Utilising Your Network

Mature Pig Characters Group Photo Final.png

You're More Connected Than You Think

When most people start fundraising, they say:
“I don’t know who to ask.”
But in truth, you’re already surrounded by a network of people who want to help you succeed. You just haven’t mapped them out yet.

Here's what you need to do:

Identify the people in your immediate network
Extend that circle outwards
Quantify the full size of your reach
Start planning how to activate those connections

1. Start With Your Immediate Network

These are the people you already speak to regularly. They know you, support you, and often want to help — they just need to be asked clearly.

Use these categories to start your list:

👨‍👩‍👧 Family:

Parents
Siblings
Grandparents
Aunts, uncles, cousins

🤝 Friends:

School/college/university friends
Friends from clubs or hobbies
Online friends and groups

💼 Work Connections:

Colleagues
Bosses or managers
Friends of your parents' work contacts

Exercise to try:
Write down 5–10 names in each group. You might be surprised how quickly this grows.

2. Expand Your Network

Now we move one layer out. These are the people who may not know you well, but who know someone who does. Your fundraising message just needs to reach them through the right person.

🏡 Neighbours:

Your street or building
Local WhatsApp or Facebook groups

🧑‍🏫 Community Groups:

School networks (teachers, parents, governors)
Church or religious communities
Scout groups, youth clubs, sports teams
Alumni or university groups

🛍️ Local Businesses:

Where you shop or work
Independent cafes, salons, shops
Businesses your family uses (builders, plumbers, etc.)

📱 Online Communities:

Your social media followers
Local Facebook groups
Hobby forums or Discords you belong to

Exercise to try:
Draw a web of connection lines — you at the centre, with each “ring” of influence spreading out. Count how many people are realistically reachable through your network.

3. Activate Your Network — Don’t Just Count It

Identifying your network is only the first step. The next is to engage them. Here’s how:

Reminder: Not everyone will say yes — but the more people you ask, the more will respond.

4. Make it Personal

People respond to people — not just good causes. Your story is what makes the difference.

When you approach someone in your network:

Use names: “Hi Sarah, I’m raising funds for…”
Explain the why: “I’m fundraising for [trip/project/goal] and it really matters to me because…”
Give clear next steps: “Would you be willing to share this post / donate £5 / come to my event?”

5. Network Tracking Table

Final Thoughts

Your fundraising network isn’t just about asking for money — it’s about sharing your story and giving people ways to support you that feel personal, manageable, and rewarding.

You already know more people than you think — now it’s time to make that network work for you.