10 Must-Know Tips for Online Pledge Systems in Walkathons (2025) 🚶‍♂️💻

Imagine this: a small-town elementary school once struggled to raise $17,000 with paper pledge sheets and cash envelopes. Fast forward to today, using a slick online pledge system, that same school raised over $85,000—all without a single paper cut or door knock. Sounds like magic? It’s just smart fundraising tech in action.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about online pledge systems for walkathons—from choosing the right platform and setting it up, to boosting donations with viral social campaigns and mobile-friendly designs. Plus, we’ll share inspiring success stories and insider tips from our expert team at Walkathon Virtual™ who specialize in virtual walkathons worldwide. Ready to turn every step into a dollar and every dollar into a smile? Let’s get started!

Key Takeaways

Online pledge systems revolutionize walkathon fundraising by automating donations, tracking progress, and engaging participants globally.
Mobile-first design and social media integration are critical for maximizing donor reach and ease of giving.
Choosing the right platform matters: features like donor-fee coverage, real-time reporting, and built-in mileage tracking can multiply your fundraising success.
Security and privacy compliance protect your donors and build trust.
Gamification and personalized thank-you messages boost repeat donations and participant motivation.

Curious about which platforms top our list or how to set up your own system step-by-step? Keep reading to unlock the secrets of walkathon fundraising success!

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About Online Pledge Systems for Walkathons
🏃 ♂️ The Evolution and Impact of Digital Walkathon Pledge Platforms
💡 What Exactly Is an Online Pledge System for Walkathons?
🔍 7 Essential Features to Look for in a Walkathon Online Pledge System
🛠️ How to Set Up Your Own Online Pledge System: Step-by-Step Guide
📊 Top 10 Online Pledge Platforms for Walkathons in 2024: Reviews & Comparisons
💸 Maximizing Fundraising: Tips to Boost Donations Through Your Online Pledge System
📱 Mobile Optimization and User Experience: Why It Matters for Walkathon Fundraising
🔒 Security and Privacy: Protecting Donor Data in Online Pledge Systems
🤝 Integrating Social Media and Viral Campaigns with Your Pledge Platform
📅 Planning Your Walkathon Event Around Your Online Pledge System
🌟 Success Stories: How Online Pledge Systems Transformed Walkathon Fundraising
💬 Common Questions About Online Pledge Systems for Walkathons
🎉 THANK YOU to Our Walkathon Fundraising Heroes and Supporters!
🏅 Recognizing Top Fundraising Teams and Participants
💖 Every Dollar Counts: The Real Impact of Your Walkathon Donations
🤝 THANK YOU to Our Generous Sponsors and Partners
🏆 Spotlight on Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Sponsors
💡 Quick Tips for Donors: How to Support Your Favorite Walkathon Participants Online
📚 Recommended Links for Walkathon Organizers and Fundraisers
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Online Pledge Systems
🔗 Reference Links and Resources for Further Reading

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About Online Pledge Systems for Walkathons

1. What’s the #1 mistake we see rookie organizers make?
They treat the online pledge system like an after-thought and slap up a generic PayPal button two days before race day. Result: donations trickle in at 17 % of goal while the PTA frantically knocks on doors. Don’t be that crew.

2. How fast can a good platform pay for itself?
PledgeStar users routinely report 2–3× revenue jumps within the same event window. One elementary school leapt from $17 k to $85 k—same kids, same neighborhood, better tech.

3. Do donors really cover the fees?
✅ Yes—if you toggle “donor fee coverage.” Roughly 82 % of givers opt-in, making the campaign virtually free for the charity.

4. Is my grandma’s flip-phone compatible?
Most modern systems (PledgeStar, 99Pledges, DonorDrive) auto-scale to any screen. Mobile-first = money-first.

5. Security—should I panic?
❌ Panic helps nothing. Reputable sites are PCI-DSS compliant, SSL-encrypted, and tokenize every card. Look for the padlock, not the panic button.

6. Average open-rate for auto-thank-you emails?
68 %—and they’re the perfect place to drop next-year’s save-the-date link.

7. Pro-tip from our trainers at Walkathon Virtual™:
Pair your pledge page with a virtual mileage tracker so walkers can log steps, unlock badges, and watch the donation thermometer rise in real time. Gamification = sticky participants.

8. Still stuffing envelopes?
Stop. Digital pledge links shared via WhatsApp raise 5× more than paper, because auntie in Australia can chip in at 2 a.m. her time.

9. Best day to launch?
Tuesday 10 a.m. local time. People clear weekend emails on Monday, feel philanthropic by Tuesday, and click “donate” before lunch.

10. Need inspiration?
Scroll our Fundraising Ideas vault for 40+ plug-and-play concepts.

🏃 ♂️ The Evolution and Impact of Digital Walkathon Pledge Platforms

Video: Creating a Crowdfund Tutorial | Evite x Pledge.

Remember the 90s? Jog-a-thon packets came home in neon folders:

A Xeroxed pledge sheet ✏️
A envelope labeled “cash or check” 💸
A prayer that it wouldn’t rain 🌧️

Fast-forward to 2024: cloud-based pledge systems let a second-grader collect $1,200 from four continents without leaving the sofa. How did we sprint from paper to pixels?

1998: First webforms appear—clunky, but they eliminated manual addition.
2005: PayPal buttons sprout like mushrooms after a storm.
2010: Facebook causes spike sharing; platforms add “Donate Now” widgets.
2015: Mobile-responsive pages become non-negotiable.
2020: Pandemic forces virtual events; platforms add GPS step-sync and live-stream leaderboards.
Today: AI suggests optimal ask amounts, auto-thanks donors, and even predicts which parent will become next year’s chairperson (creepy but cool).

Impact snapshot:

$2.4 billion raised via peer-to-peer walkathon-style platforms in North America last year (Source: Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum).
Average online gift: $67—32 % higher than offline.
Retention rate jumps to 48 % when participants can auto-share progress on socials (we’ll show you how later).

Insider anecdote:
Our cofounder, a PT with 15 marathons under her belt, once lost a sponsor form at mile 18. She finished the race but lost $340 in pledges. That frustration birthed Walkathon Virtual’s encrypted cloud backup—never lose a donor again.

💡 What Exactly Is an Online Pledge System for Walkathons?

Video: Using Pledges in ChurchTrac.

Think of it as your digital pledge sheet on espresso:

A personalized donation page for every walker 🏃 ♀️
Built-in credit-card processing 💳
Automated receipting & thank-you notes 🙏
Real-time thermometers, leaderboards, badges 📈
Exportable reports for the bookkeeper 📊

LSI keywords baked in: virtual walkathon fundraising software, peer-to-peer donation portal, online sponsorship tool, digital mileage tracker, crowdfunding for fun runs.

How it flows (30-second version):

Organizer creates event → sets goal → grabs shareable link.
Participants register → system spits out their own page.
They text/FB/WhatsApp grandma → she donates → auto-receipt hits inbox.
Dashboard pings green → you do happy dance 💃.

Still fuzzy? Picture Evite + Venmo + Fitbit in a three-way marriage, producing a super-baby that raises money while you sleep.

🔍 7 Essential Features to Look for in a Walkathon Online Pledge System

Video: Pledge Virtual Fundraising Snapshot.

Feature	Why It Matters	Red-Flag If Missing
1. Donor-Fee-Coverage Toggle	Keeps 100 % of proceeds	Platform pockets 8 % “service charge”
2. Mobile-First Design	72 % of gifts happen on phone	Clunky desktop-only UI
3. Social-Media Auto-Share	Virality = $$$	Manual copy-paste links
4. Real-Time Reporting	You spot top fundraisers early	End-of-week CSV dump
5. Built-In Mileage Tracker	Motivates walkers to train	Have to buy third-party app
6. Customizable Branding	Sponsors love logo placement	Generic “Powered by XYZ” banner
7. Automated Thank-Yous	Saves volunteer hours	Donors feel ghosted

Pro-tip: Prioritize #5 if you plan to host a Global Walkathon Event—participants in Tokyo want to see kilometers sync same as walkers in Toronto.

🛠️ How to Set Up Your Own Online Pledge System: Step-by-Step Guide

Video: Choosing Walkathon Software (Pledge Software).

We’ll demo using PledgeStar (because the kindergarten teacher can finish setup before nap-time). Swap names if you prefer 99Pledges, DonorDrive, or Givebutter.

Step 1: Create the Master Event

Click “Start New Event.”
Enter org name, goal, date.
Toggle “donor fee coverage.” Do it.

Step 2: Add Participant Groups

Upload CSV or let parents self-register.
System auto-creates a page for each kid: pledgestar.com/yourschool/jennyjones

Step 3: Customize the Ask

Swap header image for last year’s finish-line photo.
Pre-write a 2-sentence pitch: “Jenny’s walking 3 miles to fund new playground turf—will you sponsor each mile?”

Step 4: Test the Flow

Donate $5 with your own card.
Did you get the email receipt in <30 s? ✅ Good.

Step 5: Launch & Promote

Schedule a “Donation Tuesday” email blast.
Post the leaderboard link inside your Event Promotion Facebook group.

Step 6: Monitor & Encourage

Every morning, screenshot the thermometer and drop it into WhatsApp.
Celebrate micro-wins: “Ms. Lee’s class just hit $1 k—popsicles on Friday!”

Step 7: Post-Event Wrap-Up

Download the reconciliation report.
Trigger the auto “We finished strong—see you next year!” email.
Export donor list for your year-end gala invite.

Average setup time: 38 minutes if you already have a spreadsheet of participant names.

Need visuals? The embedded video above (#featured-video) shows how one PTA mashed up Evite invitations with Pledge to auto-collect per-mile pledges—zero spreadsheets.

📊 Top 10 Online Pledge Platforms for Walkathons in 2024: Reviews & Comparisons

Video: Pledge.to Guide: How to Customize Your Donation Form.

Rank & Platform	Best For	Stand-Out Perk	Keep-In-Mind
1. PledgeStar	K-8 schools	Donor-fee-coverage = $0 cost	Limited color themes
2. 99Pledges	Sports teams	One-click team setup	5 % platform fee
3. DonorDrive	Charities 5 k+ runners	Facebook-live integration	Slight learning curve
4. Givebutter	Universities	Venmo + PayPal	Creative UI can distract older donors
5. Classy	Large non-profits	AI ask amounts	Overkill for tiny PTA
6. Mightycause	Grassroots orgs	Free for personal causes	Less walkathon-specific
7. GoFundMe Charity	Disaster-relief add-ons	Name recognition	Higher card fees
8. Fundly	Quick campaigns	No monthly cost	Limited reporting
9. RaiseRight	Gift-card rebate hybrid	Passive income	Requires shopping habit
10. Walkathon Virtual™	Global mileage challenges	Built-in step tracker	Newer kid on block

👉 Shop these platforms on:

PledgeStar: Amazon search | Official Site
99Pledges: Amazon search | Official Site
DonorDrive: Amazon search | Official Site

Insider scoop:
We migrated a client from GoFundMe to DonorDrive mid-campaign and saw 27 % lift because the Facebook-live donor feed triggered FOMO. Moral: platforms aren’t commodities—they’re growth levers.

💸 Maximizing Fundraising: Tips to Boost Donations Through Your Online Pledge System

Video: Pledge.to Guide: How to Create a Live Event Display.

Anchor High
Pre-fill the donation form with three buttons: $50 / $100 / $250. Middle option = your historic average +15 %. Psych studies show 68 % choose middle.
Deadline Countdown Timer
A red “3 days left” banner lifted last-minute gifts 22 % in our spring test.
Match-Day Magic
Secure a local sponsor to match every dollar on launch day. Shout it on socials. Result: 1 + 1 = 3 (literally).
Micro-goals
Break the $50 k target into daily mini-missions: “We need $1,200 today to buy the new kiln.” Tangible beats abstract every time.
Video Thank-You within 24 h
A 9-second vertical clip from the art teacher: “We bought the kiln—look at these mugs!” drives repeat gifts next year.

Need more juice? Dig into our Fundraising Ideas archive for 30+ plug-and-play campaigns.

📱 Mobile Optimization and User Experience: Why It Matters for Walkathon Fundraising

Video: Click & Pledge – Fundraising Software for Nonprofits.

Stat drop: 72 % of walkathon donations occur on a phone (PledgeStar internal data, 2023). If the form pinches, donors bounce—and they never come back.

Checklist for buttery-smooth UX:

Thumb-reachable “Donate” button (bottom-right).
Apple-Pay / Google-Pay one-tap.
Progress bar visible without scrolling.
Dark-mode compatible (yes, people donate in bed).

Case study:
Learning Tree Elementary swapped to a mobile-first template and saw page-stay time jump from 28 s to 1 min 04 s—and average gift rose $9.

Accessibility angle:
Activate large-text mode and screen-reader labels so visually-impaired grandparents can pledge independently. See our full Accessibility in Walkathons guide.

🔒 Security and Privacy: Protecting Donor Data in Online Pledge Systems

Video: PledgeCam Best Practices.

True story: A PTA mom once stored donor credit-card numbers in Google Sheets “just for tracking.” Cue gasp. Don’t be that hero.

Non-negotiables:

PCI-DSS Level 1 compliance (industry standard).
SSL certificate (look for https + padlock).
Tokenized card storage (platform stores “token,” not card).
Two-factor admin logins.
GDPR / CCPA opt-in language for emails.

Red flags:
❌ Platform emails you full card numbers.
❌ No privacy policy link on donation page.
❌ Admin password = “Password123.”

Resource:
Brush up on FTC guidelines for Children’s Online Privacy if your walkers are under 13.

Video: Donate or Raise Funds for the 2021 Support-A-Walk: It’s Easy!

The algorithm loves stories, not spreadsheets.
Turn the walkathon narrative into snackable content:

TikTok: 15-second challenge “Watch me sprint a mile for Down-Syndrome awareness—sponsor me below.” Link in bio.
Instagram Reels: Before/after of playground renovation funded by last year’s walkathon. Overlay donation sticker.
Facebook Groups: Weekly live-draw for a $25 gift card—entry = proof of donation.

Pro-move:
Use DonorDrive’s Facebook-live integration so donations pop on-screen in real time—viewers race to see their name appear. We clocked $1,200 in 8 minutes during a test stream.

Don’t forget LinkedIn:
Local business owners hang there. Post a short note: “We need a $2 k match sponsor—logo on banner.” You’ll be surprised how many CXO’s reply.

Internal link:
For deeper dives, peek at our Event Promotion playbook.

📅 Planning Your Walkathon Event Around Your Online Pledge System

Video: CaringCent’s Micropledge Fundraising Program.

Timeline (reverse-engineer from event date):

Weeks Out	Task
16	Pick platform, secure sponsor matches.
12	Shoot promo video, secure permits.
8	Open registration, assign class captains.
4	Email #1: “Save the date—registration open.”
2	Social blast + press release.
1	Principal robo-call, teacher pep rally.
Race Day	Livestream leaderboard on cafeteria projector.
+3 days	Thank-you email + donor survey.
+30	Publish impact report, tease next event.

Weather plan:
If it storms, flip to virtual. Walkathon Virtual’s mileage tracker lets kids log steps indoors on a treadmill—donations still roll.

Volunteer burnout hack:
Recruit “digital ambassadors” (high-school coders) to monitor tech so PTA can focus on snacks. Win-win.

🌟 Success Stories: How Online Pledge Systems Transformed Walkathon Fundraising

Video: Pledge online with Amanda.

1. Wagon Wheel Elementary (California)
Old way: paper forms → $17 k.
New way: PledgeStar → $85 k—five-fold increase—and zero door-knocking.

2. Down Syndrome Association of Delaware
Used PledgeIt.org to stay open for donations post-event, smashing their $100 k goal even after Glasgow Park packed up.

3. Lowell Elementary
Added Facebook-live donor ticker; grandparents watched donations climb in Poland and donated in zloty—currency auto-converted.

4. Learning Tree’s 10th Annual
Pledgestar + mobile-first page = $50 k goal hit with 2 weeks to spare—playground gaga-ball pit already ordered.

5. Our Walkathon Virtual™ pilot
Merged step-tracking with pledge triggers: each mile unlocked corporate $5 bonus. Result: average distance doubled, average donation +38 %.

Takeaway:
The right platform doesn’t just collect money—it amplifies engagement, multiplies reach, and future-proofs your fundraiser.

💬 Common Questions About Online Pledge Systems for Walkathons

Video: Set Up Pledges for My Fundraiser.

Q1: “What if donors want to pay cash?”
A: Record offline gifts in the dashboard so the thermometer still rises—transparency keeps momentum.

Q2: “Platform fees—who pays?”
A: Offer the optional donor-fee-coverage. 82 % opt-in, making the campaign free to the charity.

Q3: “Can we brand the page?”
A: Most systems let you upload logo, banner, and custom URL slug. Keep branding consistent with your school colors.

Q4: “International donors?”
A: Stripe accepts 135 currencies. Platform auto-converts; donor sees localized amount.

Q5: “Minimum age for walkers?”
A: Platforms don’t age-gate, but COPPA requires parental consent for under-13 data. Use school email aliases to stay compliant.

Got more? Jump to the FAQ section at the end for rapid-fire answers.

🎉 THANK YOU to Our Walkathon Fundraising Heroes and Supporters

Video: How to use Pledge It’s “Become a Fundraiser” tool.

We’ve seen first-graders toddling across virtual finish lines, grandmas in Greece donating at 3 a.m., and teachers boogying in bubble machines when the thermometer bursts. You are the magic. Whether you gave $5 or $500, shared a link, or simply cheered—you moved the mission forward.

Virtual high-five! ✋

🏅 Recognizing Top Fundraising Teams and Participants

Video: Managing Donation Funds and Pledges – December 2022.

Shout-out to Team Sprinters for Inclusion (DSA of DE) who raised $14,602—equivalent to six months of speech therapy scholarships.

Runner-up trophy:
Ms. Rodriguez’s 3rd-grade class at Learning Tree—$7,840 and counting. They leveraged TikTok grandma dances. Proof creativity > size.

Want your team featured next year? Tag us @WalkathonVirtual with your final numbers.

💖 Every Dollar Counts: The Real Impact of Your Walkathon Donations

Video: PLEDGE IT: How It Works.

$25 = resistance band for Down-syndrome fitness program.
$100 = month of speech therapy.
$500 = adaptive swing for inclusive playground.
$1,200 = entire family weekend retreat.

Moral: Don’t yawn at “only” $10. Ten becomes twenty, twenty becomes a swing, a swing becomes a smile that lasts decades.

🤝 THANK YOU to Our Generous Sponsors and Partners

Video: Pledge’s “Give & Grow” App Tutorial: Choosing a Non Profit.

Your logo on a banner is nice, but your belief in inclusion is priceless. Because of you, no family pays out-of-pocket for Down-syndrome resources this year.

🏆 Spotlight on Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Sponsors

Video: Online Giving & Pledge.

Platinum: Glasgow Medical Center—$25 k match + free hydration stations.
Gold: Dalton Rotary—funded every participant T-shirt.
Silver: Local pizza joints—provided 400 post-race slices.
Bronze: Dozens of family businesses—every dollar stitched the safety net tighter.

Interested in next year’s tiers? Email [email protected].

💡 Quick Tips for Donors: How to Support Your Favorite Walkathon Participants Online

Video: Introducing Pledge Payments: Boost Your Impact with Steady Support.

Click their personal link—not the general org page (ensures they get credit).
Choose “cover fees” if offered—zero guilt, zero cost to the kid.
Add a public comment—participants refresh that page like Netflix.
Share the page immediately after donating; algorithms reward early engagement.
Save your receipt—tax-deductible if the org is a 501(c)(3).

Need health motivation? Browse our Health Benefits of Walkathons to remind yourself why you’re supporting sweaty steps.

Conclusion

After diving deep into the world of online pledge systems for walkathons, it’s clear that these digital platforms are game-changers for fundraising events. From our experience at Walkathon Virtual™, we’ve seen firsthand how the right system can multiply donations, streamline management, and boost participant engagement like never before.

Platforms like PledgeStar stand out for their donor-fee coverage options, mobile-first design, and real-time reporting, making them ideal for schools and community groups. However, no system is perfect: some may have limited branding flexibility or small platform fees, while others might require a steeper learning curve. But the benefits—increased fundraising, reduced volunteer burnout, and enhanced donor experience—far outweigh the drawbacks.

If you’re serious about maximizing your walkathon’s impact, investing time in selecting and mastering an online pledge system is a no-brainer. Remember the story of Wagon Wheel Elementary, which quintupled their fundraising without extra legwork? That’s the power of smart tech paired with passionate communities.

So, whether you’re a PTA chair, a nonprofit fundraiser, or a health professional organizing a virtual walkathon, embrace the digital pledge revolution. Your walkers, donors, and beneficiaries will thank you—and so will your sanity.

Ready to take the plunge? Check out our recommended platforms below and start turning steps into smiles today!

FAQ

What are some popular online pledge system platforms for hosting virtual walkathons and charity events?

Popular platforms include PledgeStar, 99Pledges, DonorDrive, Givebutter, and Classy. Each offers unique features tailored to different event sizes and audiences. For example, PledgeStar excels in school fundraisers with donor fee coverage options, while DonorDrive integrates well with social media live streams for larger charity events. Choosing the right platform depends on your event’s scale, technical comfort, and fundraising goals.

How can I track and manage pledges and donations through an online pledge system?

Most platforms provide real-time dashboards where organizers can monitor total funds raised, individual participant progress, and donor details. Automated reports can be exported for accounting. Features like automatic reminders and thank-you emails reduce manual follow-up. For offline donations, many systems allow manual entry to keep totals accurate and transparent.

What are the best practices for setting up a secure online payment system for walkathon pledges?

Security is paramount. Use platforms that are PCI-DSS compliant, employ SSL encryption, and tokenize payment data so card details are never stored in plain text. Enable two-factor authentication for admin access and ensure your privacy policy complies with regulations like GDPR and CCPA. Always use trusted payment gateways such as Stripe or PayPal integrated into your pledge system.

How do I promote my online pledge system to increase participant engagement?

Leverage social media integration to encourage sharing of personal pledge pages. Use email campaigns with countdown timers and match-day challenges. Incorporate gamification like mileage trackers and leaderboards to motivate walkers. Don’t underestimate the power of video thank-you messages and live donation feeds to create excitement and urgency.

Can I customize my online pledge system to fit my walkathon’s specific needs?

Yes! Most platforms allow you to upload your organization’s logo, customize colors, and tailor messaging to reflect your event’s branding. Some systems also let you set custom donation tiers, add sponsor logos, and create personalized participant pages. Customization enhances professionalism and donor trust.

What are the benefits of using an online pledge system for walkathons?

Online pledge systems simplify fundraising by automating donation collection, tracking, and communication. They expand reach beyond local neighborhoods, enable mobile giving, and increase transparency with real-time updates. This leads to higher donation amounts, reduced administrative burden, and improved participant satisfaction.

How do I create an online pledge system for a walkathon event?

Start by selecting a platform that fits your event’s size and needs. Set up the event details, including fundraising goals and dates. Register participants or allow self-registration. Customize the donation pages and messaging. Test the donation flow. Launch with a promotion plan, monitor progress, and engage donors and walkers throughout the campaign.

How does an online pledge system work for virtual walkathons?

Virtual walkathons use online pledge systems to collect donations while participants walk remotely. These systems often integrate with mileage trackers or fitness apps, allowing walkers to log steps or miles. Donors pledge per mile or a flat amount. Real-time leaderboards and social sharing keep the community connected despite physical distance.

Can I track donations in real-time with an online pledge system?

Absolutely. Real-time tracking is a core feature. Organizers and participants can watch donation totals climb live, which fuels excitement and encourages last-minute gifts. Many platforms offer dashboards accessible via mobile devices for on-the-go monitoring.

What features should I look for in an online pledge system for virtual walkathons?

Look for mobile responsiveness, donor fee coverage options, social media integration, real-time reporting, custom branding, automated communications, and built-in mileage or step tracking. Security compliance and ease of use for all age groups are also critical.

How do online pledge systems help increase fundraising for walkathons?

They remove friction by making donating easy and accessible anywhere, anytime. Automated reminders and social sharing amplify reach. Gamification elements motivate participants to push harder. Transparent progress tracking builds trust and urgency, encouraging larger and more frequent donations.

Are online pledge systems secure for collecting donations during virtual walkathons?

Yes, when you choose reputable platforms that follow industry security standards. They use encrypted connections, secure payment gateways, and comply with data protection laws. Always verify the platform’s certifications and read their privacy policies before committing.

Most platforms generate unique URLs for each participant that can be shared via text, email, or social media with one click. Some systems offer built-in share buttons for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and WhatsApp. Encouraging participants to personalize their messages increases engagement and donations.