Guide · 5 min read
Charity walk fundraising ideas for walkers
Twenty ways for walkers to raise more sponsorship for a charity walk, from who to ask first and what to say to matched giving and thanking sponsors.
Most of the money from a charity walk is raised by walkers asking people they know. This guide is written for those walkers. Organisers, send it to everyone who signs up.
Before you ask anyone
- Know your reason. Write one or two sentences about why you are doing this. Use them everywhere.
- Set a number of sponsors, not just a sum. Eight people is a list you can write down today.
- Sponsor yourself first. An empty page is hard to give to.
- Ask your most generous supporter second. Later sponsors tend to match what they see.
Asking
- Ask one person at a time. A message that begins with their name is answered. A group message is ignored.
- Name an amount. “Could you sponsor me 10?” is easier to answer than “Would you sponsor me?”
- Make paying take one tap. Put the link in the same message as the request.
- Ask at work. A note on the noticeboard, a line in the team chat, a form by the kettle.
- Ask about matched giving. Some employers add to what you raise.
- Ask the people who cannot come. Friends and relatives far away often like to be included.
Beyond asking
- Offer a dedication. For a set amount, carry someone’s name on your back or lantern.
- Sell your kilometres. Each sponsor “owns” one; write their name on your arm in glow pen.
- Do a swap. Offer something in return: a cake, an hour of gardening, a car wash.
- Hold a small event. A quiz night or bake sale the week before, with proceeds added to your total.
- Collect small change. A jar at home or on your desk, labelled with your reason.
Keeping it going
- Share your progress. “Halfway to my target” prompts people who meant to give and forgot.
- Post from your practice walks. A photo at dusk in your glow kit is a good reminder.
- Ask again the day before. Many people give at the last minute.
- Post a photograph from the finish. Some of your largest gifts will arrive after the walk.
- Thank every sponsor by name. Personally, within a week, with the total and what it will do.
What to say
I am walking 5 km at sunset on [date] for [cause], because [your reason]. I am looking for eight sponsors. Would you be one of them? Any amount helps, and this link takes a minute: [link].
Change the words until it sounds like you.
A word on pressure
Ask once, remind once, and thank warmly whatever the answer. Nobody should feel cornered into giving. The people who say no this year remember how you asked.
Want to see what eight sponsors add up to? Try the sponsored walk calculator. Need a form? See what to put on a sponsorship form.