Best Fundraising Practices:

1. Make It Personal

Tell your story. Explain to your donors what you are raising money for and why it is so important to you. If your friends and family see that you are passionate about the cause, they are more likely to give and give generously

2. Set a Goal That Stretches You

Choose a fundraising goal that's ambitious enough to motivate you. Having a clear target gives your friends and family something to rally around—and gives you natural opportunities to update them as you make progress.

3. Start With Your Inner Circle

Before broadcasting your fundraising page widely, personally reach out to the people most likely to support you generously—close friends, family members, colleagues, and others who know what matters to you.

Getting those first several donations on the board creates momentum and gives later donors confidence that others are behind your effort. A direct message from you will usually be more effective: tell the person why you're participating, what you're trying to accomplish, and ask them directly to support you.

You can even consider making the first donation yourself.

4. Expand the Circle

Once you've gotten some early momentum, broaden your outreach.

Share your fundraising page through:

• Personal emails and texts

• Social media

• Professional and community networks

• Group chats or other circles where sharing it feels natural

5. Be Persistent

Don't assume someone isn't interested because they didn't respond to your first message. People are busy, emails get buried, and good intentions don't always turn immediately into donations.

A few friendly follow-ups are entirely appropriate.

Better yet, give people a reason to hear from you again:

• You've reached 25%, 50%, or 75% of your goal.

• You've registered for your North Shore Century route.

• You've been getting out on your bike.

• The overall D65 campaign has reached a milestone.

• You have a funny photo or story from preparing for the ride.

• You're getting close to September 20 and making your final push.

Your follow-ups don't all need to say “Please donate.” Bring people along for the ride.

6. Thank Your Donors

Make your mom proud by displaying your good manners and thanking the people who have supported your fundraiser. 

7. Have Fun!

Last but not least, always remember to have fun. Fundraising isn’t a chore. If you’re having fun with it, your positive energy becomes contagious, and this will encourage friends and your family to donate