Most of us are trying to find ways to keep ourselves motivated. Here is our advice for fundraising during lockdown, so the hard work and fundraising doesn't go to waste.
Guest blog by Jane Rockliffe, Community Fundraising Manager
You may have been planning your fundraising event for weeks, even months. Everything was in place: guests invited, bunting bought and then…your plans turned upside down by the current situation we find ourselves in. You may be thinking it’s time to give up or at least postpone, but you don't give up all your hard work!
You could even get started now to keep busy at home while doing something for a good cause!
Adapt your fundraising approach
If you have planned an event involving people gathering, then your plans are going to have to change. But you will be surprised at how much you can achieve online and how much your guests will appreciate the opportunity to get together (virtually).
Virtual fundraising ideas
Transform your in-person event into a virtual event. You might even find that more people can “attend” this way! Have an online auction, quiz or even a coffee morning. During self-isolation people will be at home, some of them alone, and will need ways to make use of their time. Zoom is a fantastic free resource that lets you meet with a group of people face-to-face.
Online fundraising pages
Websites such as JustGiving and Virgin Money Giving are easy to use, making them the perfect method to collect donations or “entry fees” for online events. They also offer lots of tips and hints on how to promote and maximise your fundraising, which you can try alongside our advice. My top tip is make your activity as visual as possible, a pictures speaks a thousand words.
Did you know you could even raise funds with video games? Through JustGiving you can connect your Twitch stream so people can donate as you stream your game.
Get sporty
You don’t need loads of space to get physical. Recently, a man ran a whole marathon (42.2km) going back and forth on his 7-metre long balcony! We all need to keep active, so set yourself a goal and let everyone know. For example, you could run the equivalent of Lands End to John-O-Groats around your garden, or do 50 press ups every day for as long as we have to stay in social isolation. The space may be limited, but the possibilities are endless!
“Just do it”
Most of us are trying to find ways to keep ourselves busy and motivated while having to spend so much time indoors. So why not set yourself a challenge or decide on a fundraising event and just go for it? It will occupy your time, give you something to look forward to, and lift the spirits as you focus on helping animals all over the world.
Make a difference. Join our community.
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