your supporters after completing the event.”
Our buddy Alex Saunders, 34, says that once a friend has said they’ll donate to you, then you’re free to bug them about it until they do. “If they’ve said they’ll donate, don’t forget that - follow up. Even better, if you’ve donated to a friend’s fundraiser in the past and they promised to return the favour, remember that and get in touch when it’s your turn,” he says.
Inspired to take on these tips and raise some dollars for ReachOut.com? Every bit helps us reach more young people in need of help for mental health difficulties. Check out our fundraising opportunities.
Photo caption: Annie Swanton (right) and her friend Phil finish the 2014 Sydney City2Surf.
Post about your challenge on social media
Emma-lee Knight, 20, reckons an inspiring or insightful post about the cause is more effective than just posting a link to your fundraising page. “Social media can reach so many people so quickly,” she says. “Share your reasons behind your fundraising and be genuine about what you do.”
Share your story and connect people to the cause
Niamh Cronin, 28, chose to back ReachOut.com because two of her friends have lost loved ones to suicide. "I am running in their honour to create awareness in hope that no other young person goes through what they went through." Niamh says sharing her story connects people to the cause. "When you are open and honest about the cause, people can relate. They get behind you and want to support you more.
Share statistics about the issue
Samantha Cole, 22, is a ReachOut.com Leader from Western Australia. She says that sharing statistics is a convincing way to help friends and family understand the extend of the issue. “Using statistics made people realise the importance of the issue, and how great a resource ReachOut.com is for helping young people,” she says. With suicide the leading cause of death for young Australians, and 1 in 4 young people experiencing a mental health difficulty, the statistics are a shocking call to action.
Make a sweet profit with fundraising chocolates
Eliza Kerr, 25, bought boxes of Cadbury’s fundraising chocolates and sold them at her workplace, friends’ offices and cafes. “My family, workmates, friends and even people on the street bought them. I stuck labels with a mental health fact from ReachOut.com on each one, and said if you want to donate go to my fundraising website,” she says. It’s a pretty sweet way to raise funds. Learn more about Cadbury Fundraiser.
Host a fundraising dinner at your place
For Annie Swanton, 50, it’s the generosity of her friends and family that keeps her going when training and fundraising. She wanted to give back to them in some way, so she hosted a fundraising dinner in her home. “I asked my family and closest friends over for a big Mexican fiesta, and asked everyone to put the price of their dinner towards my fundraising efforts for ReachOut.com. We not only raised more than $1,000 in one night! but also raised everyone’s awareness about ReachOut.com does and where their money would be going
Suggest an amount, and that’s what people will give
One of our team members, Doug Millen, 25, hit his fundraising goal 48 hours after kicking off, but noticed that donations tended to match the amount he suggested. “I was surprised how many spot-on $25 donations I got after I posted that number on Facebook. The next amount I suggested was $50 and, amazingly, in rolled the $50 donations,” he says. This technique works especially well if you match your suggested amount with the friends you’re asking to donate.
Keep your friends posted about your training efforts
John Wang, 29, says a valuable way to remind your friends of your fundraising challenge is to post your training online. “Posting your training progress along with your support page after each run is be really helpful,” he says. “Fundraise by showing your commitment and trainings. Also, show your appreciation to your supporters after completing the event.”
Hassle your buddies (nicely)
Our buddy Alex Saunders, 34, says that once a friend has said they’ll donate to you, then you’re free to bug them about it until they do. “If they’ve said they’ll donate, don’t forget that - follow up. Even better, if you’ve donated to a friend’s fundraiser in the past and they promised to return the favour, remember that and get in touch when it’s your turn,” he says.
Inspired to take on these tips and raise some dollars for ReachOut.com? Every bit helps us reach more young people in need of help for mental health difficulties. Check out our fundraising opportunities.
Photo caption: Annie Swanton (right) and her friend Phil finish the 2014 Sydney City2Surf.
