Peer-to-peer fundraising can be an easy way for you to raise money from family and friends to support American Hiking Society.
For those who aren’t familiar with this concept, peer-to-peer fundraising is essentially when supporters ask for donations from their friends and family to raise money on an organization’s behalf. American Hiking Society invites participants to set up an individual fundraising page on Facebook in celebration of National Trails Day®, set a goal for how much you want to raise, and start asking friends and family members for gifts.
Step-by-Step for Hosting a Peer-to-Peer Campaign:
Step 1: Launch your campaign on Facebook with an initial post about your fundraiser. (See social post 1 below)
- From desktop: click Fundraisers in the left menu of your News Feed. You may need to click See More. From mobile: tap lower right hand menu icon and scroll down until you find Fundraisers (look for heart shaped icon)
- Click + Raise Money
- Select Nonprofit or Charity
- Select a charitable organization (American Hiking Society), fill in the fundraiser details (listed below) and the NTD cover image should automatically populate.
- Click Create.
Step 2: Send the email below to friends and family to encourage their support.
Step 3: Send the suggested additional social media posts (posts 2, 3, 4, & 5 below) and watch the support for your campaign grow!
Suggestion for all communications: Include a photo of you on a previous hike before National Trails Day® or of a dream spot where you wish to hike when we can all safely get outdoors. Creating short, selfie-style videos can be incredibly engaging. You can give shout-outs to your friends and people who have donated, which will encourage others to join in and give!
SEND THIS EMAIL TO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!
Subject Line: National Trails Day® on June 1 is almost here! Join me and support American Hiking Society
Dear Friend,
You may know that I’m a proud [select one: member, supporter, volunteer, member of the Board of Directors, etc.] of American Hiking Society.
Each year people all across the country unite on the first Saturday of June in celebration of American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day®. This year on June 1, National Trails Day®, we can care for our hometown trails and advocate for equitable inclusion outside.
Millions of people have found physical, mental, and emotional restoration on trails during the pandemic. Let’s return the favor and care for America’s magnificent trail system and ensure everyone in the U.S. can enjoy trails and natural areas.
Therefore, I ask that you join me in raising support for American Hiking Society to further its programs that empower ALL to share, enjoy, and preserve the hiking experience.
Your gifts in honor of National Trails Day® are used to further the programs of American Hiking Society. For over 40 years, we have mobilized 558,708 trail volunteers. We have maintained 41,146 miles of trails. We have supported legislation that improves the hiking experience for all. We need your help to continue the momentum! This means your donation helps to recruit and organize volunteers to build and maintain trails across America, speak up for hikers and trails in the halls of Congress and with various federal agencies, and help local hiking and trail clubs with organizational and complex land issues.
The funds raised from my campaign will support trail service and hiker advocacy, it will further AHS’s programming and pass our collective love for and protection of the outdoors to the next generation, and, most importantly, it will inspire more people across the country to join us on this day of preserving our outdoors.
Thank you for your support of my campaign and American Hiking Society! Make your gift today at americanhiking.org/donate or find my fundraiser at [insert social media handle or link].
Even a small donation will help me achieve my goal!
Thank you for your support!
Happy Hiking!
Your Name
P.S. American Hiking Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, donations to which are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. A receipt will be e-mailed by American Hiking Society to any donor who contributes to my campaign.
SOCIAL MEDIA POST EXAMPLES WITH TIMELINE
POST 1: MAY 24, 2024
Hi friends! Together we can care for our hometown trails and advocate for equitable inclusion outside. Millions of people each year find physical, mental, and emotional restoration on trails. Let’s return the favor and care for America’s magnificent trail system and ensure everyone in the U.S. can enjoy trails and natural areas.
On June 1, 2024, celebrate #NationalTrailsDay with me by taking the pledge and contribute to my campaign to support American Hiking Society! @AmericanHiking bit.ly/trails-day
POST 2: MAY 29, 2024
Saturday, June 1 is #NationalTrailsDay. We can take action to protect trails and fight for equitable access to quality green space. Join the nationwide movement by taking the National Trails Day® Pledge AND join me in supporting American Hiking Society by making a gift to my [select one: National Trails Day/Birthday/Anniversary] campaign! @AmericanHiking bit.ly/trails-day
POST 3: MAY 31, 2024
Celebrate #NationalTrailsDay with me tomorrow, Saturday, June 1 by sharing why trails are vital to you. Tag [@YourSocialHandle], #NationalTrailsDay, and @AmericanHiking to be entered into the National Trails Day® photo contest with a chance to win a gear prize package. Please also make a gift to my campaign to support American Hiking Society and empower ALL to enjoy, share, and preserve the hiking experience. bit.ly/trails-day
POST 4: JUNE 1, 2024 - NATIONAL TRAILS DAY
Today is #NationalTrailsDay! Celebrate by taking the pledge to take one action in 2024 to care for trails AND making a gift to American Hiking Society. All gifts go to protect trails and fight for equitable access to quality green space. @AmericanHiking bit.ly/trails-day
POST 5: JUNE 5, 2024
Thank you to everyone who supported @AmericanHiking to in celebration of #NationalTrailsDay. With your help, we were able to raise funds and share our mission of empowering all to enjoy, share and preserve the hiking experience.
You can adjust the text for each of your social media platforms. Remember to include the link in your bio on Instagram, or add the "swipe up" feature to your stories.
