Getting people excited about supporting your challenge takes more than just posting a link on social media. You need to tell a story that connects with people’s hearts and shows them why their support matters. Here’s how to build momentum and reach your fundraising goals.
Start with your story
Why are you doing this?
People donate to stories, not statistics. Help supporters understand:
- What motivated your group to take on this challenge
- Personal connections to refugee issues (if comfortable sharing)
- Why this particular approach feels meaningful
- What you hope to achieve beyond just raising money
Make it personal
Share individual stories from your participants:
- The mum who’s never done anything like this before
- The sister who chose this over a family holiday
- The grandmother participating alongside her granddaughter
- Anyone who has a personal connection to refugee issues
Connect to the bigger picture
Help people understand how their support fits into something larger:
- The growing movement of grassroots fundraising
- How Muslim communities are responding to global crises
- The power of ordinary people taking extraordinary action
Building your promotional timeline
8 weeks before: Plant the seeds
- Announce your challenge with initial story and fundraising goals
- Share why you chose this particular charity
- Post photos of your group starting training
- Begin building anticipation in your community
6 weeks before: Ramp up awareness
- Share training updates and behind-the-scenes preparation
- Post stories about what the money will achieve
- Ask participants to approach their personal networks
- Create shareable content about refugee issues
4 weeks before: Build momentum
- Share milestone achievements (first £100, £500, etc.)
- Post testimonials from previous participants if available
- Create countdown content building excitement
- Approach local businesses and community groups
2 weeks before: Final push
- Last call for sponsorship with gentle urgency
- Share final preparations and participant nerves/excitement
- Post practical details for anyone wanting to support on the day
- Thank early supporters and share progress
During the challenge
- Live updates if possible (with participant consent)
- Photos and videos showing the reality of the challenge
- Share moments that illustrate why you’re doing this
- Thank supporters and show their impact in real time
After the challenge
- Celebration of achievement and final fundraising totals
- Thank you messages with impact stories
- Photos showing the reality of what participants experienced
- Updates on how the funds will be used
Channels that actually work
Personal networks first
The most effective fundraising happens through personal connections:
- Individual conversations with family and close friends
- Personal messages rather than mass posts
- Face-to-face requests when possible
- Follow-up conversations to share progress
Community channels
- WhatsApp groups for your mosque or local community
- Community Facebook groups (where appropriate)
- Announcements at community gatherings
- Word-of-mouth through community leaders
Workplace connections
- Team announcements at work (where appropriate)
- Company charity schemes
- Lunch-time presentations about your challenge
- Email signatures with fundraising links
Social media strategy
Focus on platforms your network actually uses:
- Instagram for visual storytelling and younger supporters
- Facebook for community groups and family networks
- WhatsApp for direct, personal communication
- LinkedIn for professional networks (if relevant)
Creating content that resonates
Before the challenge
- Training videos showing preparation efforts
- Photos of participants in their challenge clothing
- Infographics about refugee statistics that connect to your cause
- Personal statements from participants about why they’re involved
Educational content
- Information about your chosen charity’s work
- Statistics about refugee situations (but not overwhelming)
- Stories of how donations make a difference
- Connections between your challenge and real refugee experiences
Behind-the-scenes content
- Participants discussing their nerves and excitement
- Preparation activities and training sessions
- Shopping for appropriate clothing and equipment
- Planning meetings and group discussions
Messages that motivate giving
Focus on impact, not just need
Instead of: “Refugees are suffering and need help” Try: “£20 provides emergency supplies for a family’s first week in safety”
Make it tangible
- “£50 funds a month of education for a refugee child”
- “£100 provides emergency shelter materials for a family”
- “£200 covers medical care for someone who’s lost everything”
Show collective power
- “Together, we’ve already raised enough to support 15 families”
- “Our challenge represents solidarity from 20 British Muslim women”
- “Every step we take shows we haven’t forgotten those still struggling”
Approaching different types of supporters
Family and close friends
- Personal conversations explaining why this matters to you
- Ask for specific amounts based on what you know they can afford
- Share training updates and progress personally
- Thank them with personal calls or messages
Community members
- Focus on shared values and community solidarity
- Explain how this represents positive action by your community
- Share stories that resonate with community experiences
- Connect to Islamic principles of helping those in need
Workplace colleagues
- Keep it professional but personal
- Focus on the challenge aspect and personal achievement
- Share brief updates without being pushy
- Thank contributors appropriately for the workplace context
Local businesses
- Approach with a clear ask and business case
- Offer recognition in your materials (if they want it)
- Focus on community connection and local impact
- Keep follow-up professional and grateful
Overcoming common challenges
“I don’t like asking for money”
Reframe it as offering people a chance to be part of something meaningful. You’re not asking for charity—you’re inviting people to join your effort to help others.
“People are tired of fundraising requests”
Quality over quantity. One heartfelt, personal request is better than five generic social media posts.
“I don’t have a big network”
Focus on the connections you do have. Smaller, more personal campaigns often perform better than massive, impersonal ones.
“People don’t understand the challenge”
Use simple, clear language and focus on what people can relate to: physical challenge, community action, helping others.
Managing the momentum
Celebrate milestones publicly
- Thank supporters when you hit targets
- Share excitement about progress
- Create momentum through visible success
Keep supporters engaged
- Regular updates on training and preparation
- Educational content about your cause
- Personal stories from participants
- Clear information about impact
Handle quiet periods
- Don’t panic if donations slow down mid-campaign
- Use quiet periods to plan your next push
- Reach out to participants who haven’t promoted recently
- Focus on quality engagement rather than constant posting
After the challenge
Thank everyone properly
- Personal thanks to major supporters
- Public recognition for all contributors
- Impact updates showing what the money achieved
- Invitation to future events or continued involvement
Keep the connection alive
- Share updates from your charity about fund usage
- Post anniversary updates about ongoing impact
- Invite supporters to future challenges or community events
- Maintain relationships built through the fundraising process
Measuring success
Track more than just money:
- Number of people engaged with your story
- New connections made in your community
- Awareness raised about refugee issues
- Relationships strengthened through shared purpose
- Personal growth and confidence gained
Remember, successful promotion isn’t about being pushy or sales-focused. It’s about sharing something you genuinely care about with people who might want to join you in making a difference. When you approach it from a place of authentic passion and clear purpose, the response is often better than you’d expect.
Your enthusiasm and commitment are infectious. Don’t underestimate the power of simply caring deeply about something and inviting others to care alongside you.