Fundraise

Whether you have a milestone birthday coming up or are competing in a significant race, you can inspire friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, or classmates to cheer you on by giving on your behalf as an HHF Community Fundraiser. 

It’s easy to do via your preferred platform: Facebook, Classy, or JustGiving. Each is simple and secure and can provide support for our shared goal of find better treatments and cures for hearing and balance conditions.

We also encourage you to create an event! There are many different fundraising event ideas from golf outings and bake sales, to birthdays and weddings, to marathons and triathlons. Let your talents and interests lead you to your own fundraiser for HHF! No event is too large or small.

Ideas for events include but are not limited to: bake sales, walks/runs, scavenger hunts, house parties, talent shows, book clubs, bowling nights, wine tastings, fishing derbies. Individuals, companies, organizations of all sizes have joined in our efforts and we hope you will too!

9 Tips to Kickstart Your HHF Fundraiser

Peer to peer fundraising is when individuals reach out to their personal networks to collect donations on behalf of a cause or organization they believe in. Fundraising for Hearing Health Foundation (HHF) in lieu of gifts for your birthday or anniversary or as a tribute or memorial is a heartfelt way to celebrate while making a meaningful impact. This approach also works for charity walks, runs, or other events. 

Here are 9 concrete tips to encourage the first donation and set your campaign on the path to success.

1. Start with a Personal Story

Your connection to hearing health is unique and powerful. Share your story on your fundraising page to explain why this cause matters to you. Personal anecdotes resonate with people and motivate them to contribute.

2. Set a Realistic Goal

Set a fundraising goal that is ambitious yet achievable. A clear target gives your supporters something to aim for and can motivate them to help you reach it. The target can be a dollar amount or the number of donors engaged, or both.

3. Make the First Donation Yourself

Show your commitment to the cause by making the first donation. This demonstrates your dedication and sets a positive example for others to follow.

4. Create a Compelling Fundraising Page

Include photos, videos, and a heartfelt message on your fundraising page. The more engaging and personal your page is, the more likely people are to donate.

5. Leverage Social Media

Share your fundraising page on all your social media platforms. Write a post explaining your campaign and include a direct link to your page. Include hashtags related to fundraising, hearing health, and HHF such as #fundraise #fundraising #science #research #goodcause #inspo #hearing #health #loveyourears #keeplistening

6. Send Personalized Emails

Reach out to close friends and family members with personalized emails. Explain why their support is crucial and how their donation no matter the size can truly make a difference. People are more likely to give when they feel personally addressed. 

7. Host a Kickoff Event

Organize a virtual or in-person event to launch your campaign. This could be a small gathering, a live-streamed event, or even a casual coffee chat. Use this opportunity to explain your mission and encourage attendees to donate.

8. Update Your Progress Regularly

Keep your supporters informed about your progress. Short regular updates on your fundraising page and social media will keep people engaged and may prompt additional donations. If appropriate, give friends a shoutout on social email. Here are examples:

  • Fundraising Page Update: Thank you to everyone who has donated so far! We’ve reached 50% of our goal in just one week. Your generosity means the world to me! Together we can find better treatments and cures for hearing and balance conditions. Let's keep the momentum going!

  • Social Media Post: Wow, we’re halfway there! 🎉 Thanks to all of you, we’ve raised $500 for @hearinghealthfoundation. Special shoutout to @JaneDoe and @JohnSmith for your incredible support! Let’s see if we can reach $1,000 by the end of the month! #fundraising #hearing #health

  • Shoutout Post: I’m so grateful for the support from my amazing friends + family. Huge thanks to @SarahJ for your donation! #TY for supporting science and helping all those living with hearing or balance conditions! 💙#grateful #thankyou

9. Express Gratitude

Always thank your donors promptly and publicly on social media, if appropriate (see the previous tip). A handwritten thank you note is especially appreciated. 

Bonus Tip: Tap Into Matching Gifts

Check if your employer offers matching gifts for charitable contributions. This can double your impact and motivate colleagues to support your campaign.

By following these tips, you can effectively launch a fundraising campaign for Hearing Health Foundation. Please know that your efforts support vital research and provide hope to those struggling with hearing and balance challenges. Thank you for your dedication to improving hearing health for all.

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