How to ask for Jog-A-Thon donation: 7 easy steps

Asking friends and family for Jog-A-Thon donations sometimes feels tricky. You might worry about seeming pushy or bothering someone. However, keep in mind that most people enjoy helping out (you’ll be surprised!), especially when they understand the positive impact of their Jog-A-Thon donation. A clear and thoughtful approach helps you feel more comfortable asking. Follow these 7 easy steps to confidently ask for Jog-A-Thon donation, making the experience positive and enjoyable for both you and your supporters!

Explain the Purpose Clearly

Start by clearly explaining why your Jog-A-Thon donation matters. Let people know exactly how their donation supports your child's school. You might say something like, "Our Jog-A-Thon raises money for new classroom books, playground equipment, and art supplies. Every dollar helps!" This not only encourages more donations but also boosts excitement and involvement.

Share Your Kid's Goals

People love hearing about specific goals. People connect with clear, personal goals. Tell friends and family about your child's excitement, what your child wants to achieve, and how excited they feel about it. This makes donating feel more personal and more meaningful. For example, "Emma aims to run at least 10 laps and hopes to raise $100 through Jog-A-Thon donations to support her class." And PledgeStar’s cool features help raise even more. You never want a donor to skip giving because they think the goal already got met. Every fundraising page includes an optional Goal Meter that automatically increases, keeping donors motivated to contribute. Parents can adjust this feature and set the goal themselves if they prefer.

Suggest Specific Donation Amounts

Sometimes, people want to donate, but they feel unsure about the right amount. Suggesting a few donation amounts helps people make decisions easily. For example, you might mention, "Even $5 or $10 makes a difference. If you can give more, that helps even more!" Providing specific choices guides them without pressure.

Make Donating Easy

Set clear instructions on how supporters can make their Jog-A-Thon donations. Provide step-by-step details, such as, "You can donate online by clicking this link before Friday," or, "If you prefer cash, please hand it to Emma by Monday." Making donating convenient encourages quick responses. PledgeStar’s online fundraising platform helps with this by creating personalized donation pages and customized email requests that sound like a heartfelt message from your child—because they are! Groups can even let participants customize their own pledge requests. With PledgeStar making fundraising fun and simple, you’ll reach more family and friends, leading to more donations for your school.

Show Gratitude Right Away

Always thank people right away when they agree to donate. Immediate gratitude shows appreciation and reinforces their generosity. A simple, heartfelt message works best: "Thank you so much! Emma feels so encouraged by your support." Your child will likely want to thank family and friends personally. Still, PledgeStar makes it even easier by automatically sending a receipt with a thank-you note as soon as the donation comes in.

Follow Up After the Event

After the event ends, let your donors and supporters know how the Jog-A-Thon donations made a difference. Share your child's successes and how their donations contributed. For example, "Emma exceeded her goal! She ran 12 laps and raised $60, thanks to your generosity!"

Offer a Personal Touch

Consider sharing a photo or short video of your child in action to make supporters feel part of the experience. This thoughtful gesture allows supporters to share the experience, and seeing their donation in action adds a personal, heartwarming touch. PledgeStar makes this easy by allowing you to include photos in pledge requests, making them feel even more personal. A quick picture of your child running laps or a short "Thank you!" video can go a long way in making donors feel connected and appreciated.

Final thoughts

By following these simple, effortless, and friendly steps, you make fundraising easier, more fun, and more successful for everyone. Your kid feels encouraged, donors feel appreciated, and your school benefits from the extra support. Every donation makes a difference, and with a little effort and the right tools like PledgeStar, you can help your child reach their goal while creating a positive and rewarding experience for everyone involved!