Charity Walks Blog

Some of my favorite charity walk t-shirts

A long-term staple of charity walks is the t-shirt. Not just any t-shirt. This is a shirt that has a graphic advertisement on the front promoting the charity walk and many smaller ads (usually logos) on the back promoting the charity walk sponsors.

As walkers wear these t-shirts during the charity walk event and in their community after the walk, the shirt becomes a mobile billboard for promoting the cause, nonprofit organization, and sponsors. For many charity walk events, this shirt is sold as a big reason for potential sponsors to provide support to the event.

Imagine an army of people gladly wearing these t-shirts at the walk and around town throughout the year. It sounds great, right? Even fellow blooger, Lee Gaverick, recently wrote about the benefits of using walkathon t-shirts in her blog post And Now, A Word about Walkathon Sponsors. So why would I suggest that the use of the charity walk t-shirt needs to be reexamined?

Problems with Charity Walk T-Shirts

I am starting to see a trend at the charity walks I attend. It is not a good trend when it comes to the use of charity walk t-shirts. Although the issues I raise are based on anecdotal evidence, it is enough that I believe the topic needs discussing.

Here are some of the problems regarding charity walk t-shirts that I have observed at charity walks:

Walkers are not wearing the t-shirts at the charity walk event

At recent charity walks I attended, less people appeared to be wearing the charity walk t-shirt during the walk. Some of them are doing this because they are wearing custom t-shirts representing their fundraising team.

This is exciting because it shows teamwork and team pride in supporting the cause.What was surprising and disturbing was how many people (who weren’t wearing a team shirt) received the charity walk t-shirt and didn’t wear it during the walk.

Maybe wearing the charity walk t-shirt is no longer considered “cool” or maybe it is not convenient to change or pull it over whatever shirt is already being worn. Regardless, this defeats one of the main reasons for proving t-shirts for the charity walk event.

Walkers are not wearing the t-shirts after the charity walk event

Several years ago, I used to see people wearing charity walk/run t-shirts out in public from time to time.  I almost never see someone wearing one of these t-shirts now. This is disappointing.

There is no sponsor promotion occurring as long as the t-shirt is folded in the bottom of a dresser drawer or being used as a cleaning rag.

T-shirts are not effective advertising for sponsors

It is hard for me to believe that anyone has done business with a sponsor because they saw the logo on the back of a charity walk t-shirt. I don’t believe I have. Have you?

I have thrown my business to companies because they supported a charity walk. However, I learned about that company and their charity walk support through other ways.

What Can You Do About the Charity Walk T-Shirt?

If your walkers are wearing the charity walk t-shirts, keep doing what you are doing. Depending on the location and demographics of your walkers, the traditional charity walk t-shirts may be just what is needed. However, if you are observing some of the issues I identified above, consider making a change:

Redesign charity walk t-shirts to eliminate the billboard on the back

There are many methods you can use to benefit sponsors. Use your imagination to come up with more effective ways to promote sponsors of your charity walk event than they are getting through a printed logo on shirts. Check out these blog posts to give your imagination a kick start:

• Use Incentives to Hook Sponsors
• Unique Sponsor Incentives

With the sponsor ads removed, the t-shirt should now sport a design that people would be proud to wear at the walk and at many other times.

Offer other fundraising incentives

Is the main reason you are offering t-shirts to encourage fundraising? What other inexpensive items would your walkers value that you could use as an incentive for raising more funds for the cause? If you want it to continue to be a piece of clothing consider something like a baseball cap that identifies your charity walk or nonprofit organization on the front (or back).

Implementing a creative way to recognize the walkers who raise a certain amount of funds may be even more effective than offering prizes.

Sell t-shirts to walkers

One way to help eliminate t-shirts going unused is to provide them to only those who want them. One way to do this, and raise some additional funds at the same time, is to sell them. You can have the walkers order the shirts online and/or have the shirts available at the charity walk ready for the participants to purchase. If you do make them available to buy at the event, limit the supply so you are confident they will sell or design the shirt so it can be sold at other times.

What do you think of my ideas regarding charity walk t-shirts? Have you seen the trends I have experienced or do you believe the charity walk t-shirt is here to stay for the long run? Please let me know in a comment below.

Thanks,

Technorati Tags: Charity Event, charity events, charity walk, charity walks, Custom T Shirts, Fundraising, Nonprofit Organization, T Shirt, Team Pride, Teamwork, Walkers

Should nonprofits hold charity walks and other special events?

I have recently read several blog posts and newsletters from fundraising consultants who encourage nonprofits to run away from charity walks when they should be embracing special events.

Many of these consultants are friends of mine. I have a significant amount of respect for them and their abilities. So why am I concerned with this particular advice?

Get Rid of Charity Walks

There is some basis for these fundraising consultants to recommend that nonprofits stay away from special events, including charity walks. Planning, organizing and executing a successful charity walk takes a significant amount of time and effort from staff and volunteers. There are other much more efficient methods to raise money to support an important cause. There is also some level of risk being accepted when holding a special event.

Horror stories of failed attempts at raising funds have been used to reinforce the risks being taken when embarking on special events. Some of these stories were first-hand experiences of the fundraising consultant.

If the only need of the nonprofit organization is to raise money, the advice being given is right on target. Finding ways to be more effective and efficient at rising funds is why the fundraising consultant was hired, right?

The Flaw

Most nonprofit organizations don’t have a purpose and mission to raise money. Typically, an organization needs to do things like institute programs and lead advocacy efforts to fulfill their purpose. The funds raised are just one of the important tools needed to allow the organization to make a positive difference. There are other important tools that the organization needs in addition to money.

When decisions about special events are made from the limited perspective of fundraising alone, it can cause problems in the organization. I was intrigued by the blog post Fundraisers and Program Professionals: Can’t Everyone Just Get Along?. It discusses the friction that can occur between program professionals and fundraisers when each are not working together from a “corporate” perspective.

Consider Charity Walks for All They Can Provide

Charity walks can be powerful. There are many benefits this type of special event can provide to the nonprofit organization. Some of these benefits include:

• Raising money
• Recruiting and developing volunteers
• Raising awareness for the cause and the organization
• Identifying and engaging company partnerships in the community
• Supporting advocacy efforts

These are all positive things from the program professional perspective. But unless the fundraisers and program professionals start viewing their efforts from an organization perspective, there will be unhealthy conflict and the nonprofit will not be as effective as it could be.

Before eliminating charity walks, the total return on investment needs to be considered and compared to the overall needs of the organization. Only then can an informed decision be made. Who knows, maybe a bonus benefit will be the program professionals and fundraisers will start getting along.

By the way, most of the special event horror stories I read had little or no volunteer involvement. In my opinion, this is not advised and would put the event at significant risk. If you are considering a charity walk in the future, take advantage of others who have successfully put on these charity events. Get your personal  copy of The Walkathon Guide at http://www.TheWalkathonGuide.com.

Thanks,

Photo credit: Thiago Felipe Festa

Technorati Tags: Advocacy Efforts, charity fundraising, charity walk, charity walks, Fundraising, Fundraising Consultant, Fundraising Consultants, Nonprofit Organization, Nonprofit Organizations, Volunteers

One alternative to the traditional charity walk is a treadmill charity walk

Almost anyone can participate in a charity walk. That is one of the characteristics that is so appealing for this type of charity event. However, not everyone will be able to participate in your charity walk.

There are some people who aren’t physically able to walk the course you have planned. There are others who won’t be able to attend because it is not convenient.

Putting a twist on your charity walks by adding options can help include some of those who are unable to participate in your basic charity event.

Consider some of these add-on options to increase participation, awareness and fundraising:

Virtual Participation

The name virtual charity walk typically refers to a charity walk event being conducted in a virtual world via computer.  Second Life is one of the online virtual worlds where this is becoming popular. That is not the type of virtual participation I am referring to.

For some potential walkers, the location or the date/time of your charity walk will not allow them to participate.  Why not allow them to do their walk at a convenient location or date/time of their own choosing? Although they would not be a participant at the main event, they would fundraise and walk with the same passion and spirit. Each of these virtual participants would receive the great feeling that comes from supporting a great cause and the nonprofit organization would reap the benefits of reaping additional active volunteers and money to further the cause.

Treadmill Walk

Some participants are physically unable to participate in a traditional charity walk.  Westchester Square Physical Therapy (WSPT) of the Bronx is holding a Treadmill Walk-a-Thon as an alternative. Physical therapy patients and others in the community will be timed as they walk on treadmills.  WSPT’s treadmills to be used includes a therapy pool treadmill.

Aquatic Walk

An arthritis aquatics class conducts an aquatic walk each year in support of a charity walk in my local area. The aquatic walk is performed by participants “walking” laps around the pool.  Although it would be extremely difficult or impossible for them to participate in the traditional charity walk, the aquatic walk allows them to participate in a charity walk with a group of friends while benefiting the nonprofit organization.

Consider augmenting your charity walks with options that allow additional walkers  to participate. It can help those who have felt excluded from being able to participate in the past. It also can mean additional support and funding for your nonprofit organization.

Thanks,

p.s. Go to http://CharityWalks.ning.com and take advantage of the free signup at the Charity Walks Network. Learn additional ways to make your next charity walk event more successful.

photo credit: Mr. T in DC

Technorati Tags: Charity Event, charity walks, Fundraising, Nonprofit Organization, Physical Therapy Patients, Second Life, Treadmill, Treadmills, Walk A Thon, Walkers, Westchester Square, Wspt

Charity walks provide many benefits. Some of these are: raising needed funds, increasing the public’s awareness of the organization and cause, and identifying new company partners, advocates, and volunteers.

What Is the Unique Charity Walk Benefit?

The important benefits mentioned above are already worth the investment of time and energy that is required to hold a charity walk. However, there is another benefit that many nonprofit organizations don’t think about. It is possible due to the gathering of so many people who are passionate about the organization and cause. What is the benefit? The ability to interview a large group of individuals for their personal stories and testimonials

Some people are participating in the charity walk because they (or someone close to them) are suffering from something the nonprofit organization is fighting to remedy. There are many personal stories that could be captured from these individuals. Some people are participating in the charity walk because they’ve been helped by the nonprofit organization. Why not record their testimonials? You could collect other interviews from people that might not meet either of these categories and capture their thoughts about why they are supporting the charity walk.

What Can Be Done with Personal Stories and Testimonials

I believe the best way to record the stories and testimonials is to interview the person on video. Why? By recording video, it allows the greatest number of ways to use the information. Here are a few ideas:

• Post the videos on video sharing sites. Include a description of what the charity is all about along with a link to the charity’s website.
• Include some of the interviews in marketing materials, such as video advertisements.
• Use audio from the stories and testimonials for use with podcasts.
• Transcribe the videos into an ebook that can be freely shared or sold to raise additional funds for the organization. The Walk for Healthcare has done this effectively by Dr. Ogan Gurel interviewing people throughout his walk route. I have included one of their resulting documents above to see what they have done.
• Create printed books to use for staff/volunteer recognition and also for giving to VIPs as a part of advocacy efforts. For example, this may be a great tool to put in the hands of politicians to educate them on the importance of supporting the organization and cause.

Thanks,

p.s. Be sure to get your copy of The Walkathon Guide at http://TheWalkathonGuide.com while it is still available at the introductory price.

Technorati Tags: Advocates, Benefit Charity, charity walks, Company Partners, Nonprofit Organization, Testimonials, Volunteers, walk for healthcare

When you approach potential sponsors for your charity walks, do you request a “handout” or do you present a well thought out proposal that describes how the business will receive as much or more than they contribute?

Businesses need to make a profit. You need to show them that their sponsorship is important and beneficial. There is nothing wrong with finding ways they can benefit from their generous donations in support of your cause and event.

Traditional benefits provided to charity walk sponsors include printed logos on the walkers t-shirts, a listing of sponsors in the promotional material, and providing sponsor tables at the event. Don’t stop at what has been done traditionally. Be creative.

Consider some of these unique sponsor incentives for your next charity walks:

• Send a press release. Get the attention of the media for both your organization and the sponsor by submitting a press release. Don’t limit your submission to the local media. Make sure it is posted online as well to increase exposure.
• Mention sponsors in newsletter and emails. Your nonprofit organization probably sends out emails on a regular basis to your supporters. You probably send out a newsletter in the mail as well. Another benefit you can provide the supporter, is to mention their generosity to your supporters in these emails and newsletters.
• Add links on your websites. If the sponsor has a web site, the company can receive multiple benefits from you adding a link to their website on your websites. This includes links from your charity walk blog and other online social sites. Your charity walk doesn’t have a blog? It’s time to get one started.
• Offer speeches and workshops. Your organization is making an impact in the world. You know, better than anyone, about the challenges of the cause and what is possible with the support of others. Offer a speech or class on the topic to educate and help the sponsor’s employees. If the topic is not something of general interest, offer to teach a class on topics such as leadership, organization, or public speaking.

Make it easy for the potential sponsor to say “yes” to your proposal to support your charity walks. Show the company unique ways their donation may benefit their financial bottom line in a positive way. Presenting a win-win proposal will better your chances of adding that sponsor as a supporter to your charity walks and keeping that sponsor’s support for a long time.

Thanks,

photo credit: ©FOTOCROMO

Technorati Tags: charity walks, Generosity, Generous Donations, Incentives, Local Media, Nonprofit Organization, Press Release, Promotional Material, Proposal, Speeches, Sponsor Tables, Sponsorship