If you haven’t raised money before, please don’t be daunted! We’ll help you every step of the way with our fundraising ideas and tips.
Here are top ideas to help you smash your fundraising target!
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Tell people why you are running
The most successful fundraising pages explain why the cause matters personally. Whether you're running in memory of someone, supporting friends living with HIV, or passionate about ending HIV stigma, sharing your story can encourage more people to donate.
Ask for donations early and count down to the big day
They say the early bird catches the worm, and fundraising is no different. Asking friends, family and colleagues for a donation early on is a good idea as they may donate again when it's marathon time.
Don't forget to let people know when it's 100 days or 10 weeks to go to create a sense of urgency and encourage donations.
Celebrate fundraising milestones
When you reach £500, £1,000 or £2,000, share the milestone widely on social media and thank supporters. People are often encouraged to donate when they see you're getting closer to your target.
Make the most of social media and online fundraising
Add your Enthuse page to your Instagram profile
Add your Enthuse fundraising page link to your Instagram profile, so when your Instagram stories vanish people can still easily find your page.
Share your training journey
Keep supporters updated on your progress through social media posts, photos and videos. Sharing your training highs and lows can help people feel part of your marathon journey and encourage additional donations along the way.
Add your Enthuse fundraising page to your email signature
A simple but effective way to raise money is to add a link to your fundraising page in your email signature. This means colleagues, clients and contacts can support you every time you send an email.
Ask ChatGPT
Ask ChatGPT how to fundraise and for ideas. Tell it about your circumstances, such as where you work, any clubs or groups you're part of, your fundraising target and how much time you have available. The more information you provide, the more tailored the ideas will be.
Ask your friends and family
Challenge your friends
Find five friends and challenge them to raise £100 for you. That could be a quick £500 towards your target.
Birthday and Christmas gifts
Ask for a donation to your fundraising page rather than a birthday or Christmas gift.
Collection at special occasions
If you're attending a birthday party, retirement celebration, wedding anniversary or other gathering, ask if you'd be able to mention your marathon challenge and share your fundraising page with guests.
Run in fancy dress
We know running a marathon is enough of a challenge. But volunteering to run in fancy dress adds another layer of difficulty and entertainment value that may encourage more people to sponsor you.
Fundraise at work
Matched funding
Also known as matched giving, many employers will double the amount you raise for charity. Find out if your employer offers this and take advantage of the scheme if they do.
Put up posters with a QR code
A simple and effective way to promote your fundraising is to put up posters around your workplace. Include a photo of yourself, details about why you're taking on the marathon and a QR code that links directly to your Enthuse fundraising page.
Organise a raffle
Contact local businesses for prizes and organise a raffle at work.
Host a quiz night
Organise a quiz night at work, your local pub or community venue. Charge an entry fee per team and offer a small prize for the winners.
Sweepstake
Organise a sports, TV or office sweepstake. Whether it's the Premier League, Eurovision or Strictly, sweepstakes are simple to run and can attract lots of participants.
Hold a fundraising event
Hold a bake sale or fundraising event
Whether it's a bake sale or a work happy hour, holding a fundraising event can be a great way to boost your total.
Sell homemade treats
In addition to a bake sale, consider selling homemade jams, chutneys, brownies or other popular treats.
Guessing competition
Run a simple competition such as guessing the number of sweets in a jar, your marathon finish time or how many miles you'll run during training.
Organise a bucket collection
Bucket collections can raise a few pounds towards your target. If you have a busy local train station or supermarket in mind, let us know and we can help you get permission.
Turn unwanted items into donations
Wardrobe raid
Declutter and sell your unwanted items online to boost your marathon fundraising.
Hold a second-hand sale
Sell books, clothes, games, plants or household items at a car boot sale or community market.
Coin jar
Ask your local pub, café or LGBT+ venue to place a collection jar on the counter. Pennies really do make pounds.
Your fundraising makes a difference
Every donation helps us support people living with and affected by HIV. Here's how your fundraising could make a difference:
- £10 could help provide an HIV self-test kit to someone who needs access to a test
- £25 could help answer one call to THT Direct, our free sexual health information and support service
- £35 could help provide access for two people to My Community, THT's online confidential space for people living with HIV
- £50 could help provide a vital grant for someone living with HIV struggling to afford basic necessities
- £80 could help a participant on our Work and Skills programme meet with a one-to-one mentor
- £100 could help fund our Living Well services to ensure people living with HIV receive the support they need
We are here to support you every step of the way
Fundraising is a marathon, not a sprint.
We're here to support you every step of the way as you work towards and smash your fundraising target. If you have any questions or would like tailored fundraising advice, email [email protected] and a member of our team will be happy to help.