Fundraising with Confidence: Your Guide to Hitting Your Goals

Make a Move is our annual campaign where we come together in communities across Canada to raise awareness and fundraise for scleroderma. The first step to success is registering for your local Make a Move Walk or our virtual Move Your Way challenge. Once registered, you’ll be ready to start fundraising using these practical tips to reach and exceed your goals. Whether you're a first-time fundraiser or a seasoned pro, raising funds with confidence starts with a solid plan.

Step 1: Build Your Connections Before You Make an Ask

Fundraising is about more than just asking for money, it’s about building and maintaining relationships. When you genuinely connect with your community, your ask feels natural and welcomed.

How to strengthen your network and develop connections:

• Stay in touch with your friends, family, colleagues, or anyone you might ask for support.

• Support others in their causes, generosity inspires generosity.

• Share updates about your fundraising progress, even if you’re not making a direct ask.

When you build these connections naturally and mutually support one another, making a fundraising ask becomes easier and more authentic.

Step 2: Know Your ‘Why’

Before you make an ask, take time to understand your “why.” Why does this cause matter to you? People are more likely to give when they see your genuine connection to the cause.

Ask yourself:

• Do you have a personal connection to scleroderma?

• Are you inspired by someone affected by the disease?

When you share your personal “why,” your ask becomes more compelling and heartfelt.

Step 3: Set a Realistic Goal

Setting a goal keeps you focused and shows donors they’re helping you reach a meaningful milestone. Break your goal down into manageable parts, small steps add up quickly.

Tips for setting your goal:

• Shift your mindset.

  If your goal is $500, aim to get 5 people each week to donate $20 for 5 weeks.

• Celebrate milestones.

  Acknowledge and thank people along the way as you get closer to your goal.

  
  

Step 4: Use Multiple Ways to Reach People

Not everyone responds to the same type of outreach, so mix it up and track what works best for you.

Ways to connect:

• Personal texts or phone calls

  Ideal for close friends and family, direct and personal.

• Emails

  Great for sharing more detailed messages and donation links.

• Social media posts

  Keep your network updated and include your donation link in your bio.

• In-person conversations

  Face-to-face asks are powerful and meaningful.

Always follow up on interested conversations with a message that includes your donation link.

Step 5: Make the Ask with Confidence

Now that you've built your connection to the cause, you're ready to make a confident ask.

What to include in your ask:

• Share your personal connection to the cause

• Explain why the cause matters overall

• Make a direct, specific ask

• Provide an easy way to give (a link or cash option)

Example: "Hi! My name is Tim, and I am fundraising for Make a Move in honour of my friend who is living with scleroderma. Would you consider donating $20 to help find a cure? Here’s my donation link: [Insert link]"

Step 6: After the Ask

If you haven’t received a response, send a friendly, no-pressure follow-up. Remind them of your original message and let them know that even sharing your fundraiser helps raise awareness.

If someone declines, thank them sincerely and keep the door open for future support or engagement.

Step 7: Celebrate Every Win

Thank every donor personally, send a private message, and, when appropriate, thank them publicly on your social media. Keep donation amounts private but acknowledge their support in a meaningful way.

Fundraising is about passion, persistence, and believing in the impact you’re making. When you're confident in your message and your mission, others will be too. Every donation, share, and conversation moves us closer to better care, more awareness, and ultimately, a cure for scleroderma.

Thank you for being part of Make a Move

Register for your local walk today: www.makeamovecanada.ca