Part three in a mini-series on nuggets gleaned from our marathon fundraising panel experts.

NPO directors and marathon team coordinators learn from fundraising veterans

Even more expert advice from Ashley, Beth and Kristina. If you missed them, Part 1 is here and Part 2 is here.

6. Remind your fundraisers not to apologize when asking for donations

• Very few people will sign up to run a marathon, let alone to run and fundraise for charity. Your fundraisers are doing an incredibly inspiring thing.
• Donors will consider it a gift to participate in something bigger than themselves. They will be inspired and excited to give. Encourage your fundraisers to talk enthusiastically about what they are doing and why.
• Fundraising is not a 4-letter word!

7. Don’t forget, you’re working with ATHLETES. Harness the spirit of competition!

• Inspire some friendly competition among your team by creating awards, silly or serious, related to both the athletic and fundraising aspects of the race.
• Consider offering incentives to top fundraisers or those who exceed their fundraising goals.

8. Thank-yous are very important.

• Be a cheerleader for your runner-fundraisers and thank them during and after the training and fundraising process. Encourage them to thank their donors.
• Have your runners send out an “I did it!” email after the race. It should include a fundraising update and ask for a final donation to meet the goal.
• Hold a post-race event in honor of your fundraisers. Share personal stories from training, fundraising and racing. Have the president of your organization speak about what their efforts mean to to your organization.

Thank you Ashley, Beth, and Kristina for your wisdom and insight!

Have other thoughts on how to make your marathon team fundraising a success? Post a comment below. And if you want to know more, attend our free webinar, “The Endorphin Effect: how athletic fundraising events raise more money” tomorrow, Jan 28 at 3.30 pm EST.