FundRacing Toolkit:
How to raise more for MiMS!

Thank you for FundRacing for Mile in My Shoes (MiMS)! If you've done this before, you may have a plan for reaching your goal. But whatever your fundraising experience—especially if you’re a newbie—we've got your back. Bookmark this toolkit and use it to fuel your FundRacing from now until race day!

Who’s Mile in My Shoes?

If you’re not already familiar with us, we have some quick intro content to help you share what, and who, you’re FundRacing for:
• This two-page MiMS Overview has our mission, impact stats, member quotes, and more.
• MiMS’ Facebook and Instagram are full of photos and #MiMSpiration that get to the heart of our program.

Kickstart your campaign

First things first: personalize your FundRacing page (if you haven’t already):

  • Once your personal FundRacing page has been created (For DRA FundRacers, this will happen automatically via RunSignup when you register, for all other races GiveLively will guide you through it), make it yours! Link to your page from your FundRacer sign-up confirmation email. Add a profile photo, then share your story. People are more likely to donate if they feel a personal connection to you and to the cause. A couple prompts: Why are you choosing to FundRace for MiMS? If you're a Run Mentor, what has volunteering with MiMS meant to you? Our Resident Member profiles and our new These are Our Shoes stories on Instagram are also great material for sharing MiMS' impact. 

  • It helps to give people a sense of how their donation makes a difference. A couple quick examples: $10 buys hats and mittens for winter running, $25 covers a shirts & shorts - or a Resident Member's entry fee for an upcoming race, and $50 buys a pair of shoes for a new Resident Member runner.

  • Be your first donor and give yourself $25-50. People will take you more seriously when they see that you talk the talk AND walk the walk.

  • Have supporters who want to donate via check or cash? No prob! Simply let us know and we will add the amount to your page so you can get “credit”. Supporters can mail checks to Mile in My Shoes, PO Box 583177, Mpls, MN 55458.

Are you a visual learner? For a how-to video on customizing your FundRacing site—including tips on editing your FundRacing goal, tagline, and URL, and adding some great features such as a slide show—check out our FundRacing Jumpstart session hosted by veteran MiMS FundRacer Mickey. You can edit your personal site while you watch, as she walks you through how it all works and offers useful fundraising ideas. The recording is less than half an hour long and guaranteed to rev up your FundRacing! Click here to watch, using access code: 9TsyMV*r

Questions about setting up your page, including links to existing MiMS FundRacing page examples? Email our FundRacing Committee: drafrundracing@mileinmyshoes.mn (all DRA FundRacers) or fundracing@mileinmyshoes.mn (all other races).

Timeline for sending your “asks” and updates

Timing is a key to FundRacing success. How and when should you update and thank your supporters, and how can you build momentum as you approach your fundraising goal? Our recommended timeline for communications is your guide as you head toward race day. 

Embracing FundRacing: Tips to reach your goal

The number one tip to remember: communication is king. Keep your donors informed, updated, and thank them for their support. Not quite sure how to inspire people to support you? The MiMS family is here for you. Many FundRacers have boldly gone where you are going now, and they’ve come back with winning ideas, from house parties to donor incentives to fundraising-friendly social media posts. The FundRacing hive mind presides: 

In the end, there is no “right way” to fundraise. Just get out there, tell your story, and run. On behalf of the MiMS team, we thank you for your support and for becoming a FundRacer. Good luck and get FundRacing!

Run Mentor Joe Rauch.jpg