Fundraising Tips for Runners

Thank you for running for animals! Whether fundraising comes naturally to you or feels a little outside your comfort zone, we’re here to help. Here are our favorite tips and resources to help you reach your fundraising goal.

1. Get started (5 min)

✓ Share your fundraising page with family and friends by text or email.

✓ Make your first fundraising post on Facebook or Instagram.

✓ Mark your calendar for our next Donation Matching Day — Saturday, September 26.

2: Our top fundraising tips

✓ Reach out directly. A personal text, email or message is usually more effective than a social media post.

✓ Save your biggest ask for Donation Matching Day. Many people like knowing their donation will go twice as far. We’ll send reminders before Matching Day. The next one is on Saturday, September 26, 2026.

✓ Thank your donors (with permission). A quick thank-you post is a nice way to recognize the people who donated. It also reminds others that they’d like to help, too.

3. Resources

Helpful graphics (What your fundraising does)

Fundraising ideas – The Basics

× QR code: Log in to your fundraising page to download your personal fundraising QR code. Print it and display it wherever people might see it—pin it to your backpack, put it on your work cubicle, or stick it on your water bottle. It’s an easy way to share your fundraiser wherever you go.

× Email signature: Add your fundraising link to your email signature. The text could read: “I’m running a half-marathon to help shelter animals. Help me meet my goal.”

× Facebook: When posting about your fundraiser on Facebook, avoid putting the donation link directly in the post—Facebook’s algorithm tends to penalize posts with external links. Instead, write an engaging caption, then place the link in the first comment. This helps your post reach more people while still making it easy for them to donate.

× Instagram posts: Instagram doesn’t support clickable links in regular posts, so be sure to add your fundraising link to your bio. When you post about your fundraiser, include a simple call to action like: “Donate using the link in my profile.”

× Instagram stories: Instagram Stories do support links—so take advantage of that feature whenever you can!

× Pro tip: Reach directly: Social media posts are great for raising awareness, but they’re often not as effective as reaching out directly. If you really want someone to donate, send a personal message via text, email, or messenger. A direct ask feels more meaningful—and it’s harder to ignore!

× Haku page: Customize your Haku page with photos and personal story

× Haku goal: Don’t hesitate to set a high goal. You’re only responsible for raising the minimum for your run ($250 for 5K, $500 for the marathon and half) but if you set a higher goal, it often motivates your friends to give more.

Fundraising ideas – The Fun

× Bake (or cook) for bucks: Offer baked goods (dog biscuits?), a home-cooked meal, or a picnic delivery to local friends who donate.

× Special occasions: Use your birthday, anniversary, or milestone as a reason to give. Example: “I’m turning 35—please donate $35 to my fundraiser to help shelter animals.”

× Host a gathering: Plan a small event like an ice cream social, coffee hangout, or movie night, and ask attendees to donate $20 or more toward your fundraising goal.

× Auction your miles: Let friends and family sponsor specific miles of your race. Example: Mile 1 for $10, Mile 7 for $25, Mile 22 for $100.

× Auction your playlist: Invite donors to shape your race day playlist. Example: For a $50 donation, someone can choose one song to add to your running playlist.

× Social media challenge: If you hit a goal, commit to something fun: dye your hair, run in costume, or do a dance on Instagram.

Questions?

Need a hand or have a fundraising question? Just text or email us—we’re happy to help.

Email: runningteam@friends4life.org x Text or call 832-925-3276