Issue #3

Miles for More

Hi Reader!

I know you're busy with a lot going on and I'll keep this short. Let's get into the good stuff: some practical ideas to fill your fundraising toolkit this week.

Here we go!

tl;dr

I know you're busy! If you want cut to the features without having to read the extra details, here are the links for these posts!

1. Featured Resource: Birthday Fundraisers!
2. Bonus: ​The 30 Day Challenge starts today!
3. Hook of the Week: "Here's what happens when..."​​
4. Fundraising Tips You Can Use Next Week - Week of June 8th​

Featured Resource

Your Birthday is a Fundraising Super Power

I recently tried something I want you to steal: I shared my fundraiser for my birthday on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. I heard from friends I hadn't heard from in years. A few people donated not just because of the cause, but because it was personal. And it felt organic, not like a pitch.

• Birthday posts cut through the noise. People are already primed to celebrate you; make it easy for them to do that in a meaningful way.
• Not your birthday before race day? Use your half-birthday. Yes, that's a real thing, and yes, it works.
• Honor someone you love. Use the birthday of a parent, friend, or person you're running in memory of to connect to your "why."
• LinkedIn is wildly underrated. Professional connections + charitable giving = surprisingly powerful combination. Don't sleep on LinkedIn, you'll be surprised who will be willing to support you.

Here is an example so you can steal this idea.

Host a Run Streak Fundraiser in June!

The Run Streak fundraiser group is kicking off today (although you can host this fundraiser any time).

I am holding my own run streak fundraiser to support my Chicago Marathon fundraiser for Imerman Angels and I'm inviting you to join! If you're ready to leverage the miles you're already running for something bigger, this is a great opportunity to work toward your fundraising goals.

How does it work?

• Run at least a mile every day in June
• Ask friends to pledge for every mile you run
• Your total mileage x their pledge = their donation amount

Why you should join:

By joining the challenge, you'll get:

• A step-by-step guide to set up your run streak fundraiser pledge form
• How to share your form with friends to start collecting pledges
• A progress tracker (pdf)
• A group of other charity runners who are working to complete the challenge
• Guidance along the way!

Also, it's free.

If you have other friends running for a charity (or want to share it with your charity team), please send them the link below to join.

To sign up for the challenge and get all the details:

Hook of the Week

What's a hook?

A hook is the opening moment of a video or caption designed to stop the scroll on social and make someone want to keep watching. This is your one-second pitch for the viewer to continue watching. It can be text on screen, a visual, or both and it makes all the difference between someone watching or swiping past.

This week's hook:

How to film it (keep it to 7 seconds!):

1. Open with the text hook on screen over b-roll video. B-roll is observation "fly on the wall" video. Examples would be a clip of you on a morning run clip, running in a race, or you in your cross-training routine
2. Keep the visual moving; no static shots
3. Add the text hook to the top of the screen (like a headline) at the start of the video
4. Layer trending audio underneath (check your Reels or TikTok audio tab for what's climbing this week) or a song that fits the clip
5. Let the hook do the heavy lifting! You don't need to say a word on camera
6. In the last 3-4 seconds, add text that says Read Below to Learn How to Donate

For your caption: Share why this race matters to you and why this charity is close to your heart. Keep it personal and specific. You just need to offer a personal touch as to why this is important to you and include specific details how they can find your donation link.

Fundraising Tips for Next Week

Here are a few ideas you plan for the week of June 8th:

• Pride Month: If you’re passionate about supporting the LGBTQ+ community, consider creating a fundraiser with a Pride-themed campaign. Wear rainbow gear for your training runs and encourage your supporters to donate in honor of inclusivity and acceptance.
• National Best Friends Day (June 8): Celebrate your friends and ask them to support your cause. Make it a group effort by asking your best friends to help you fundraise or to donate as a show of support.
• National Iced Tea Day (June 10): If you’re up for an in-person fundraiser, set up a simple iced tea stand in your neighborhood. Share your marathon story with passersby and ask for donations in exchange for a refreshing drink. Create a flyer with a QR code for your donation link so they can donate later.
• Ballpoint Pen Day (June 10): Show appreciation to your donors with a personal touch. Offer to send handwritten thank-you notes to anyone who donates on this day.

Here's ideas to start planning your June-themed fundraising ideas and read below for ideas for a whole year:

Fundraiser Shop

For my fundraising shopping list with things like letter boards, social media planners, pens, thank you notes and more, check out my fundraising store.

Thank You So Much for Subscribing!

Thank you so much for being part of this community! I appreciate you being here and would love feedback! If you'd like to support this content, here are ways you can help!

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See you on the run!

-Liz

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See you next week!