Setting up your fundraiser for success

Starting a fundraiser is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact—not just for the cause you care about, but also within your community and network. As a student-athlete, you already have a platform and a following that looks up to you. When you combine that influence with a clear story and a purposeful campaign, you can inspire others to get involved and support your mission.

This guide will help you launch and run a successful fundraiser from start to finish. Here are our tips on writing a clear bio and story, sharing your campaign with your network, engaging supporters, posting updates, maximizing donations, and showing gratitude. Think of this as your playbook for creating meaningful impact as an athlete.

Fundraiser tips and tricks

  • Your bio and story that you put on your Impact League fundraising page are the foundation of your fundraiser. As a student-athlete, you already have a powerful platform—people look up to your journey, your discipline, and your drive. Sharing your story gives supporters a chance to connect with the “why” behind your campaign and see the impact they can make by standing with you.

    At its strongest, your fundraiser story explains three things: why this cause matters to you as an athlete, who will benefit from the funds raised, and how their support will create real change.

    • Keep it personal – Share your journey as an athlete and why this cause matters to you.

    • Tell your “why” – Explain the motivation behind choosing this fundraiser.

    • Show who benefits – Make it clear who or what will be directly impacted.

    • Make it relatable – Write in your own voice so friends, teammates, and fans feel connected.

    • Be specific – Share details about the nonprofit or cause and how donations will help.

    • Inspire action – End with a clear call to action (donate, share, or join the cause).

    • Keep it concise – Aim for a few short paragraphs—long enough to connect, but easy to read.

  • The more your supporters share your fundraiser, the wider your reach—and the greater your impact. Give your teammates, friends, and followers the tools and encouragement to share your story and help spread the word about your campaign on Impact League.

    Post Your Fundraiser Link Everywhere

    • Include your Impact League fundraiser link in every social media post, story, and profile bio.

    • Make it easy for supporters to click, donate, and share.

    Tell Your Story with Each Post

    • Share updates, why the cause matters to you, and the impact donations will make.

    • Use photos, videos, or behind-the-scenes moments from your athletic journey to connect with your audience.

    Link All Platforms

    • Include links to your fundraiser, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X, and any other platforms you use.

    • This keeps supporters engaged and allows them to follow your progress across multiple channels.

  • Encourage Supporters to Share

    • Ask teammates, friends, family, and followers to repost your fundraiser and add their own message.

    • Remind them that every share helps reach new people and grow support for your cause.

    Post Regular Updates

    • Share milestones, new donations, or exciting news to maintain momentum.

    • Each update is another opportunity for supporters to engage and share your campaign.

    Show Gratitude

    • Thank donors and supporters in posts and stories.