Hello Reader,
I just got back from an incredible trip to Germany for the Berlin Marathon (I was there to watch) and even though I am so jet lagged, I'm pulling it together because it's Chicago Marathon race week! If you need last minute fundraisers, tips for what to do in Chicago for marathon weekend, or how to create a plan for your family to spectate the race (this was a lifesaver in Berlin), you've come to the right place. The Chicago Marathon is the single biggest day of giving in Chicago and it's a my favorite weekend of the year! If you don't have Chicago on your bucket list, I highly consider giving it a chance!
Anyway, let's dig in to this week's fundraising tips!
tl;dr
I know you're busy! If you want an overview for topics in this issue, here are the highlights!
- Featured Resource: Last Minute Fundraiser: Run with Rally
- Fundraiser Shop: Shop Fundraiser Support Tools
- Hook of the Week: I'm not saying donating is the answer to your problems...
- Fundraising Tips You Can Use Next Week: Week of October 12th
Featured Resource
Here's a fundraiser I'm doing this week and if you're running a Fall marathon, this might be something worth considering. Even as a non-fundraiser, this is pretty special and you might want to try it!
Rally is an app where your friends can leave you voice notes to listen to for every mile (or kilometers) on the course. It syncs with your GPS position and when you hit each milestone on the course, it plays you a voice note.
This is my first time using the app since it's been a long 18 months since my last marathon (London 2025, baby!). I reached out to friends to record a note and saved 5 spots for the top donors who contribute to my fundraiser before Thursday, 10/8.
Check out my fundraising post for inspiration! More details on this fundraiser in this post!
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.
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:
I'm not saying donating to [your charity] is the solution to your problems but I'm not NOT saying it.
Example:
I'm not saying donating to Imerman Angels is the solution to your problems but I'm not NOT saying it.
See an example posted here on Instagram.
For your caption: Remind your friends what your charity is about or the impact of where the donations go. Include how simple it is to donate to your charity, whether it’s your link in bio, sending you a Venmo for you to donate on their behalf, or other fundraising events you have coming up.
For more tips on how to document your fundraising journey, check out this post with social media tips for runners!
If you try this idea, let me know! I'd love to know how it goes (tag
@runwanderwear and I'll reshare it)
Fundraising Tips for Next Week
I want to make sure you have enough time to plan out ideas for these fundraising posts. These ideas are meant to give you organic reasons to share your fundraiser!
Here are a few ideas you plan for the week of October 12th:
- World Food Day (October 16): This global day is dedicated to ending hunger and creating a sustainable future for all. Using it to highlight a food insecurity charity is a perfect pairing.
- Sweetest Day (October 17): Did you know the Midwest has its own Valentine’s Day filled with unexpected acts of love? It's called Sweetest Day. It’s the 3rd Saturday in October. October 17 is about caring for others through kindness and sweet treats!
- Pay Back a Friend Day (October 17): Have a friend who owes you? Here is a great reminder if you need them to pay you back (for the sake of the holiday, of course). Any other day of the year might be awkward if you brought it up, so mentioning it on the designated holiday is absolutely appropriate.
October is right around the corner! Get started planning your October ideas and read below for ideas for the whole year:
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See you on the run!
-Liz
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