What are some unique ways to ask for donations?
One-on-one asks are still the easiest and most efficient way to raise money. But we’ve compiled some additional fundraising ideas to help get people motivated, create awareness of your campaign and add some icing on the cake!
One-on-one asks are still the easiest and most efficient way to raise money. But we’ve compiled some additional fundraising ideas to help get people motivated, create awareness of your campaign and add some icing on
the cake!
If you are just starting, please read “8 Steps to Charity Running Success” first. Then, check out these options.
Honor your donors
Offer to write their names on your jersey or your shoes. Or ask them to pick a song for your playlist. These options give them the chance to be on the journey with you on race day and may help motivate them to support your
cause.
Hold a Bake Sale
If you have the skills, you can whip a few delicious treats in the kitchen and sell them at work, church, school events, or at other community gatherings you attend. You can even get your friends or your kids involved in the
fun!
Organize a Jeans Day
Ask your manager or supervisor if you could hold a “Jeans Friday” at your workplace. Employees can wear jeans in exchange for a donation to your campaign.
Gather Friends
Who doesn’t love a party? Hold a get-together at your house and ask attendees for a donation as “admission.” A friend with a band can really liven things up! Let us know and we can probably provide some Mercy Home or
marathon swag for a raffle to generate additional funds from partygoers.
Clean Up with a Yard Sale
You didn’t want all that stuff anyway! Gather it, price it, and take it outside on a sunny day to get money for it. Keep a stack of cards near your cash box that have your personal fundraising website (or QR Code!) on it along
with more information about Mercy Home. That way they can give more to your campaign when they get home.
Consider Consignment
Got stuff that’s worth more than you’ll get at a garage sale? Take it to a consignment shop! Consign your clothes, jewelry, furniture, books, bikes, and music.
Split the Pot
A 50-50 raffle can be a great addition to one of the events mentioned above. It’s just what it sounds like. People buy tickets and the winner takes home 50% and you apply 50% to your fundraising for Mercy Home. Bonus: The
winner will often tell you to keep their 50%! Reward buying more tickets (1 for $5, 3 for $10, 7 for $20, etc.)
Knock on Doors
Go to your neighbors’ houses and ask them directly whether they can make a donation to your campaign. Make sure to tell them all about Mercy Home and be prepared to answer any questions they may have.
Brunch With Friends
Hold a potluck-style brunch at your house on a Saturday morning and ask for donations in exchange for attendance.
Sip, Savor, Succeed
Hold a BYOB wine-tasting event at your house and ask for donations in exchange for attendance.
Phone a Friend—or Several
Go old school and hold a one-day telethon. Set a goal, write a short script. Grab family and friends and make your pitch via phone calls. Text your fundraising page link after talking with prospects.
Support Local Art
Have a friend who’s an artist? Ask whether she or he could design greeting cards, prints, or anything else you could sell to family, friends, and coworkers in exchange for a set donation to your marathon campaign.
Get Bids for a Silent Auction
See if your friends have items of value lying around that they haven’t gotten around to selling yet. Collect them all and hold your own silent auction. Everyone who contributes can go home with something cool!
Inquire About Matching Gifts
Check with your company to see whether they have a program to match donations you make to charities. Or, search the database of companies that match gifts.
Don't Overlook Non-cash donations
Did you know that Mercy Home can accept non-cash donations too? If you, your friends, or family are interested in supporting your marathon bid by donating gifts of stock or mutual funds, or by using a Donor Advised Fund, IRA,
or other retirement account, please contact our Philanthropy Team at 1-800-378-8266, or at plannedgift@mercyhome.org
Remember as a Mercy Home Hero, you’re not on this journey alone – we’re always here to help and support you. If you’d like to schedule some time for fundraising coaching or share your ideas, we’re available.
