Four Tips for Effective Fundraising

When it comes to charitable causes, people will respond to stories, visuals and genuine appeals that feel personal to you, your story and your own experiences in the outdoors. We’ve compiled four simple tips to help you move your donors to support trails and help you reach your goal!

Share a personal story

Think: why are trails important to you and what makes you want to give back to trails? You can share a story from a meaningful experience you had on trails or why you think it’s important that everyone have access to trails or about how trails help connect people to the environment, making them more likely to conserve our beautiful public lands. 

Don’t forget to add pictures of your adventures!

Set up your ask

 If you chose your goal amount for a specific reason, tell people why. Be intentional about the amount you are asking for, and try to relate it back to the cause if possible. Some potential examples include: 

“I’m raising $365. $1 a day for a year, and I hope you’ll help me hit my goal.” 

“WTA’s hiking guide has more than 3,800 hikes, I’m hoping to raise $1 for every hike in WTA’s hiking guide. As a hiker in Washington, I hope you’ll consider chipping in to help keep this amazing resource strong” 

“I want to raise $500 to help WTA protect and maintain trails in Washington.” 

Make a clear ask

Don’t beat around the bush. You’re asking for someone to contribute to a cause that is important to you. Phrases like “please consider making a donation...” or “I hope you will consider making a donation...” are common and effective. 

If you know what you’re hoping someone individual will donate, ask for a specific amount. Even if you soften it a bit by adding, “or whatever amount you are able to give,” providing a clear ask helps people know what is appropriate and what you are hoping for. It can actually help your donors feel more comfortable in their giving: 

“I hope you will consider making a donation of $100 to my personal fundraising page, or whatever amount you are able to give”. 

Don’t have one amount in mind? It’s good to ask for a few specific amounts: 

“I hope you will consider making a donation of $20, $50, $100 or whatever amount you’re able to give”. 

Thank people in advance 

Thank people for supporting something important to you. 

“Thank you in advance for supporting me, and for supporting trails in Washington!”

Then make sure to thank them afterwards, too!