Tips for participant fundraiser to raise dollars for charity

This fall millions of people will participate in a local 5K or 10K run or walk, bike ride, triathlon or even a dog walk as part of their health and fitness programs. Many of these events are designed to help raise much needed funds for nonprofits while creating a sense of community and providing an outlet for physical activity. While most participants have a plan for improving their health and fitness, when it comes to raising funds for the nonprofit they don't know where to start, feel uncomfortable or are hesitant to ask people for money.

Like any good health and fitness program, becoming a successful participant fundraiser is easier when one follows, simple, proven plans for successful peer-to-peer fundraising as an event participant. Participant-led, peer-to-peer fundraising has increased with the adoption on online fundraising tools, such as Convio TeamRaiser™ which gives event participants the ability to use the web, email and their online social networks such as Facebook and Twitter to connect with friends, family and associates to support their event participation. To help participants get past their hesitation, Convio surveyed some of the nation's most successful participant fundraisers to learn their secrets to success.

The top 6 tips from these most successful fundraisers are:

1. Set a challenging but attainable goal - like a fitness plan set a goal and track your progress,
2. Start early - you wouldn't wait until a week before a 10K to start running, don't put off the fundraising either,
3. Personalize your emails - tell your story and why you are involved,
4. Create a schedule and stick to it - just like your fitness plan it is a plan,
5. Ask, ask, and ask again - people only give if given the chance,
6. Add social media to the mix - update your status and get others engaged in your success.

When done the right way, runs, walks and bicycle rides are an important part of a well-rounded health and fitness routine that can be both rewarding and fulfilling for the participant and the charity they are supporting.

Like a good fitness program, being a successful participant fundraiser takes time and effort, but reports indicate that like exercise helping others improves your well-being and longevity. Being a successful participant fundraiser can return health benefits and help one be altruistic. Don't wait, get started today by following proven steps to fundraising success.

For a list of top 12 tips for participant fundraising success from individuals who have combined to raise millions of dollars for charity and achieve their health and fitness goals, please visit: www.convio.com/eventchampions