Walker Tips & Tools

Personalize your fundraising page

1. Upload a photo: don’t be the person that buys a frame and keeps the stock photo in there. Pick an image that means something to you.
2. Find your connection: Why are you walking? Why does having friends matter? Who’s your best friend and why? Whether you’ve been involved in Best Buddies for 20 years or you found out about us yesterday, friendship means something to you. Find your story and tell it – people will listen.

Find your peeps

We’ll let you in on a little fundraising secret: no one can do it on their own. *mind blown*

Make a list of who you know, ask them to donate, and then ask them to ask their peeps to do the same. Did you follow that? Good.

• Family & friends: Start with the people who love you – Mom, Dad and your BFF (you can call us Captain Obvious). Then move on to fun uncles and long-lost cousins.
• Your circle: Classmates, teachers, co-workers, neighbors, PTA, church group, alumni group – essentially anyone you’ve talked to in the past year or two
• Your locals: Doctor, dentist, insurance agent, realtor, hair stylist, barber – essentially anyone you’ve given money to in the past year

More pro tips

• Use social media: Not a social media guru? Pop on over to the next tab, “Social Media Tips”
• Send snail mail: Yes, that’s still a thing. Sending old-fashioned letters really works. Just make sure to include a link to your fundraising page or an address where your supporters can send a check.
• Fire off some emails and texts: This whole technology thing is great – it’s the fastest way from Point A to Point B. Get your fundraising link to your network as easily as possible.
• Tell people what you want: People aren’t mind-readers (probably), so be specific. Let them know exactly how much you want to raise and by when.
• Be grateful: This should be a given. Every gift deserves a thank you. Be prompt and sincere with your appreciation.

Team fundraising

Get your crew together. Group fundraising can unite your team, bring awareness to Best Buddies, and raise some serious dough. Win, win, win. Here are just a few DIY fundraising event ideas to get your brain storming:

• Karaoke night
• Office jeans day
• Game night
• Bakesale
• Bowling tournament
• Wine and cheese party
• Tailgate party
• Cookout or cook-off challenge
• Garage sale
• Video game tournament
• Raffle
• Baby photo contest

Gift Matching

Ask your company about their matching gift policy. You could double your donations.

“““You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” -Wayne Gretzky” -Michael Scott” -Best Buddies”””

Social Media Tips

• Have a hook: We’re all 4 year olds on social media – it’s hard to keep our attention, and we prefer picture books. Captivate your audience with an image, video, or even creative hashtags. Showing is greater than telling, and your words are far more valuable when your reader actually sees them.
• Share your progress: Your supporters want to share the journey with you. Have “milestone posts” prepared to keep followers in the loop as you move closer to your goal (eg. ‘Halfway there’, ‘Only $100 to go’, etc.)
• Appreciate…
  • publicly: Saying thank you on social media can be a little different. Be sure to tag your friends as you appreciate them – not only does it feel good for your supporter to be recognized publicly, but you also have a chance to inspire other donors.
  • consistently: $5 or $500, every donation matters. Recognize gifts as soon as possible, and always personalize each thank you.
  • creatively: With social media, even your thank yous can be used to bring more attention to your campaign. Some successful fundraisers have thanked their donors with individualized GIFs, while others have promised to share personalized videos for every donation. Think about your network, and find what works for you.
  • mission-focused: Remember why you’re raising money for Best Buddies, and remind your contributors why their gift matters.
• Remember your link
  • You may have a great pitch, but it’s hard for people to donate without knowing where to do so. Send your potential donors directly to your fundraising page.