Discover practical advice and guidance to help you make the most of social media and printed materials when fundraising. From creating engaging social media posts and reaching new supporters, explore tips and ideas to raise awareness, inspire donations, and build lasting connections. Whether you’re planning your first fundraising campaign or looking to improve your approach, these resources will help you spread the word and make a bigger impact.
Key content considerations
- Be authentic: People connect with genuine stories. Tell your audience why you are fundraising for MND research at the Euan MacDonald Centre. Your motivation will inspire people to donate.
- Be consistent: Post regularly about your progress, milestones, and the event itself to keep your fundraising momentum going.
- Be visual: Share photos of your fundraising activities, from baking and sewing to running, cycling and creative challenges, capturing your progress, achievements and moments of joy along the way.
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Be engaging: Encourage interaction by thanking your donors publicly, responding to comments, and asking your audience to share your posts.
Social media tips
1. Tag relevant accounts
Euan MacDonald Centre channels: Facebook LinkedIn
University of Edinburgh Alumni and Development channels: Facebook Instagram X
Fundraise Your Way channels: Facebook X
2. Use hashtags
Use the unique event hashtag to bring your posts together, help others follow your fundraising journey and encourage more people to get involved and show their support.
Euan MacDonald Centre hashtags: #EMC4MND #MND #ALS #SMA #MNDresearch
3. Post consistently
Regular updates will keep your audience engaged and remind them to donate.
4. Engage your audience
Respond to comments and thank supporters directly. Encourage your followers to share your posts to widen your reach.
Social media content recommendations
Here are some ideas for social media content to share throughout your fundraising journey, from announcing your event and keeping supporters motivated to sharing progress updates, celebrating milestones, and thanking everyone after the event.
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Announcement: Announce that you are fundraising! Share your personal connection, and why you're passionate about supporting MND research at the Euan MacDonald Centre.
Visuals: A photo of yourself in training gear or holding a sign with your fundraising goal.
I'm thrilled to announce that I'm running in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival this May to support the incredible work of the Euan MacDonald Centre. Every step I take is in honour of those impacted by MND. I'm aiming to raise £[amount]. Join me in making a difference by donating here [fundraising page link].
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Motivation: Share your motivation, highlight your personal connection to MND, your goals for the event, and why the Euan MacDonald Centre's work resonates with you.
Visuals: A photo of your family member or friend who inspired you, or a training selfie with motivational caption.
I'm cycling in memory of [a loved one/relationship] to help fund research towards a cure. Every pound raised brings us one step closer to that goal. Please support my journey here [fundraising page link].
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Updates: Share your training updates, fundraising progress, milestones, and moments of joy/triumph. Highlight how close you are to your target and encourage additional donations.
Visuals: A map of your training run, a sweaty selfie, a short video mid-run, a fundraising thermometer graphic showing your progress.
- We're halfway there! Thanks to your incredible support, I've raised £[amount] for the Euan MacDonald Centre. Let's keep going - every donation makes a difference [fundraising page link]
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Live updates: If possible, share updates from on-the-day. These could be handled by a friend or family member posting on your behalf.
Visuals: A short video or photo taken at a key milestone (e.g., half-way point).
Halfway through the Kiltwalk, and feeling strong. Thank you to everyone who has supported my journey. It's not too late to donate [fundraising page link].
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Post event and final updates: Share your fundraising total, thank everyone who donated or supported you, reflecting on your favourite moments, celebrating what you achieved and sharing the difference the money raised will make — not just crossing a finish line!
Visuals: A photo of you at the finish line wearing your medal, post photos of your bake sale, sewing or other fundraising activity.
I did it! A huge thank you to everyone who donated, shared my posts, joined in and supported my fundraising. Whether you bought a cake, purchased something handmade, sponsored my challenge or cheered me on, every bit of support has made a difference.
I'm overwhelmed by the support I've received. Thanks to your generosity, we've raised £[amount] which will support MND research at the Euan MacDonald Centre.
Thank you for being part of this amazing experience!
Fundraising boosters
Set a Stretch Goal:
If you're close to reaching your initial target, increase your goal to encourage additional donations.
Leverage Milestones:
Tie fundraising goals to training milestones (e.g., "If I raise £50 today, I'll run an extra mile tomorrow!").
Share the Impact:
Regularly remind donors how their contributions will help advance MND research at the Euan MacDonald Centre.
Print Media Guidelines
Explore our print media guidance for tips on how to promote your fundraising activities, spread the word locally and encourage more people to get involved and support your cause.
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Prepare a Personal Story
A short, compelling explanation of why you're fundraising and what this cause means to you. Include your connection to the Euan MacDonald Centre, if applicable.
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High-Quality Photos
Provide a clear high-resolution photo of yourself to accompany any articles or press releases.
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Contact Local Media
Reach out to newspapers or local radio stations in your area with your story and fundraising goals. We can provide support with this.
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Press Release Template
We can provide you with a press release template. Let us know if you'd like support with this.
For further media enquiries please contact our Communications Manager Barry Connolly at: Barry.Connolly@ed.ac.uk
