Logging My Runs

10/31/12

Today I found a pretty cool way to record the long runs that I'll be going on - both for fun and for training.  I love that there are plenty of trails and woods in/near Akron, and this site allows me to track them with precise distance and elevation stats. 

I'm going to use MapMyRun, at least until I find a better site.  Here's a run I went on the other day.  It was pretty slow because of traffic, but it was slightly rainy and just really relaxing, especially once I got off the road and down into the trails. 

http://soc.li/oGTfmRj

I'm pretty sure that you can view my routes through these links even if you don't have an account.  Actually, if you are able to access the link, please leave a comment and let everyone know that you can - thanks! If you live in the area, I recommend this route, and if you don't, I'd love hear about your favorite places to run.

After the 2012 Akron Marathon.

 

Enjoy your running, and try to give back to your community however you can!

 

www.facebook.com/bwanderson2
@BrianWA33

Happy Halloween!

10/31/12

Happy Halloween! 

This is one of my favorite creepy songs!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JOwxnVoG6Q

Find me on Facebook and tell me what your costume was!
www.facebook.com/bwanderson2

Ideas From Other Blogs

10/29/12

I have seen some running blogs that are really interesting, where individuals record their runs, explore new trails, and offer advice on training.  There seems to be even more blogs about charities and fund-raising, where you can learn about different causes and how to participate, either through volunteering or donating.  Both of these kinds of blogs have given me a better idea of where I want to go with this, and here are some cool ones that you might not have seen before:

I Keep Running
http://www.ikeeprunning.com/
This guy Scott McMurtrey has documented his distance running since 2007, and has a lot of cool running stuff to share.

A Small Change
http://www.asmallchange.net/
This site talks about the way you raise funds, rather than specifically what to raise funds for.

The first two things that I need to do are raise money to incorporate my trust, and then incorporate it.  I will start to research the best way to incorporate, but I welcome advice from those more experienced than me.  I have a small network of experienced CPA's through the University, and I look forward to making use of their knowledge and expertise.

I think that I would like to plan on scheduling my first running fund raising campaign for this coming spring break, in March 2013.  Because of the 5-month maximum length of a campaign that (I think) exists on IndieGoGo.com, I'll be able to start fund raising by Thanksgiving!  The first round of fund raising will go towards incorporation, and any left over funds will be put toward registration as a 501c3 and creating a website for the trust. 

I will be prolific in my updates, as I know that a few of you have expressed interest in being kept in the loop as much as possible, and also because this is a great way for me to document the whole process.  If anyone has any questions or comments, as always, please leave them here.  Happy running, and please be on the look out for ways that you can give back to your community!

Brian

Game Plan

10/28/12

I found a simple "how to" framework for raising money through running from http://www.ehow.com/how_6917995_raise-money-running.html

I've edited in some on my own ideas and plans, and so here's what I'm thinking for now... 

Instructions - How to Raise Money By Running

 

1

Find an organization to support and an event to join. The organization here is my charitable trust and its various start-up costs; the event here are the running campaigns that I'll create on IndieGoGo.com.  Brainstorm injustices or issues in the world that really get you fired up, and get behind a movement you are passionate about. At first, my funds will be raised to establish the trust.  I've received slightly conflicting advice from different sources, but it sounds like registration fees can be up to $1000, and most have said that I should hire professionals to facilitate not only the organization itself, but the 501c3 tax status process as well.

2
Set up an online fundraising page. Like I mentioned in a previous post, I will mostly be using IndieGoGo.com for online donations, which I'll share through Blogspot, Facebook, and Twitter.  This is a tech-savvy and convenient way for your friends and family to donate. No stamps, no envelops, no checks--just a debit or credit card donation on your fundraising site. Many organizations have pages you can personalize to accrue donations. Set one up before you begin raising money.

 

3

Send out mass emails to friends and family about your efforts. Include lots of information about your chosen charity, as well as your plan to run for a cause. If running a marathon, include information about the training process. Include links to your fundraising page, as well as links to more information. Tell them exactly what you plan to do, when you will do it and your goals. Spell it out clearly for them so there is no confusion.  In addition to information about what I'm specifically raising money for, and the running events that I'll design for my fund raising campaigns, I look forward to post updates about training for anyone that's interested in the running-side of this whole process.

4

Encourage supporters to send money directly to the organization with a note that says it's through your fundraising effort, and make sure online donations go straight to the organization. Sending  funds straight to the charity makes people feel more comfortable about the process.  I am going to set up a new bank account to collect the initial funds, and once the organization is formed, the accounts and funds will all go in its name.  One cool idea that I think might increase community participation is allowing donors a vote in the official name of the organization, once I collect a finalist list of possible names.

5

Send out an update email or letter after you run the race, letting them know that you reached your goal, finished the race and couldn't have done it without their support. Show your supporters courtesy by following up and let them know that the organization will continue to need their support if they want to keep giving. 

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments about the fund raising process, and please connect with me on facebook www.facebook.com/bwanderson2 and twitter @BrianWA33

Brian Anderson

 

How to Raise Funds....At Least At First

10/28/12

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Steve Marks, who is the founder of the Akron Marathon and who has formed his own foundation.  It was inspiring to hear how Mr. Marks was able to unite the community with the marathon, while he raised money for important causes.  I ran the marathon this past September (my first ever!), and am happy that some of my registration fee is going back to the community.

During my 12 mile run yesterday, I thought that a fun way to raise money for at least the start up costs that I'll face forming this charitable organization, and then for obtaining 501c3 tax status as a philanthropic entity, would be to hold pledge-a-thons through running. 

I recently saw a fund raising campaign on IndieGoGo, which you can view here http://igg.me/p/244859, for which a young man will participate in endurance activities to raise money for an activity for foster kids.  I thought that if I could plan endurance challenges for myself, I might be able to increase community involvement and successfully raise funds for this charitable trust.  I truly love to run, and I hope to schedule fund raising campaigns that will have 100% of all funds put towards forming the organization. 

Let's say, for example, that if I can raise $1,000 I'll run from Akron to Cleveland.  Would you donate $10?  If I ran from Akron to Pittsburgh, would you donate $25?  Please leave any questions or comments that you may have.

Brian

Establishing the Trust and Raising Start Up Funds

10/27/12

I have a long journey ahead of me to get this charitable trust up and running, but my first tasks will be to figure out the administrative costs and procedures for actually establishing the trust. 

I will seek experienced advice from local professionals, to whom I may have access through the University, that have experience participating in, or even founding local charities.

In terms of fund raising, I have recently become aware of Indiegogo.com, an online fund raising platform, through which I can facilitate fund raising campaigns.  I look forward to posting my campaigns and, again, welcoming all of your support and contributions.  If anyone has any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them here.

From Zero to Charity

10/27/2012

For nearly a year I've wanted to form a charitable trust.  For a while I have felt compelled to give back to the community in some way, as many people do, but it was only last fall or winter when I decided that a charitable trust would provide the best structure for growing and lasting assistance that we can offer to both local and national causes.

I live in Akron, OH and I am a finance student in the MBA program at the University of Akron.  I have had a very good education, and already have over 3 years experience managing my own personal portfolio.  I want to form this trust, raise funds from like-minded contributors, and use my passion for investments and analytical training to grow a sustainable and profitable portfolio.

I look forward to learning about other charities, fund-raising efforts, and sustainable investment strategies.  I welcome any and all comments, and I look forward to welcoming your contributions in the future.

Brian Anderson