Online fundraising can feel a lot simpler once you stop thinking of it as one big ask and start treating it as a few small, doable steps.
It’s also one of the easiest ways to keep momentum going through training, reminding people of why you’re doing what you’re doing and getting your page in front of as many people as possible.
Why online fundraising works so well
One of the biggest benefits of online fundraising is ease for donators. People can donate there and then, without needing cash or a cheque book.
When you fundraise through Walk the Walk, you can share your page directly and turn it into a downloadable QR code for easy scanning. If someone does hand you cash or a cheque, those offline gifts can still be recorded on your page afterwards, so you don’t have to choose one route or the other.
There’s also the element of trust; our system keeps the focus on you and the charity, so supporters can see where the money they donate is going and what it’ll do.
How to fundraise online with an appealing page
A strong page only really needs three things: your story, your goal, and a good photo.
1. Start with your story
Why are you taking part? Who are you walking for? What does Walk the Walk mean to you? A personal story can boost donations by up to 70%! There’s a character limit of 1,500, so use this to make the page your own.
2. Next, set a clear target and make it feel real.
“I’m hoping to raise £300” is good, but “I’m hoping to raise £300 before my challenge in November” is better, and ideally take that further with your personal reason why.
3. Finally, add a friendly photo.
Posting just one picture on your page creates a personal touch that can almost triple donations.
To set up your page, try to follow this basic structure:
- A sentence on what you are doing
- One short paragraph on why
- Your fundraising target
- One photo
- One quick update every week
Have a look at our guide for more tips on setting up and later editing your fundraising page.
A simple weekly sharing plan for online fundraising
Sometimes it can be hard to get past that guilty feeling of asking for money. Providing regular updates rather than repeatedly asking for direct donations can help people feel more connected to your journey and your cause, which in turn will get them more inclined to contribute.
Try this weekly structure to keep sharing your page while changing up your messaging:
- Monday: share a training update or challenge milestone
- Wednesday: post a direct donation ask with your page link
- Friday: share a photo, countdown or target update
- Weekend: tell a more personal story about why you’re fundraising, or who you’re fundraising for
We encourage fundraisers to keep social media updated and share their pages through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp and/or email. While it’s probably a good idea not to post every five minutes, it’s good to show up regularly enough that people remember to donate.
WhatsApp and email templates that make it easier
You don’t need a grand speech to get people to donate – too much text can sometimes have the opposite effect. All you need to do is be personal and clear. Here are some message examples that you could use to approach people for donations.
WhatsApp template:
Hi! I’m taking on a Walk the Walk challenge and raising money for people living with cancer. [Summarising sentence of why you’re fundraising]. I’d really love your support if you’re able to donate. Here’s my page: [link]. Thank you so much!
Email template:
Subject: I’m fundraising for Walk the Walk
Hi, I’m currently training for a Walk the Walk challenge and fundraising online to support people living with cancer. [Summarising sentence of why you’re fundraising].
If you’d like to support me, here’s my page: [link].
Any donation, big or small, would mean a lot. Thank you for cheering me on!
Gentle follow-up:
Just popping my page here again in case you meant to donate and life got in the way: [link]. No pressure at all, but every donation really helps!
Employer matching can give your page a boost
If your workplace offers matched funding, your online fundraising total could grow much faster than you’d initially expect. Many companies will match what employees raise or make a contribution, although it’s worth noting that some may ask for an official receipt for their records.
For more advice on matched giving, what it does and how to ask, have a look at our dedicated article on how to utilise matched giving and business partnerships.
Fundraising ideas online that work well
Sometimes organising an in-person event can prove difficult to schedule, but that’s not the only way you can fundraise! If you want a few extra fundraising ideas online, think simple and social. Here are some examples that we find go down a treat:
- A virtual quiz night works well because people already know the format. Charge a small entry donation, keep it cheerful and add a small prize if you like
- An online auction is another good option if friends, family or local businesses can donate vouchers or treats.
- A bingo night, much like a quiz, uses a format that people already recognise. It’s easy for people to log in from home after work for an hour of fun that raises some cash
- A Zoom catch-up where guests donate instead of bringing snacks, which you could theme with feather boas and the colour pink to keep it on theme with a Moonwalk!
- You could livestream your training updates or post them on Instagram/Facebook stories to keep people involved and excited in your build-up to a Moonwalk
We’ve compiled a series of fundraising ideas and resources, including posters and sponsor forms, along with additional tips to help spread the word about your fundraising.
How to make donating easier with Gift Aid
Gift Aid is one of the simplest ways to make your overall donations worth even more. For every £1 donated, charities can claim an extra 25p.
All that needs to happen is for the donor to make a Gift Aid declaration and to have paid enough Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax that year. As a rule, donations must not be more than four times the tax the donor has paid in that tax year.
Although Gift Aid is simple and easy, there are a few details that are worth flagging:
- Home addresses, not work addresses, need to be provided for Gift Aid
- Raffle tickets, auction items and event payments are not standard Gift Aid donations
- Money raised from collections or events cannot be claimed as your own Gift Aid donation
- Payroll Giving donations are taken before Income Tax, so they’re not eligible for Gift Aid as well
You can find a full breakdown on what Gift Aid is and how to make the most of it for your fundraising in our article: What is Gift Aid UK?
How to thank donors properly
We believe that it’s always important to say thank you. The easiest way to do this is to leave a short personal message on your donation page that thanks people for contributing to your goal.
You can also thank people in updates on your socials when you hit certain milestones. A quick post when you hit 25%, 50% or your full goal helps donors feel involved. This is especially effective because people are more likely to donate again when they feel like part of your entire story, rather than just a contribution to a number.
For individual larger donations, a personal gesture like giving them a handwritten thank you card can be something really special.
Your first three steps to start today
To get the ball rolling, try these three steps as soon as you’ve finished reading this page:
- The most important thing is to set up or refresh your page with a photo, a story and a target.
- If you’re able to, send one WhatsApp or email today asking for a donation.
- Then, plan the next part of your fundraising journey, whether that’s planning an extra event or planning your weekly sharing schedule.
You can find even more advice with our fundraising tips, but however you decide to approach your fundraising, the most important thing is to point people towards your page and get them to donate!