Hi Reader!
If you've been on my list for a while, you might have noticed fundraising tips tucked into my regular newsletter. And honestly? There was always so much more I wanted to share, but it never quite fit. So I finally did the thing and gave fundraising its own home.
Welcome to the first edition of this little series, made specifically for you: the runner who is out here training for a race AND trying to change the world one donation at a time. No small thing.
This is going to be a space for real fundraising tips, content ideas you can actually use, and ways to make asking for donations feel really approachable. Because honestly, it can feel awkward at times. We're going to work through that together.
So glad you're here. Let's get into it.
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!
- Featured Resource: The Run Streak Fundraiser
- Bonus: Join the 30 Day Challenge!
- Hook of the Week: New Feature!
- Fundraising Tips You Can Use Next Week - Week of May 25th
Featured Resource
Try a Run Streak Fundraiser
If you've ever wanted to run a fundraising campaign that feels bold, personal, and genuinely exciting, this one's for you.
A run streak fundraiser is exactly what it sounds like: you commit to running every day (as little as one mile) and invite your people to pledge for every mile you log during your goal window. It's simple, it's trackable, and it gives donors something to cheer for in real time.
Here's what makes it work:
- It's a living campaign. Every day you run is a new update, a new reason to post, and a new opportunity for someone to donate or share.
- It's flexible. You set the rules. You decide the distance, the duration, and what "counts" on the hard days.
- It builds connection. Sharing your progress brings supporters along for the journey, not just the finish line.
It works for any cause. Whether you're running for cancer research, a local charity, or a global nonprofit, the streak format gives your campaign momentum.
This is the fundraiser that changed how I fundraise when I hosted my first streak in 2020. For all the details, read this guide!
Host a Run Streak Fundraiser in June!
Starting June 1st, 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:
I thought this would be a great opportunity to offer support to this community and we can run together. 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. Think of it as your one-second pitch. 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:
Did you know you can support my dream of running [your goal race] AND [your charity] at the same time?
Example:
Did you know you can support my dream of running the Chicago Marathon and Imerman Angels at the same time?
How to film it (keep it to 7 seconds!):
- 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, lacing up your shoes, sipping coffee before a workout, or you at the gym
- Keep the visual moving; no static shots
- Add the text hook to the top of the screen (like a headline)
- Layer trending audio underneath (check your Reels or TikTok audio tab for what's climbing this week) or a song that fits the clip
- Let the hook do the heavy lifting! You don't need to say a word on camera if you don't want to
- In the last 3-4 seconds, add text that says Read Below to Learn More
For your caption: Share why this race matters to you and why this charity is close to your heart. Keep it personal and specific. The more real it is, the more it connects. You don't need to convince anyone and you don’t need to write a novel. You just need to offer a personal touch as to why this is important to you.
If you try this reel, let me know! I'd love to know how it goes (tag @runwanderwear and I'll reshare it)
Fundraising Tips for the Week
If you're running a marathon for a charity and need fresh ideas, this section is for you! Steal these ideas or send them to a friend who is fundraising for a marathon.
Here are a few ideas you plan for the week of May 25th:
Memorial Day (US): May 25: Honor the day and use it as your summer kickoff moment. Whether you're running for a military support charity or just leaning into the "summer training starts NOW" energy, this is a great day to post.
Sunscreen Day: May 27th: This one's easy. Ask for $30 donations all day long for SPF 30 (or whatever your recommended SPF minimum is).
National Smile Day: May 31: This one is pure fun. Post a sweaty, happy, mid-run selfie and tie it right into your campaign. Ask for donations to celebrate your smile!
Here's the post for May fundraisers and 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!
- Know someone who could benefit from these tips? Forward this email to your friends and help this community grow! If you received this email from a friend and want to subscribe, they can join the mailing list here.
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See you on the run!
-Liz
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See you next week!