RACE FUNDRAISING TOOLKIT For Individuals Racing for Forging Youth Resilience

Thank you for choosing to race for FYR! In this toolkit we'll cover:

What is FYR?
How to set up your fundraising page
Tips for successful fundraising
Template text, email, and social media posts

WHAT IS FYR?

Forging Youth Resilience (FYR) is a member-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with Local Clubs in cities across the country. FYR Clubs partner with fitness facilities nationwide to bring fitness, nutrition, and mentorship to youth who otherwise would not have access to these services.

Our Mission

FYR empowers young people to build physical and mental strength for life by providing access to a network of community-based fitness programs and mentorship.

Our Vision

A world where all young people feel strong, capable, and confident to become the best version of themselves.

Who We Serve

At FYR, we serve youth who may be facing challenges or would not otherwise have access to the services we provide. This may include:

Youth coming from under-resourced families or neighborhoods
Youth out-of-school, including youth out-of-school facing unemployment
Youth in or aging out of foster care
Youth experiencing homelessness
Youth who may need an alternative pathway educational environment (at-risk to leave secondary school without a diploma)
Youth who are involved in the justice system
Youth experiencing environmental factors that put their health, safety, and well-being at risk
Youth facing socio-emotional challenges exacerbated by being part of an under-resourced environment

Why We Exist

We believe in the next generation and their potential to change the world. Yet many youth do not have the same access to resources as others. Without access to resources, it’s often hard to see the bigger picture or the path forward. By providing a critical network of support and imperative skills, we help empower our athletes to tackle the challenges and continued barriers they face outside of our program. Through a foundation of functional fitness and strength training, we open their eyes to new perspectives by challenging their limits. We support them in setting goals and breaking them. Most importantly, we help them realize they are strong and capable while giving them the confidence to grow into adulthood.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR FUNDRAISING PAGE

Select your race to set up your fundraising page.

Denver, CO, May 20-21, 2023

Chicago, IL, May 21, 2023

Detroit, MI, October 15, 2023

Note: If you are running the Detroit Free Press Marathon, use GiveGain to create your fundraising page.

Chicago, IL, September 24, 2023

TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISING

Tell your story.

Communication is key and passion is power. Tell your visitors why you are fundraising and what direct positive impact their support will have. People are more likely to give if there is personal and emotional story attached.

Give.

To jumpstart your campaign, be the first one to donate! Showcasing that you're not only a supporter but also a donor will encourage your network to give.

Share your page link.

Pick 10 of your closest family members and friends and send them a text. Now pick 5 favorite colleagues and send them an email. Lastly, think about where you have social followers, and share your message on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or TikTok.

Thank your donors.

A simple personal thank you message will make donors in your circles feel appreciated and encourage them to spread the word or donate again.

Provide regular updates and keep asking.

People feel more connected if they can see your fundraising progress and all the effort you’re putting in. Re-link your fundraising page to show your progress.

Mobilize your network.

As the saying goes, “1 plus 1 equals 11.” Raise the visibility of your project by asking your network to spread the word about it.

FUNDRAISING PAGE TEMPLATE

I'm passionate about racing to support Forging Youth Resilience because (INSERT YOUR "WHY" HERE). Being part of a fitness community has changed my life both physically and mentally. By supporting my cause, you are providing this opportunity to youth coming from under-resourced families or communities, who might also be out of school, in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or involved in the justice system. Together, we can help young people to build physical and mental strength for life!

TEXT MESSAGE TEMPLATE

Hi (NAME)! I wanted to let you know that I’m running the 2023 (INSERT RACE NAME) with Team FYR! I am running for Forging Youth Resilience because (INSERT YOUR "WHY"). My goal is to raise $1,000, and your support would mean so much to me. Let me know if you can help out! (INSERT YOUR FUNDRAISING PAGE)

EMAIL TEMPLATE

Dear (RECIPIENT'S NAME),

It is with great excitement that I tell you I am training for the (INSERT RACE NAME) as a member of Team FYR for Forging Youth Resilience (FYR). I will be completing X weeks of training for the race on (INSERT RACE DATE). I am writing to ask if you might consider sponsoring my participation in this race and, by doing so, help out an organization that I am passionate about!

Forging Youth Resilience (FYR) is a member-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower young people to build physical and mental strength for life by providing access to a network of community-based fitness programs, nutrition education, and mentorship.

They intentionally serve youth coming from under-resourced families or communities, who might also be out of school, in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or involved in the justice system. FYR offers weekly classes in 23 locations across the nation, with a reach of over 300 athletes every year. Their classes include goal setting and reflection, challenging workouts, nutrition education, and connection with mentors and coaches. FYR uses fitness to teach imperative life skills to prepare youth athletes to face the challenges life throws their way with grace, maturity, and strength.

I have committed to raise at least $1,000 to support FYR and I am asking if you would consider joining me in this effort. Your tax-deductible donation will go directly to fund camper scholarships so that FYR will have even more opportunities to reach youth in need. You can sponsor me at my personal fundraising page at (INSERT YOUR FUNDRAISING PAGE).

Thank you so much for your consideration and for being a part of this significant period in my life – both as a participant for Team FYR in the (INSERT RACE NAME) and as an advocate for Forging Youth Resilience and its mission of empowering youth. For more information about Forging Youth Resilience, please visit www.forgingyouthresilience.org.

Sincerely,

(YOUR NAME)

SOCIAL MEDIA POST IDEAS

Announcement: Let the world know you are running with Team FYR!

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! I just registered to run the (INSERT RACE NAME HERE).

This year will be extra special for me because I am running to support one of my favorite nonprofits, @forgingyouthresilience! FYR empowers young people to build physical and mental strength for life by providing access to a network of community-based fitness programs and mentorship.

I have a personal goal of raising $1,000 before race day. Every gift helps more youth from underserved communities access fitness and mentorship, so they can feel strong, capable, and confident to become the best version of themselves.

Contribute to my cause at (INSERT YOUR FUNDRAISING PAGE LINK HERE) or use the link in my bio!

#TeamFYR

Request for donations: Reach out to your social network to donate to your run.

As some of you know, being part of a fitness community has changed my life. That’s why I am asking you to help me reach my $1,000 fundraising goal with Team FYR. Together, we can help Forging Youth Resilience empower young people to build physical and mental strength for life by providing access to a network of community-based fitness programs and mentorship.

To donate or learn more about what FYR is doing to change the lives of youth across the country, visit (INSERT FUNDRAISING PAGE LINK) or visit the link in my bio!

#TeamFYR

Provide weekly updates with #TrainingTuesday

Post a training photo or a screenshot of your workout summary from your fitness tracker or smartphone.

This week I ran X miles in preparation for running the 2023 (INSERT RACE NAME) with @forgingyouthresilience!

I have raised $X so far. Help me reach my goal of raising $1,000 at (INSERT YOUR FUNDRAISING PAGE LINK HERE) or use the link in my bio!

#TeamFYR #TrainingTuesday

Give shout outs to your donors with #ThankfulThursday

Thank you to everyone for supporting my (INSERT RACE NAME) run with @forgingyouthresilience. I would especially like to thank (TAG YOUR DONORS/FRIENDS/FAMILY) for your/their generosity. Your support has brought me $X toward my $1,000 fundraising goal. Your contribution to FYR is vital to bring fitness, nutrition, and mentorship to youth who otherwise would not have access to these services.

#TeamFYR #ThankfulThursday

Motivate new donors with #FundraisingFriday

It's #FundraisingFriday! Please consider making a donation today to my (INSERT RACE NAME) run with @forgingyouthresilience.

Insert a creative incentive like, “When you donate $X or more, I will make you a baked good”; or “I will write your name on me on Marathon Monday”; or any other incentive you can offer to donors!

I have $X more to reach my personal goal, support my team by making a gift at (INSERT YOUR FUNDRAISING PAGE LINK HERE) or use the link in my bio!

#TeamFYR #FundraisingFriday

Let people know what FYR is all about with #StorySaturday

I am running the 2023 (INSERT RACE NAME) with Team FYR on (INSERT RACE DATE) and raising critical funds for @forgingyouthresilience. FYR empowers young people to build physical and mental strength for life by providing access to a network of community-based fitness programs and mentorship.

Here are a few testimonials from the deserving youth they work with:

“I have learned that there are other ways to feel in control than by using unhealthy coping skills. I love going to the gym and it makes me feel in complete control because only I can determine how much I am pushing myself and how much I am giving.”

“Since becoming a part of FYR my life has never been the same.This program has shown me to want a better future for myself. I am capable of anything I put my mind to.”

“If I hadn't found FYR I probably wouldn't be here. This program saved my life. I was battling a lot of mental health issues. Before FYR, I felt as if no one cared about me or my wellbeing. FYR has made me feel loved, valued, and cared for.”

Together, we can build a world where all young people feel strong, capable, and confident to become the best version of themselves. Please consider making a donation, your support makes a difference in a young person's life. Donate at (INSERT FUNDRAISING PAGE) or via the link in my bio.