Boost your fundraisers' storytelling
Writing doesn’t always come that naturally to everyone, so we’ve put together some tips to help you guide your fundraisers to write a fundraising story that’s unique, engaging and inspiring to their friends and family.
Everyone’s reasons for fundraising is different, and a fundraising page story is your fundraisers chance to let the world know why your organization matters so much to them. Whether they've personally benefited from the services that you provide, or feel strongly about the work you are doing for others, let them let everyone know! It might even motivate others to become a fundraiser too...
So what tools can you give your fundraisers to help them make their story stand out? Fortunately, there are some pretty simple steps you can send them to follow. Just tell them to think about what, how and why.
Why have they decided to fundraise?
What motivated them to start fundraising? Have they set themselves a personal challenge, like running a marathon? Did a particular person inspire them? Maybe they have a special connection to your organization and want to do something to pay you back for your support. Sharing their reasons might feel a little bit intimidating but the more they are able to tell people about why they are fundraising, the more chances they have of inspiring their empathy – and their generosity!
Why did you choose your organization?
What does your organization mean to them? Why is your work so important to them? Have you helped them or someone they know, or do they just wish an organization like yours had existed at some previous point in their life? Remind them to include a link to your website so that their supporters can find out more about you too.
What are they doing to raise money?
This is the part where they get to show off their brilliant, selfless, physically demanding, or just plain crazy idea. Whether they're taking part in their first Ironman triathlon, hosting a bake sale or forgoing birthday presents in favour of donations, tell them to not be afraid to shout about it. Encourage them to tell everyone how much effort they're putting in, or exactly what they're sacrificing for your cause.
How will the money they raise help your organization?
Encourage people to donate by telling them exactly how their money will help. Give them a breakdown of what specific sums of money could mean to you. This is great way for your fundraisers to show their supporters what kind of impact their donations will have.
Here’s an example:
- $10 buys emergency nutrition formula, saving a child from fatal malnutrition
- $20 buys a clean delivery kit to ensure a safe birth for a mother and her baby
- $50 will help provide life saving HIV/AIDS drugs to 1 patient for a year
When people can see what they’re ‘buying’ with their donation, they may feel more inclined to show their support or even increase the size of their donation.
What does people’s support mean to your fundraiser?
Encourage your fundraiser to use their fundraising page as an opportunity to thank their donors for getting involved. Let them tell their friends how encouraging their support is and how much it means to them that they are getting involved.
Need some more ideas to share?
These questions are just to get you thinking about how you might want to encourage your fundraisers to tell their story, but there are loads of ways for them to get their message across so nudge them to be creative. Looking for some inspiration? Take a look at the original and unusual ways some of our fundraisers are already telling their stories...
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