Create an online fundraising page
One of the best ways to raise money is by setting up your own online sponsorship page.
It's quick and easy to do, and as payment is taken immediately you don't have to chase people up for their sponsor money!
We recommend:
www.mycharity.ie (if you're raising money for the RNLI in the Republic of Ireland)
Virgin Money Giving is a not-for-profit company, meaning your fundraising will go further. Plus they claim the Gift Aid for us, which saves the RNLI money too.
Ready to get started? Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your Team RNLI fundraising page.
1. Tell your story
Telling your story will help you to gain support and donations. Tell people why you've chosen the activity you're doing and why you're doing it in aid of the RNLI. Share your passion and motivation and tell people why the RNLI is important to you. Perhaps include some of our rescue statistics to substantiate your support. Let them know what training or preparation you're doing too – your chosen event is a challenge in itself, but so is all the hard work that goes into the run up.
Get more tips on how to tell and share your story.
2. Keep it simple
Think about what you want to say on your page, then jot down a few notes before you write it. Keep it succinct and to the point. Spend a few minutes ordering your notes so that your story flows. Ask someone else to read it and see what they think. Tightening it up a notch could help you get more donations.
3. Ask generous people first
You know you can probably rely on one or two people to donate a decent amount so ask for their support first. That way when people go to your online sponsorship page, they'll see what people have donated and may donate similar amounts. So £10, £5 or even £3 could help set the bar. Bear in mind though that £100 could be intimidating!
4. Don't be shy - shout about it!
Family, friends and workmates are the obvious choices to tell about your fundraising. But think more widely too, and remember you're doing it for a very good cause – to help save lives at sea. Think about people at clubs you belong to, schools, church, neighbours, even local businesses and the press. Put up posters in your local area. The more people you tell, the more money you're likely to raise!
5. Network
Post details of your online fundraising page to your social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. You can download banners and widgets from the Virgin Money Giving website. Ask people to share the link to your online fundraising page. They may have contacts that you don't, and may know people who would like to sponsor you.
6. Keep your supporters in the loop
Tell people how your training is going, let them know how much you've raised. Remind them what you're doing, when, and why. It can be short and sweet and doesn't have to seem like a nag. Virgin Money Giving have some really useful help guides on how you can update and promote your online fundraising page.
RNLI sponsorship forms
Not everyone will want to sponsor you online. So in addition to your online fundraising page, you should use an official RNLI sponsorship form.
When you register for a fundraising event or request a fundraising pack, we'll send you a form automatically. Or if you prefer to receive our sponsorship form in the post, let us know.
Read our money matters tips on looking after your sponsorship money.
Where to send your forms
Once you've collected all your sponsorship money, please send your form and donations to:
RNLI Events Team
RNLI
West Quay Road
Poole
Dorset
BH15 1HZ
Sponsorship forms and money should be sent no later than eight weeks after the event date.
Please make sure any cheques from you and your supporters are made payable to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and not to you personally.
And don't forget to state your name and the name of the event on your sponsorship form so that we know it's from you!