Fundraising Tips

1. Make your Herald Hero page your own

Personalise your Herald Hero page as much as possible to engage people’s attention! Upload your own photograph or even better, a video showing you in action. Tell a story: explain why you are trying to raise money, what it will be used for and why you support that particular cause. Make the page your own.

2. Don’t aim low, set an ambitious target!

You may be surprised how deep supporters will dig to help you reach your goal. You will raise more for your chosen cause by setting an ambitious – but achievable – target.

3. Email close friends and family first

People tend to match amounts already donated, so target your most generous supporters first! Start by emailing close friends, family, and the people you think will give most generously, before asking others to donate.

4. Use your own email as well as the facility in the Herald Hero Page administration account.

You can send out more than one email at the same time, and also set up email groups.

5. Change your email signature

Change your email signature at work and/or at home to add the web address of your Herald Hero page.

6. Contact all your potential supporters

Remember to also contact groups you may have more tenuous connections with: former colleagues, school and college friends, friends who have moved out of the area or overseas, members of clubs you belong to and committees you sit on. If you are involved in business, ask your suppliers; they often like to show support.

7. Update your Herald Hero page and email supporters again

People who intend to donate may forget, or messages get pushed to the bottom of the inbox. It usually takes more than one round of emails to nudge everyone into action, so don’t be embarrassed to ask again.
Refresh your page by posting a new photo or video; say how your training is going and how much money you’ve raised so far. Then send all your contacts the link to your updated page.

8. Ask to be included in your company website or newsletter

Many companies encourage staff to participate in charity fundraisers. Ask the company to mention your campaign on the company website, intranet or newsletter. Some companies will match the amount of money an employee raises. It won’t hurt to suggest that yours do so too!

9. Put up a poster

Create a flyer asking people to visit your Herald Hero page and support you. Post it in the office kitchen, local supermarket, gym, post office, school and anywhere else you can get permission.

10. The bigger your challenge, the more money you will raise

Take part in more than one event! By increasing the stakes for yourself, and announcing this on your Herald Hero page, you challenge your potential donors to match your extra commitment.

11. Don’t stop fundraising when the event finishes

A surprising number of donations are received after an event has finished, so don’t stop fundraising when your event is over. Once you’ve recovered, update your Herald Hero page again and email it to your contacts.
It’s a great way of letting those who have supported you know you have achieved your goal, and of prompting anyone who still hasn’t donated to do so.