The Final Push: Last-Minute Fundraising Tips Before the Deadline

October 1 is the finish line for fundraising. Let's get you there.

This is it, Heroes. October 1 is fast approaching, and that means it's time for the final push. This is the last fundraising blog we'll share this season, so consider it your cheat sheet for the home stretch. By noon on Thursday, October 1, every Hero is expected to have reached their minimum fundraising commitment. If you're not there yet, don't panic. You have time, and these tips will help you close the gap.

Before you do anything else, log into your fundraising page and know your exact number. How much do you have? How much do you still need? Then take a look at our Fundraising Milestones & Incentives page to see which rewards are still within reach. If you haven't hit $2,200 yet, you have until September 11 to get there and be entered into a drawing for a Brooks Grand Prize package from Dick Pond Athletics, with ten runners-up receiving other Heroes surprise items. Knowing exactly where you stand, and what's still up for grabs, makes the final push feel a lot more manageable.

Now is the time to circle back. Reach out again to friends and family who haven't given yet, and don't be shy about it. A simple update on your training and an honest reminder of the deadline can be all it takes. Don't forget to check whether your employer offers a donation match, either. It's an easy way to stretch every gift further, and it's a step people often forget to take.

With the clock ticking, it's tempting to send one mass message and call it done. Resist that urge. Personalized messages still outperform generic ones, even this late in the game. Mention something specific: a recent long run, a tough training week, or why Mercy Home's mission means something to you. A few thoughtful messages will do more good than a hundred impersonal ones.

Social media is one of your best tools in these final weeks. Post your countdown to October 1, share your fundraising link, and don't be afraid to ask directly for support. Tag donors who have already given to say thank you publicly. It's a great way to keep momentum going and encourage others to give before time runs out.

Your fundraising minimum is a starting point, not a ceiling. Heroes who exceed their minimum earn extra rewards: $500 over gets you a custom Sprints runner's hat, $1,000 over gets you a custom Sprints car seat cover, $2,500 over unlocks a MarathonFoto package, and $5,000 over earns you a custom Heroes backpack. Fundraising pages remain open through the end of October, so you will have an opportunity to earn incentive prizes through the end of the month. 

Every dollar past the minimum is a dollar that goes directly toward a child at Mercy Home. It's worth the extra push. 

This is the final fundraising blog of the season, but it doesn't have to be the end of your effort. You've put in the work to get here. Use this last window to reach out one more time, say thank you, and finish strong. October 1 is closer than you think, and every Hero who reaches their minimum, and beyond, makes a real difference for the kids of Mercy Home.

This is the final push. Make it count.