Useful fundraising information

Here are practical, proven fundraising tips and creative ideas for people taking part in a charity walking event—whether it’s a 5K walk, a multi-day trek, or a virtual challenge.

Start with a strong story

People donate to people, not just causes.

  • Explain why you’re walking (personal connection, challenge, or passion).
  • Share who the charity helps and how donations are used.
  • Be genuine – short and heartfelt beats long and formal.
Use the Challenge to Your Advantage

The Kent Charity Trek isn’t “just a walk” – it’s a real endurance event.

Highlight:

  • The distance you’ve chosen (e.g. 25km / 50km)
  • The terrain (hills, countryside, long hours on your feet)
  • The commitment (training, time, effort)

Example wording:

“I’ll be walking 25km across Kent’s countryside to raise money for [charity]. It’s a tough challenge, but worth every step.”

Tip: Open with a clear ask

“I’m walking the Kent Charity Trek to support [cause], and I’m aiming to raise £500.”

Set a clear, achievable goal

Choose a specific fundraising target (e.g., £300, £750, £1,000).

  • Break it down:
    “If 30 people give £25, I’ll hit my goal.”
  • Update supporters when you reach milestones—they love progress.
Make it local and personal

People love supporting something close to home.

  • Mention Kent landmarks or countryside on the route
  • Appeal to local pride: friends, neighbours, colleagues
  • Post in local Facebook groups or community pages (where allowed)

Idea:
“Support a local walker taking on the Kent Charity Trek!”

Training updates = Fundraising content

Turn training into storytelling.

Post:

  • Weekend training walks in Kent
  • Blister/boot photos (people relate!)
  • Weather challenges
  • Step counts or elevation gains

Tip: Always end posts with
👉 “If you’d like to support me, here’s my fundraising link…”

Use Social Media strategically

Don’t just post once – post consistently.

Content ideas:

  • Training photos or short videos
  • Countdown posts (“10 days to go!”)
  • Progress thermometers
  • Thank-you shoutouts (tag donors if appropriate)
  • Event-day updates and finish-line photos
  • Follow Kent Charity Trek on facebook and Instagram – share our posts with your own personal message
  • Tag your charity and Kent Charity Trek in all your posts, this will help reach a wider audience

Tip: Make donating easy—always include the direct link.

Social Media Post Templates (Feel Free to Copy)

Announcement post:

I’ve signed up for the Kent Charity Trek and will be walking [distance] km to support [charity]. Training has begun and I’d be so grateful for any support 🙏
[link]

Progress post:

Training walk done! Another [X] km in the legs for the Kent Charity Trek 💪
Thank you to everyone who’s donated so far — I’m getting closer to my target!
[link]

Email and message personally (this works best)

A personal message beats a mass post every time.

  • Start with close friends and family.
  • Send short, warm messages via email, WhatsApp, or text.
  • Follow up once (politely!) if they haven’t responded.
  • Add a banner and link to fundraising page to your email signature

Example:

“Hi [Name], I’m taking part in the Kent Charity Trek for [cause]. It would mean a lot if you could support me – any amount helps.”

Distance-based fundraising ideas

Perfect for this type of trek:

    • Sponsor a kilometre (e.g. £5–£10 per km)
    • Pick a mile — donors choose a mile and you dedicate it to them
    • Milestone rewards (photo or shout-out at every 10km)
Engage with your chosen charity
  • Ask your charity to share your story either on social media or in newsletters
Keep asking (It’s not awkward!)
  • People expect to be asked for charity.
  • Many just need a reminder.
  • Every ask is an opportunity for someone to help.
  • Final push:
One week to go until the Kent Charity Trek! Every donation helps keep me going over those last few hills 🥾
Ask your workplace

Many people forget this step!

    • Check if your employer offers matched giving.
    • Ask to share your fundraiser with your colleagues and wider business.
Thank people (publicly and privately)

Gratitude builds momentum.

  • Send quick thank-you messages.
  • Post updates like “Thanks to your support, I’ve raised £___!”
  • After the walk, share photos and a final thank-you.
Event day boost
  • Post live updates during the walk.
  • Share tired-but-smiling selfies 😄
  • Add a “last push” donation ask before the finish.
After the trek
  • Share your photos, finish time and experience.
  • Thank your supporters
  • Show pride – you’ve earned it!
  • Show the impact:
    “Together we raised £1,200 – thank you for making this possible.”