9 Fundraising Tips for Reaching Your Goals

Congratulations! You’ve completed the first step by signing up to take part in an event to fuel life-saving research and provide better outcomes to people facing cancer. So, where do you go from here?  

Raising funds may seem like a daunting task, especially if this is your first time, but it doesn’t have to be.     

Here are nine tips to help make your fundraising efforts successful: 

1. Personalization

Create a fundraising page, so your community knows how and where they can support you. Personalizing your fundraising page helps you connect with your supporters and lets them know who you are and why you are committed to raising funds for the cause. Let your creativity shine and don’t hold back from sharing your story.   

2. Every dollar counts

Start your fundraising efforts as soon as you can, so you can secure your first donation and build momentum right away. No matter how small, every donation counts — you could even consider making a self-donation first to make that zero disappear.   

3. Activate your network

Build a list of individuals to reach out to, from your personal and professional networks. Cancer has impacted nearly everyone in a significant way, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your family, friends or colleagues for their support.  

Let them know why you’re taking part in the fundraising event and why their support matters to you. Also, be sure to provide a link to your fundraising page so they can easily donate.  

4. Use the power of social media

Engage with your friends, family and other members of your circle through social media. Don’t currently have social media? Now’s a great time to create new accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or even TikTok.  

You’ll be able to announce that you are taking part in an event and link people to your fundraising page, as well as keep your supporters updated with posts on fundraising progress and other activities.  

Using the appropriate hashtags will also help you expand your network and become more connected with the event’s community.  

5. Your story

Never underestimate the power of storytelling. Stories move and inspire us, so don’t hesitate to share your story and reason for fundraising.  

Depending on the situation or who you’re speaking with, you may need two versions of your story: the “lift” version and the “lobby” version. The lift version is quick, simple and best suited for when you only have 20 seconds with someone — think travelling a few floors with someone on an elevator. The lobby version is slightly longer and perfect for when you have their attention for a few minutes. 

6. A greater cause

Donations to the BC Cancer Foundation help ensure life beyond cancer is within reach for people across the province, and it’s important to emphasize the impacts these donations will have.  

All funds raised stay in the province and assist with advancements in innovative cancer research and world-class care in British Columbia, fuelling hope for the 80,000 patients per year who depend on BC Cancer.  

The funds raised for the BC Cancer Foundation have helped BC Cancer make innovative advancements in cancer research, including breakthroughs in radiation therapy and cutting-edge technologies for early lung cancer detection. They have also provided critical funding for the expansion of cancer centres, increasing access to cancer care for patients across the province.  

7. Donation matching

Find out if your employer, or even your partner’s employer, offers a donation matching or employee giving program. If so, this is a simple way to double your donation.  

8. Follow-up and appreciation

Show your appreciation and gratitude to your supporters by updating them with fundraising progress. 

Also be sure to thank them after the fundraiser has ended. This can be done with handwritten cards or personalized emails, or as a social media post that addresses all your supporters — the choice is up to you! 

9. A fun experience

Don’t forget to have fun and enjoy yourself as you fundraise. This will no doubt become a memorable experience for you, especially when it’s for a good cause.  

If you’re having fun, your positive energy and passion will shine through and inspire others to donate.