7 top tips to boost your fundraising

Whether you’re taking on a daring skydive, running a marathon or taking on a DofE Abseil Challenge, fundraising for your challenge is just as crucial as getting yourself prepared for the big day. Once you sign up to a DofE challenge, you’ll receive a personalised fundraising page that you can share get sponsors. While fundraising can seem daunting, with the right approach it can be fun and achievable.

Read our top tips to boost your fundraising efforts!

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Level up your fundraising page

Add a profile picture and bio – pages with profile pictures tend to receive more donations. Choose a clear and friendly picture of yourself, and bonus points if it’s related to your challenge!

It’s always good to include something personal and authentic about yourself in your bio. You could say why you’re doing the challenge and why you’re raising money for the DofE. Adding a personal story to your page can boost your fundraising. We have lots of helpful information under Support DofE about how the money you raise will help to support young people.

Set a fundraising goal

Most DofE challenge events have a fundraising target. This target might seem daunting at first, but the sooner you start your fundraising the easier it will be, and you’ll be supported throughout your fundraising by Team DofE! You could also consider donating to your own fundraising page first, it can show commitment and encourages your family and friends to donate! People who add a personal donation to their fundraising page can raise up to 42% more.*

Post regular updates

If you’re training for your challenge, why not share training progress, milestones, or even setbacks? Photos and short videos make it more engaging and keeping your fundraising page active ensures everyone is invested in your journey. Don’t forget to thank anyone who donates, which you can easily do this through your fundraising page.

Three individuals standing closely together outdoors, looking at a smartphone held by the person in the middle. The background features trees and other people in a park-like setting.

Connect with your network

Start by sharing your page on your social media and include a personal message with the link to your fundraising page. You can also tag your friends and family to help spread the word. Why not send a heartfelt email or message to friends, family, colleagues and local groups encouraging them to donate? Or if they aren’t able to donate, ask if they can share instead.

Don’t forget about emails! Your family, friends or colleagues might not be on social media so make sure you include a link to your fundraising page in any emails you send out.

Think outside the box

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your fundraising! Why not start with creating a poster – include your photo, story and a QR code to your fundraising page (you can create this directly on your fundraising page). Consider where in your local community you could put up the poser – what about your local cafes, gyms, libraries or community boards? Remember not to give out any personal information like your number or address.

Host a mini event

Whether you’re a star baker or fitness guru, raise money by hosting an online quiz, bake sale or fitness challenge. During the event, talk about your challenge and encourage your friends, family and colleagues to donate to your fundraising efforts.

Leverage local media or community newsletters

Reach out to local papers or online community groups and share your story and link to your fundraising page – you could be the next local hero! Some employers support their employee’s fundraising, consider speaking to them as they may sponsor you or even match any fundraising you make!

Remember to bookmark this page to revisit it throughout your fundraising journey and remember we are with you every step of the way. However, you decide to fundraise know that small actions can lead to big results! Good luck and know that your support means more young people facing financial barriers to access the life-changing benefits of the DofE.

*Just Giving Top 10 Fundraising Tips Top 10 Effective Fundraising Tips | JustGiving

Challenge events

Tie up those trainers, and join team DofE to raise vital funds, so that all young people have the opportunity to benefit from the DofE and reach their true potential.