Whether this is your first time fundraising or you’ve done it before, we’ll help you reach and exceed your goals. And we’ll reward you too. Why? Because we know it takes hard work and because your support is essential! When you register for the Climb, set up your very own personal webpage, post your photos, and tell your story. Then email your page link to your friends and family so they can donate and support your climb. Check out our fundraising prizes and incentives and learn how we show our appreciation and reward you for your efforts.

If you do not register online, you can download a pledge form to collect pledges.

Fundraising tips to get you started!

1. Set a goal

Every climber must contribute a minimum of $50 but don’t think of this as the maximum.  Think of fundraising as a part of the challenge of climbing the Tower. What will your fundraising goal be? Double the minimum? Ten cents, fifty cents or $1 for each step you climb?  Maybe it is 10% more than you raised last year?

Nervous? Rest assured, most people feel the same way! The good news is that there are many different ways to fundraise and most people will appreciate your efforts to both climb 1,776 steps AND help save the planet. 

2. Create your list of possible supporters and donors

Friends, family, teachers, co-workers, doctors, hairstylists, dentists, mechanic, classmates or former classmates.  And don’t forget everyone who has ever asked you for money for a charity before.  Be creative.  Everyone has a stake in stopping climate change and protecting our planet! For each person on your list, identify the way you are most comfortable asking them – in person, over the phone, an email from your personal fundraising page.

When asking for pledges, mention that "my average pledge has been around $X. Can you sponsor me?" 

3. Your personal fundraising page

To make it really easy, sign up online and create your very own personal webpage from which you can e-mail all your friends.  Ask them to make a donation through your own secure donation page. We give you the tools to create your own page – it’s easier than you think!   When people go to your personal webpage they can see  the fundraising goal you’re trying to reach.

4. Have some fun

Organize activities such as a bake sale at work. Ask friends to help, so you don't have to do all the baking yourself. Hold a garage sale and donate the proceeds to your climb.

Hold a dinner or theme party for your friends, and charge per plate.  Tell them that all proceeds will be going towards your fundraising goal.

5. Company support

Many companies have matching gift programs.  Ask your company to match the donations you have collected. Remind your sponsors to check with their Human Resource department at work to see if they have a matching gifts program as well. This is a great way to double your sponsor's contribution while helping their company gain visibility as a result of their charitable efforts.

Don’t forget about your company e-bulletins or newsletters!! Ask your company to place an article about your participation. 

6. Follow-up

If you haven’t received a response from someone you’ve asked for a donation from, send a reminder email or follow-up with a phone call; let them know about the great cause they’ll be helping! 

7. Don’t forget the deadline

Both your online and offline donations received by WWF on or before Friday April 18th at 8 a.m. will count towards your eligibility for incentive prizes as well as any pledges you bring with you to the climb.

8. Don’t forget to….

• Tell potential sponsors that they will get a tax receipt for donations of $20 or more.
• Update friends and family on your training progress 
• Change your voicemail and answering machine greeting to include your participation in the climb.
• Carry your pledge form(s) with you everywhere – you never know when you will run into someone who wants to help out.

 Check out our fundraising FAQ for more great info.