Fundraising Tips

For more than 17 years, Terp Thon has brought the University of Maryland community together to raise over $7.1 million for the children and families of Children’s National Hospital. Every donation starts with an ask, and every ask is an opportunity to bring someone new into our mission. Use these tips to find strategies that work best for you! Get creative, and help make an impact for the next generation.

Start with your story

Don't just share a donation link; share why you care (and why they should too!) - Keep it personal and genuine, help people feel connected!

Try this formula:

Introduce Terp Thon and your fundraising goal
Share why you chose to participate
Explain what the cause means to you
Ask them to donate or share your page
Thank them for their support!

Ways to fundraise:

Make a facebook fundraiser!

Go canning!

Participate in concessions!

Share your fundraising page on social media!

make the ask

The simplest fundraising strategy: JUST ASK!

Send your fundraising page directly to people you know. A personal text, email, or conversation can go a long way!

Thank beyond your closest friends and family -- consider:

Extended family
Friends from home
Professors, mentors, coworkers
Teammates, club members
Alumni and community members

You never know who might be excited to support you!

Get creative!

Fundraising doesn't have to mean just asking for money over and over again. Turn your interests, talents, and hobbies into fundraising opportunities!

Sell clothes that you would otherwise donate
Host a bake sale
Raffle off a gift card
Make holiday/care packages
Host a bake sale
Offer a class or workshop based on something you love

The best fundraiser is one that feels authentic to you! Think about what you enjoy and find a way to turn it into an opportunity that supports Terp Thon.

Turn your skills into service

Have a skill that someone could use? Put it toward your fundraising goal! Offer someone help in exchange for a donation.

Tutoring
Pet sitting/Dog Walking
Babysitting
Yard work
Helping someone move
Run errands for someone
Wrap gifts
Offer photography services

Your time and talents are valuable. Use them to make a difference!

Complete fun challenges on social media

Indirect social media asks can be incentivized with tasks that can include the following:

Dare bingo board
Do a popular TikTok dance and add your DonorDrive link
Post embarrassing pictures of yourself on social media in exchange for donations
Run/walk a 5K or similar kind of activity
Create a Truth or Dare challenge

Set mini goals!

Instead of thinking "I need to raise $500", break it up into: $25 --> $50 --> $100 --> $250 --> $500.

Don't forget to follow up and say thank you!

Send a text, write a note, or give them a call! Let them know that their support is helping make a difference in the lives of the children and families at Children's National Hospital.

Have some more Questions?

For more information about fundraising tips and suggestions, please contact:

Veda Chadalavada

Fundraising Chair

ttfundraising@gmail.com.