6 tips for how to raise money for charity for your sporting challenges

It's hard work, but increase your chances of success with these tips from our fitness columnist Annie Ross
Thinking of running the London Marathon next year?
Virgin Money London Marathon
Annie Ross24 November 2015

It used to be all about bake sales or cheeky calendars when it came to raising money for charity. Now, the focus has turned to sporting challenges. But raising sponsorship is hard work - contributions are a gesture of support for both the challenger and the work the charity does.

Donation requests can be met with a mixture of emotions. The volume of us daring to take on sporting feats means that our family and friends are so inundated with requests that it can be hard to discern between them. And discern we must; bank accounts could be broken if we gave generously to every well-meaning friend stepping out of their comfort zone.

You can increase your chances of successful fundraising with a few intuitive steps.

Choose your challenge smartly...

If you are going to ask for sponsorship for a feat, make sure it’s a good one. Picking a challenge that is particularly tough for you will encourage people to support your cause.

The challenge should be relative and relevant to your fears and dreams. You don’t have to do something you absolutely hate, but be brave. You have an aversion to sand? Dare to do a desert trek. In achieving the unthinkable, you’ll open yourself up to new realms of possibilities, while igniting more empathy in potential donors.

Pick a charity close to your heart...

You'll be more likely to stick to your guns and get over the finish line. Training for a sporting challenge can get rough. Having a cause bigger than just you to turn to when morale is low can be of great help. Believing in the charity means your pleas for donations will be more genuine and heartfelt.

Be passionate...

About your chosen charity and the reason for taking on the challenge. Helping people understand why you and your charity are worthy of parting with their hard earned cash is key to them donating.

Be creative

A social media campaign can work wonders. Ideas like pledging to post a celebration dance if you reach your fundraising target will get people to sit up and notice. Look for help from internet sources – Virgin Money London Marathon offered runners a platform to create a personalised appeal video from Stephen Fry for example.

20 Instagrams for fitness motivation

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Share your journey...

As you prepare for the challenge. Sending emails, photos or videos to your potential donors will help them engage with what you are going through. By recognising the time and effort you are dedicating to the challenge and the charity, they’ll associate more value to the challenge.

Don’t give up once the challenge is complete

Now is the time to reflect on the impact your support to the charity can make and on how the challenge helped you. Garner support for all the hard work you put in to achieve something great, so that the benefits live on through the charity.

Annie Ross is the founder of eXerK.com. Follow her on Twitter@eXerKyourself

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