top tips for raising sponsorship

1.     Engage them

Write in a fun, upbeat way and add a photo or short video to help illustrate your challenge.

2.     Personalise your messages depending on who you’re sending them to:

Send your sponsorship requests out to small groups or individuals if possible. Send them to your closest friends first, as they’re most likely to sponsor you. Seeing their donations on your page will motivate others to donate too.

3.     Make it clear: You don't want their money!

Before they switch off, make sure they realise this isn't another fundraising request. Explain a little bit about why you don’t want their money, and why their action will mean so much more.

4.     Simple or challenging, they choose:

Stress that there’s plenty of choice about what DoActions they do, they can make it as hard for themselves as they like. And most importantly, tell them that they don’t have to totally change their lives and become raving green hippies. It’s only for two months anyway.

5.     Spread the word:

Put your page address in your email signature, create a facebook event, post updates and reminders on your wall, tweet it, blog about it. Shout about it.

6.     Remind them:

Without nagging or preaching, give them a few gentle prods. Make it fun, and tie it in with updates of how you’re getting on or preparing for your challenge.

7.     Keep your page fresh:

You can add updates on your progress and change the photo or video whenever you like, just hit the ‘edit’ tab on your challenge page.  Alternatively, you could use a blog or facebook event to keep the content alive.

8.     Talk to the media:

Try to get into your local press, or other relevant media streams. Check out our tips on writing press releases.

9.     Prepare for the questions:

People might suddenly see you as an environmental guru and will pick your brains on anything vaguely green. This is a great time to share ideas, get people talking, and to inspire them, so don’t shy away from it. But also don’t try to motivate people by selling them tales of doom and gloom. It doesn’t work. The DoNation is a positive nation, not a preaching or bleak nation. Talk about the positive solutions and the other benefits of sustainable living. Check out this great blog by Ed Gillespie for more inspiration.

10.  Thank your friends:

Print of a list of what DoAction everyone’s sponsored you with. Remember it. Ask them how they are getting on; make them feel special; encourage them. Thank them.

If you have any other wise ideas or tips, please share them with us by emailing feedback@thedonation.org.uk.  Thanks.

And finally - good luck!