Learn how to turn your social media accounts into powerful tools for fundraising and support lifesaving breast cancer research with BCRF
Social media has the power to connect people, spark meaningful conversations, and inspire action worldwide. When you use your platforms to raise funds for breast cancer research, you’re not just posting—you’re helping to drive progress toward ending the disease in our lifetime.
Every click, comment, and donation you inspire helps the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) fund groundbreaking science that saves lives.
Read more below about how you can use your social channels for good.
What is social media fundraising?
Social media fundraising is a powerful way for anyone—no matter their experience or resources—to raise money for and awareness of breast cancer research. By using your social media account to share your personal connection to breast cancer, you can inspire friends, family, and followers to support BCRF’s mission.
Every social media fundraising campaign, regardless of size, helps fund real hours of research in a BCRF-supported lab. These platforms make it simple to engage your community, post updates, and connect people directly to the cause.
Getting started: How to create a social media fundraiser
When it comes to fundraising online, there are two main approaches:
- Create a BCRF fundraising page — a customizable page with a dedicated link you can share across your social channels.
- Use platform-based tools — such as Facebook or Instagram fundraisers — to allow people to donate to your efforts directly on those platforms.
Both options can make a real impact. Here, we’re focusing on the first approach: creating a BCRF fundraising page and promoting it through your social accounts. This method gives you greater flexibility to tell your story, share updates, and centralize donations in one place.
Launching a fundraiser is simple, and every post has the potential to inspire action. Engaging your social media followers can raise awareness, encourage donations, and unite your community to support breast cancer research.
1. Pick your reason
Celebrate a loved one, mark a treatment milestone, or choose any moment that matters to you. Personal milestones help people feel connected to your cause.
2. Choose you platform
Select the social media channel you use most—Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or X. You can use the platform’s fundraising tools or, for more flexibility, share the direct link to your BCRF fundraising page. Promoting your own page allows you to tell your story in greater depth, provide updates, and centralize all donations in one place.
3. Share your story
You don’t have to be a social media influencer to make an impact. Write a heartfelt, authentic message about why you’re fundraising for breast cancer research, and let your genuine voice shine through. Link to your BCRF fundraising page for more details and updates about your campaign.
4. Add a photo or video
A warm smile, a snapshot from your event, or engaging video content can make your post stand out and encourage more friends and family to support your fundraiser.
5. Ask and encourage
Include a clear call to action like “Donate here” or “Help me reach my goal,” and invite friends to share your post. The more your story is shared, the more people you can inspire to give.
Choosing the right platforms
Different social media platforms offer unique ways to connect with your audience and inspire donations. Choosing the right one—or a mix—can help you reach more people and keep them engaged.
For maximum impact, mix content types—such as live videos, stories, reels, and graphics—to engage audiences in multiple ways and keep your fundraiser in mind.
Why it works: The benefits of social media fundraising for breast cancer
Social media is one of the most accessible and impactful tools for raising funds and awareness. It allows people to share stories, inspire action, and stay connected with their supporters throughout a campaign.
- Accessible to everyone: Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or launching your first fundraiser, you can start a social media campaign with just a few clicks.
- Harnesses the power of your networks: Friends inspire friends, and posts can quickly spread through shares, hashtags, and tags.
- Turns small actions into significant impact: Even modest campaigns add up when communities rally together, helping fund research breakthroughs that save lives.
How to maximize reach, engagement, and momentum
A thoughtful approach can help your fundraiser connect with more people, strengthen relationships, and increase donations at launch and throughout the campaign.
Here are seven tips to help your social media posts potentially reach more supporters:
- Tell a compelling story: Share why breast cancer research matters to you. Personal stories create emotional connections that inspire action.
- Use impactful visuals: Photos, videos, and graphics can quickly convey urgency, hope, and progress in ways that words alone cannot.
- Go live: Hosting a livestream fosters real-time interaction, builds trust, and can prompt immediate contributions.
- Encourage sharing: Ask friends, family, and followers to share your post so your message reaches beyond your network.
- Use relevant hashtags: Incorporate breast cancer awareness hashtags to connect with a broader audience. And use BCRF hashtags like #BeTheEnd and #ResearchIsTheReason so we can see your posts.
- Post regular updates: Celebrate milestones, share progress toward your goal, and keep supporters engaged.
Show gratitude: Thank your donors publicly or privately. Genuine appreciation inspires continued support.
Examples of impactful campaigns for breast cancer
From birthday fundraisers that raised hundreds of dollars to community-led efforts that reached thousands, successful campaigns share common threads:
- Authentic stories
- Strong visuals
- Clear calls to action
- Frequent updates and thank yous
Here are just a few examples of how BCRF supporters have turned their ideas into meaningful impact:
Drew’s Annual Golf Outing
What began as one brother’s way of supporting his sister from afar during treatment has grown into a powerful, five-year tradition.
Since 2021, Drew and his family have hosted an annual golf outing on Mother’s Day weekend in honor of his sister that benefits BCRF and breast cancer research. Through the event and additional donations, they have raised over $80,000 for BCRF.
“Each year has brought its highlights, but what I find remarkable is the continued support. It’s a testament to the generosity of our community and how many families are affected by the disease,” Drew says.
Arjun’s Music for a Cause
When Arjun’s grandmother was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, he knew he had to act. Combining his passion for music and desire to make a difference, Arjun partnered with friends and community members to host @miltonsalonconcerts, raising nearly $3,000 for BCRF.
His event brought people together for an evening of connection and purpose, proving that creativity can be a powerful fundraising tool.
By adapting these strategies, you can create a fundraiser that feels personal—and powerful. Discover more online fundraising stories, and get inspired by how individuals make a difference.
Make a difference through social media
Your voice, your network, and your story can spark real change. Every post you share and every connection you make can help accelerate progress and improve outcomes for people impacted by breast cancer. Whether you launch a fundraiser, share an inspiring update, or use BCRF’s ready-to-go resources, you can harness social media to drive donations that fuel lifesaving research.
Join BCRF and turn your social media channels into a force for good to help fund lifesaving breast cancer research.
Frequently asked questions about social media fundraising
Post meaningful content explaining why breast cancer research matters to you. Include a direct link to a BCRF fundraising page or use a platform like Facebook or Instagram’s built-in donation tools. Add a clear call to action and updates that show how contributions are making an impact. Responding to comments and thanking donors helps build trust and momentum.
Tell your story, use awareness hashtags, tag supporters, and share BCRF’s graphics. Collaborate with friends who care about the cause or use tools like donation and link stickers. Consistent, heartfelt communication keeps your audience engaged.
Begin with a personal message or story and a meaningful photo. End with a clear call to action. For example, “I’m raising funds for breast cancer research through BCRF. Every dollar makes a difference. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Donate or share to help me end breast cancer!”
