What can we learn from participants in a fundraising event?

This spring, our own Hiske Gude participated in a fundraising event for one of our clients: Walk for Homs*. Besides the fact that she achieved a wonderful performance there, she also seized the opportunity to hear from other participants. What is that like, participating in such an event, and how do you approach the fundraising?  The motives to participate in an event or to set up a fundraiser yourself are different for everyone. Nevertheless, the stories of Hans Snel and Joke Koelewijn, who participated in the Walk for Homs and other events, also revealed similarities.

Personal motive ensures the most success
Find a specific goal/event that suits you. A story, theme, or event that touched you, inspired you or for which someone has enthused you. In addition, make sure that the activity fits your interests. That benefits your experience and commitment. Then you also relay that to other people with more motivation and warmth. You do not always have to commit yourself to the same organization.

Joke Koelewijn: "I notice that I am increasingly embracing initiatives to walk. It is wonderful that by simply putting a foot in front of the other you can get somewhere and do good for someone else."

 

Hans Snel: "Anne Claire van der Lugt told me the story of her uncle, Father Frans. She told me so enthusiastically about that, about his activities, what is still needed, that convinced me. In addition, I am an avid hiker."

Local and specific project

A modern form of doing good is to support a local and specific project - nowadays often also from a sustainable idea. Proximity and immediate results appeal to people. For example, in honour of his birthday and work anniversary, Hans planted 65 walnut trees with family and friends on a farm in Lunteren.

"A valuable and unforgettable day, on which we planted 65 trees together. That was a very special experience, an experience of doing good together. Through the mediation of Happy Planet Professional, I ended up meeting a farmer's wife who wanted walnut trees in her yard. The trees provide a natural environment for her chickens, the remaining waste from the nuts is eaten by the chickens and of course, she can also get revenue from the sale in the end.  Last year, I went back to see how the trees were, of course, I also reported on that to everyone. That is appreciated."

Awareness and solidarity

When organising a fundraiser or participating in an event, raising money is not the only important thing. It also brings awareness. Both for the participant and for people you meet ‘along the way' and / or ask for a donation. By telling what you do and why, and keeping participants informed during and after the event, you can make people aware of a certain situation. That alone is valuable. You can always ask a specific donation question afterwards. Sometimes this is not even necessary, because if people are inspired by your story and motives, the donation often follows automatically.

By committing yourself to a common goal, you also create a sense of solidarity, of doing good together.

Hans: During such an event you meet special people, everyone with their own story. By putting your own thoughts aside and really listening, you hear very moving stories. Learn to be open to each other. I like that: if you have the courage to face hardships, you will receive the best surprises."

 

Joke: "By sharing stories and listening, empathising with people's situation, what they have experienced, being there for each other. That is very valuable to me. Awareness is perhaps more important to me than money.

What about fundraising?

For charity, fundraising is of course also very important. After all, this contributes to the achievement of important objectives. But how do you, as a participant, ask your family, acquaintances and also less well-known people for a contribution to your fundraiser? Asking the donation question is a big step for many people. You don't want people to feel obligated to contribute, and you don't want to over-question them. By clearly and openly recording your motives, your reason for participating, you can move people to support you. And this does not always have to be with a monetary contribution.

Tips for event fundraising – also from Joke and Hans:

• Be the first to donate (on your personal page) and only then ask for contributions from others.
• Contribute to the fundraising with, for example, your own deposit campaign or selling items that you no longer use.
• Email family and friends with text and explanations about the event you are participating in and ask if they want to contribute, in whatever form. Sharing your fundraiser can also help!
• Don't ask the same people too often and over and over again. You can always tell what you are going to do. Donations can also come in without a specific question.
• For your birthday or the celebration of a personal or work anniversary, ask for a contribution to a charity of your choice instead of gifts.
• Writing to groups works well. Via WhatsApp (groups) and social media, within associations, the church or movement to which you are affiliated or involve your colleagues at work.
• Post on social media to also reach indirect contacts and keep the direct circle informed. For example, about your training for the event and of course also while you participate.
• Report back when the event is over (in person – via mail and online): what did it deliver, what does that mean, a word of thanks.

Joke: "Via LinkedIn, I received a donation from someone I hadn't seen for 47 years, we knew each other in high school. I emailed immediately after his contribution and we had coffee together. Those are beautiful moments."

*From 5 to 10 April the Walk for Homs took place. A pilgrimage of 155 kilometres from Amsterdam to Den-Bosch in memory of Father Frans van der Lugt, who was killed eight years ago, on April 7, 2014, in his monastery garden in Homs. By walking, the participants raise money to continue his work in the country where he lived for 40 years: projects to help Syrians rebuild their war-torn country.