Social Media Fundraising Ideas: How to Make Every Post Count

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.

How to Share Your Fundraiser Like a Pro

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. 

Sharing on Instagram

Instagram is perfect for storytelling, especially via Reels or Stories. Here’s how to maximise it:

• Add your fundraising page link to your bio (then say “link in bio” in your posts).
• Use Instagram Stories with stickers, like donation sliders, polls, or countdowns to race day. You can use the ‘link’ sticker to add your fundraising URL to any Story.
• Share progress updates, running selfies, and milestones with your fundraising goal in the caption.

View the full guide from GoFundMe on sharing to Instagram

Sharing on Facebook

Facebook remains one of the most powerful fundraising platforms. Here are a few ways that you can harness its power:

• Share your fundraiser directly from your fundraising platform provider (Most platforms have a built-in share tool for this, so it couldn’t be more straightforward!)
• Create a pinned post at the top of your profile.
• Join relevant running or charity groups and post your story there (respecting group rules, of course!).

Visit GoFundMe’s guide to sharing on Facebook

Social Media Fundraising Ideas That Actually Work

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).

Document Your Journey

People donate to people. Use your platforms to show the highs, lows, and everything in between:

• Share your long-run wins and post-run refuels.
• Talk about why your cause matters to you.
• Be real - sweaty selfies and all.

Pro tip: End each post with a direct ask (e.g., “If you can spare £2 for [cause], it would mean the world.”)

Post a Challenge Week

Create a themed week on your socials where each day has a mini fundraising challenge, examples could include:

• Day 1: Run in fancy dress
• Day 2: Let your followers choose your training route
• Day 3: Brave the burpee challenge
• Day 4: Go live and talk about your journey

Pair it with a donation ask and watch the support roll in.

Reels, TikToks, and Shorts

Short-form video is one of the best tools for visibility right now. A few ideas could include:

• Post “A Day in the Life of a Fundraising Runner”
• Do a ‘£1 per km’ challenge and film your run
• Share a thank-you dance for every donation
  
  

Fundraising Bingo

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.

Team Up with Influencers or Local Legends

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.

Make Your Milestones Public

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!

Pro Tips to Keep the Fundraising Flowing

Schedule Your Posts

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.

Use Hashtags and Tag Your Charity

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!

Show the Impact

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.

Need Help? We’ve Got Your Back

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:

• Guaranteed charity race entries
• Access to Runna training plans and discounts
• Fundraising guides, tools, and ongoing support

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.

Ready to Get Fundraising Fit?

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.

Find your next charity race with realbuzz