Fundraising can sometimes feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, you can successfully rally support for your cause. Ray Shedd, our Director of Partnerships, shares some practical tips on how to effectively ask for donations, whether you’re raising funds for Tap Cancer Out (TCO) or another meaningful cause.

1. Know When to Ask in Person

While social media is an incredible tool for fundraising, not all donation requests are best suited for a digital platform. For certain potential donors, a personal touch goes a long way. Take time to consider your network—who might appreciate a face-to-face conversation? If you believe someone would respond positively to hearing your story in person, don’t hesitate to ask directly. People often love to support causes that resonate with the people they care about, whether they’re friends, family, or colleagues. Remember, it’s okay to make a direct ask! Sometimes, the personal connection makes all the difference.

2. Share Your Story

Although your fundraising page provides a general overview of the Tap Cancer Out mission, your personal story is what will truly resonate with potential donors. Why did you choose to participate in a TCO event? What motivates you to fight for the cause? Your unique “why” adds authenticity to your fundraising efforts and creates a deeper emotional connection with your audience. Sharing your journey not only gives donors insight into the cause but also why it’s personal to you, making them more likely to contribute.

3. Use Time-Based Goals to Create Urgency

Creating a sense of urgency can inspire people to donate sooner rather than later. One way to do this is by setting time-based goals alongside your overall fundraising target. For example, if your next TCO tournament is just 10 days away, try setting a mini-goal: ask for 10 donations of $100 in 10 days. This type of challenge gives your network a tangible and exciting way to contribute, knowing they are directly impacting your progress. Time-limited asks encourage action and prevent people from putting off their donation until later (and potentially forgetting).

4. Incorporate Your Training into Your Fundraising

Your commitment to the cause doesn’t stop at asking for donations—it shows up in your training too! Why not connect your hard work on the mat with your fundraising? For instance, after a tough training session, post a video and invite your audience to contribute based on your efforts. Did you just finish five, five-minute rounds? Ask for $25 donations—one dollar for each minute you train. You could even make this a weekly challenge to engage your audience regularly, keeping them involved in both your physical and fundraising journey.

5. Highlight Local Business Support

Corporate sponsors can be powerful allies in your fundraising efforts. Many local companies love to give back to the community by supporting charitable causes, and we’re always excited to shine a spotlight on these businesses. If you’ve connected with any companies that are supporting your fundraising, be sure to let us know! We’d love to celebrate their contributions both at your tournament and through our broader channels. Also, don’t forget to share our corporate sponsorship packet with any local businesses that may be interested in supporting you at a larger level.

By incorporating these strategies, you can approach your fundraising efforts with confidence and creativity. Whether you’re making personal asks, sharing your story, or setting time-sensitive challenges, your authentic passion for the cause will inspire others to join you in making an impact.