Indigenous Marathon Foundation

The Indigenous Marathon Foundation (IMF) is a health promotion charity with DGR status, established by Rob de Castella in 2009, that uses running to instil pride and demonstrate the incredible capacity Indigenous Australian men and women have to achieve. IMF umbrellas four key programs including the Indigenous Marathon Project (IMP) which annually selects a squad of 12 Indigenous Australians aged 18-30 with the ultimate goal of finishing the world’s most iconic running race, the New York City Marathon; with just six months of training, and most with no running experience or background.

It is also compulsory for all IMP squad members to complete a Certificate III in Fitness as part of their commitment to the program.The IMF is a program dedicated to highlighting the achievements of Australia’s Indigenous people and creating role models in our Indigenous communities.

IMF FUNDRAISING TIPS

• Start early; the sooner you start fundraising, the more chance you have of reaching your target.
• Ask your family and friends to donate first, that way others will be more inclined to match your donations.
• Do some baking and ask your colleagues for a donation for morning tea.
• Hold a screening of the IMP documentary Running to America and ask for a small donation on entry.
• Keep people informed. Your profile can be updated regularly so that your family and friends know how your training is coming along. People who have already donated will be interested and it may prompt those who haven’t.
• Don’t forget to remind people that they can still donate after the event. They may be inspired by what you have achieved.
• Host a dinner party and ask for a small donation in return.
• Be creative. Put posters in your neighbourhood and local gym, as well as other places that people might see you training.
• Include the link to your fundraising profile in your e-signature.
• Link your fundraising profile to your Facebook and Twitter pages.
• Make a list of people to ask for donations and figures out the best way of contacting them. Some may prefer email, where some might like a phone call.
• Approach your boss and find out of your workplace offers a donation matching scheme. This is very common in many large organisations.
• Ask your workplace if you can set up a donation tin where your colleagues can drop their loose change. This is a great idea if your office has a canteen or vending machine.
• Get family and friends to guess what time you will finish your chosen event in when they donate, then offer a prize for whoever is the closest.

For any fundraising information or assistance, contact info@imf.org.au