Writing doesn’t always come that naturally to everyone, so we’ve put together some tips to help you write a fundraising story that’s unique, engaging and inspiring for your supporters.
So how do you make your story stand out? Fortunately, there are some pretty simple steps you can follow. Just think about what, how and why.
Why have you decided to fundraise?
What motivated you to start fundraising? Have you set yourself a personal challenge, like running a marathon? Did a particular person inspire you? Maybe you have a connection to a certain charity and want to do something to pay them back for their support. Sharing your reasons might feel a little bit intimidating, but the more you are able to tell people about why you’re fundraising, the more chance you have of inspiring their empathy – and their generosity!
Why did you choose your charity?
What does your chosen charity mean to you? What kind of work do they do, and why is it so important? Have they helped you or someone you know, or do you just wish an organisation like theirs had existed at some previous point in your life? Remember to include a link to their website so that your supporters can find out more about them too.
What are you doing to raise money?
This is the part where you get to show off your brilliant, selfless, physically demanding, or just plain crazy idea. Whether you’re taking part in your first Ironman triathlon, hosting a bake sale or forgoing birthday presents in favour of donations, don’t be afraid to shout about it.
How will the money you raise help the charity?
Encourage people to donate by telling them exactly how their money will help. You could get in touch with your charity directly and ask for a breakdown of what specific sums of money could mean to them. This is great way of showing people what kind of impact their donation 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
What does people’s support mean to you?
Use your fundraising page as an opportunity to thank your donors for getting involved. Let them know how encouraging their support is and how much it means to you that they are getting involved.
Need some more ideas?
These questions are just to get you thinking about how you might want to tell your story, but there are loads of ways to get your message across so be creative. Looking for some inspiration? Take a look at the original and unusual ways some of our fundraisers have told their stories...