Whether you’re training for your first half marathon or are a seasoned runner tackling your tenth major event, social media can be your fundraising secret weapon. With the right approach, your GoFundMe page doesn’t just sit there waiting for donations; it becomes a living, breathing part of your running journey.
This guide is packed with social media fundraising ideas to help you shout about your cause in ways that are creative, authentic, and, most importantly, effective! Whether you want to know how to fundraise on social media or just need a few fresh ideas to break through a fundraising plateau, we’ve got you covered.
Before we dive into the wild world of TikTok challenges and donation-based dares, let’s start with the basics: how to fundraise on social media using your online fundraising page link. Setting up a page on GoFundMe, JustGiving, or another fundraising platform provider is normally your first major step in kicking off your fundraising journey and it’s where people will go to donate and support you.
Instagram is perfect for storytelling, especially via Reels or Stories. Here’s how to maximise it:
View the full guide from GoFundMe on sharing to Instagram
Facebook remains one of the most powerful fundraising platforms. Here are a few ways that you can harness its power:
Visit GoFundMe’s guide to sharing on Facebook
Once your fundraiser is out there, it’s time to build momentum. Here are some of the best social media fundraising ideas that get results (and keep your followers engaged).
People donate to people. Use your platforms to show the highs, lows, and everything in between:
Pro tip: End each post with a direct ask (e.g., “If you can spare £2 for [cause], it would mean the world.”)
Create a themed week on your socials where each day has a mini fundraising challenge, examples could include:
Pair it with a donation ask and watch the support roll in.
Short-form video is one of the best tools for visibility right now. A few ideas could include:
Create a fun bingo card with donation challenges (e.g., “£10 if I wear a banana suit”, “£5 for running up a hill”). Share it on Instagram stories and watch your supporters tick them off.
Know someone with a decent social media following? Reach out for a shoutout. You’d be surprised how many local influencers are happy to support a good cause, especially when there’s a personal connection or community angle.
Celebrate every little win, the first £100 raised, the first 10k run, the first donation from someone you don’t know. When people see momentum, they’re more likely to jump in. Plus, studies from the major fundraising platforms have found that regular updates that are also shared on your page increase your overall donations!
It’s not just about what you post; it’s about consistency. Use free tools like Later or Meta Business Suite to plan ahead and keep your feed active.
Hashtags like #charityrunner, #fundraisingchallenge, #runforacause, and #socialmediafundraising can help new people discover your journey. Tag your charity too; they might re-share your post to a wider audience. If you’re running with realbuzz, tag @realbuzzcom to keep the shares rolling in!
Remind people why you’re fundraising. Whether it’s cancer support, mental health awareness, or clean water projects, sharing how donations make a difference is powerful.
At realbuzz, we don’t just help you get to the start line; we help you hit your fundraising finish line too. When you sign up for a race through us, you’ll get:
Whether you're going live on Instagram or just need ideas to hit your goals, we’re here to make your fundraising easier and way more fun.
Social media is a powerful fundraising tool if you use it well. From creative content ideas to tried-and-true posting tips, we hope this guide gives you everything you need to turn likes into donations.
Remember: every post is a chance to inspire. So lace up, log on, and let’s raise some serious funds for a cause that matters.
