Have you ever wanted to run a marathon and have it mean so much more than feet on the pavement or breaking your PB record? Running for a cause can seem like an overwhelming process, from choosing the right charity to figuring out the best way to achieve your fundraising goal. Because the team at Heatsheets believe that nothing should stand in your way when donating money or time to those in need, we have curated a list of charities and a few helpful tips to remember when raising funds for your chosen cause.

Here are a few charities that have organized training programs to help you, help them:

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training

Team in Training (TNT) is one of the leading fundraising programs for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and the only endurance sports training program that raises money for blood cancer research. They provide coaches that train runners to cross the finish line at either a marathon, half marathon, cycling event, triathlon or hike adventure. Click here to see some of their upcoming events.

Tip 1: When raising money for any event, it’s important to establish benchmarks that will help in reaching your goals. Break up the total fundraising goal into manageable dollar amounts; by doing this, donors can see their donations making a difference as you hit certain milestones. Try to set a weekly, maybe even a monthly goal (dollar amount) to achieve.

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s Team Challenge

Team Challenge is an endurance training and fundraising program that caters to runners at every fitness level. The customized training program brands itself as a place to gain new friendships, while raising funds to help find cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Click here to see how you can sign up for an upcoming marathon.

Tip 2: The great thing about raising money for a good cause is that you’re able to get personal. Instead of sending a generic email to all your contacts, customize it to each person’s personal experience with whatever your raising money for. Most times, if people can see your genuine interest in funding a research project that is looking for a cure for a disease, they’re more likely to donate. This is especially true for those who have loved ones suffering from that particular disease.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’® (ASPCA®) Team ASPCA

As one of the largest humane societies in North America, Team ASPCA allows animal advocates to make a positive difference for animals in need. By raising funds for this cause, athletes help to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. Click here to see upcoming Team ASPCA’s athletic events.

Tip 3: Hosting a fundraising event, especially when tied to a well-known brand like ASPCA®, becomes a great way to meet your fundraising goals. Grab a few of your close friends, locate a venue that offers discounts on food and drinks and sell tickets to the event. Since constantly badgering acquaintances on social media may lead to some people unfollowing you, invite people outside of your circle to increase the possibility for donations.

Initiating some of these tips can help you achieve fundraising goals and make your running for a cause experience more worthwhile. And remember, even if you don’t raise as much as you thought, simply donating your time makes you a winner.

We can’t wait to see you guys at the finish line of your chosen charity’s sponsored event; don’t forget to #ShowUsYourHeatsheets!

Click here to see Heatsheets’ expansive race blanket product offerings.