1. Donate to yourself

To kick-start your ride fundraising, why not lead by example and make a donation to yourself?

Research shows that people who make a generous donation to themselves, before asking their friends and family to support them, raise more. Also, whatever donation you make, your friends and family are more likely to match - or better.

So if you make a self-donation of $120, your network will follow suit. Makes getting to your fundraising target a whole lot easier!

2. PERSONALISE YOUR PAGE

There has been a lot of research on how to optimise your fundraising page to attract donations. Believe it or not, if you upload a photo of yourself and share your personal reason for taking on the challenge, your supporters are far more likely to give to you when asked.

Also, if you come back from time to time and update your page, it will attract even more donations. And be sure to thank everyone who donates both on your fundraising page and in your socials.

3. DON'T BE AFRAID TO SHARE

So you’ve updated your fundraising page with a pic and a personal reason for riding. Now it’s time to ask your friends, families and social networks for help to reach your target.

Challenge events like the ride are more likely to attract online donations, so be sure to send the link to your fundraising page out far and wide. Use SMS, email, socials and good old word of mouth to spread the word. This is the fastest and easiest way to reach your target.

It’s also important to follow up if your friends haven’t responded – sometimes it takes a second ask as they may be distracted the first time.

4. DO SOMETHING YOU LOVE

Our seasoned riders have all kinds of interesting ways of raising funds for research. Everything from dart competitions to black tie functions.

We have riders that are funded entirely from Bunnings sausage sizzles and others who get across the line with the support of their company through dollar matching, or donations from their professional networks and clients. However, you chose to fundraise, do it your way. Find something you love and encourage others to do it with you – for a donation!

It might be a wine tasting, a scavenger hunt, a quiz night or a loud shirt day, but whatever it is, we can help you with tips and suggestions. Just ask!

5. THANK YOUR SUPPORTERS

It is so important to thank each and every one of your donors. Thanking people for their donations should be timely, personal and appropriate.

You should always thank someone within 48 hours of receiving a donation. First thank them on your fundraising page by responding to their text about the donation. Then you should try to write them a card or email or send them an SMS.

Finally, use your socials to thank people and publicly acknowledge their kindness and generosity.