Fundraising Tips

8 top fundraising tips

1. Show you're committed and donate to yourself

Nothing shows commitment to the cause and challenge like donating to yourself. It's also a great way to lead by example – if you're asking friends, family and colleagues to make a donation, it makes sense to donate to yourself as well!

Plus, statistically, people who donate to themselves raise twice as much as people who don't.

2. Create or join a team

Every challenge is more fun when you have a buddy with you. So create a team and invite others to join you.

Learn More about teams

3. Use our list of who to ask

Asking for donations doesn't have to be scary. There are lots of people you know who will want to support you, and help you raise funds for people affected by breast cancer. Use this handy list to remind you who to ask throughout the month.

4. Spread the word

Let friends, family and colleagues know you've signed up to the challenge. Tell them over the phone, on a video call, send an email or text message, put it on Facebook or Instagram, Tweet (X?) it, Snapchat it; whatever works for you (maybe all of them)!

You can use our list of pre-written messages, share your profile page link, or ask them to search for your name on the website.

5. Ask more than once

We all need reminding every now and again. You're doing something great for yourself, and for others, so don't hesitate to follow up with people, and remind them to make a donation. Even if you've asked before, people get busy or simply forget.

One of the easiest ways to remind people to donate is to post more than once on your social media! Not on the same day of course. Share the news when you’ve signed up, and then share again when you have something to say. Here are some examples of when you could send a nudge:

• When you make a self-donation (ask supporters to match it!)
• 1st October when your Sober challenge begins
• Every week you complete - let people know with our weekly milestone badges (they’ll arrive in your email inbox each week)
• When you get donations - thank people publicly which acknowledges their support but also serves as a friendly reminder to others.
• When it’s a celebration - if you’ve got something happening in October, ask people for their donations in lieu of a celebratory drink.

6. Be the designated driver or dog walk for your friends

For the month of October, become a friendly helper of all. Designated driver, dog walker, shopping collector. Help your friends and family in exchange for a small donation. You’re doing good and they’re doing good, it’s a win-win!

7. Share your why

What's the reason you decided to take part in Sober October? Reminding yourself why you're committing to an alcohol-free month can help you stay focused throughout the challenge and inspire you to ask for support. Don’t forget to share your why with friends and family to encourage their donations.

8. Create your own fundraising event or competition

Get creative and set up an event or competition to get donations! Some ideas include…

• Host a mocktail or non-alcoholic wine tasting night
• Hold a bake sale
• Hold a raffle
• Have a fancy dress competition
• All donations in a 24 hour period go into the draw to win a small prize
• Host a trivia night