50 FOR 50 MARATHON
50 RUNNERS FOR 50 YEARS OF LEGACY & IMPACT
Welcome to Team King's Trust USA!
We're so excited to have you join The King's Trust USA's 50-for-50 Marathon Campaign.
By taking on this challenge, you're helping us mark the 50th anniversary of The King's Trust by rallying runners across the country to raise support, awareness, and momentum for young people as they step into their futures. This campaign is about more than miles or finish lines — it's about showing up for young people, believing in their potential, and helping unlock opportunities that can change the trajectory of their lives.
This toolkit is designed to make your experience simple, supported, and enjoyable from start to finish. Whether you're setting up your fundraising page, sharing your story on social media, reaching out to your network, or helping us grow the team, you'll find practical tools, templates, and guidance to help you feel confident every step of the way.
There's no single "right" way to fundraise or participate. Use what feels authentic to you, skip what doesn't, and make this experience your own. And remember — you're not doing this alone. Our team is here to support you, answer questions, and cheer you on throughout the journey.
Thank you for being part of Team King's Trust USA. We're so grateful to have you with us and can't wait to see the impact we'll make together.
Contents
  • How to Use This Toolkit
  • Quick Start Checklist
  • Key Contacts & Support
  • About The King's Trust
  • Our Work in the United States
  • Why This Work Matters
  • Setting Up Your Personalized Fundraising Page
  • How to Talk About The King's Trust in 30 Seconds
  • Fundraising Basics & Strategy
  • Fundraising Ideas
  • Email Templates
  • Social Media Templates
  • Recruitment & Outreach Toolkit
  • Digital Assets and Videos
How to Use This Toolkit
This toolkit gives you:
  • Templates you can copy and paste
  • Ready-to-use social media posts
  • Ideas for creative photos/videos
  • Tips to personalize your fundraising page
  • Language for recruiting runners, teams, and clubs
  • Everything you need to meet (and exceed!) your fundraising goal
Use what feels right, skip what doesn't, and reach out if you need help — we're here for you.
This toolkit is designed to make your experience simple, supported, and fun — whether you're fundraising, posting on social media, or helping us grow the team.
Quick Start Checklist (Your First 48 Hours)
01
Set up your page
Create your personalized fundraising page with photo and story
02
Choose your goal
Set an ambitious but realistic fundraising target
03
Send 5–10 email asks
Reach out to your closest connections first
04
Post your launch
Share on social media with your fundraising link
05
Add your link
Include in email signature and Instagram bio

Completing these steps gives you a strong start and boosts early giving.
Building Your List: Who to Ask
Fundraising works best when you start with your warmest, most natural connections.
Here's a simple way to build your list:
Start with:
  • Family
  • Close friends
  • Classmates/teammates
  • Colleagues
  • Mentors
  • Alumni groups
  • Community orgs
  • Run clubs
  • Fitness studios
  • Online communities
Then add:
  • Prior fundraisers
  • Frequent supporters
  • People who comment/engage
  • Friends with matching-gift employers

Pro Tip: People give because you asked — not because you wrote the perfect message. Your network is bigger than you think. Start wide.
Calendar Moments That Are Great for Fundraising
Some days throughout the year naturally spark generosity or attention — and they're perfect moments to share your fundraising page or send a quick update. Use these for email, social media posts, or one-on-one outreach:
Seasonal/Holiday:
  • New Year
  • MLK Day
  • Valentine's Day
  • First day of spring
  • Back-to-school season
  • Thanksgiving week
  • Giving Tuesday
  • End-of-year giving
Personal:
  • Birthdays
  • Run-anniversaries
  • Training milestones
  • Halfway-to-goal updates
  • Match-donor days
Training:
  • First long run
  • First double-digit mileage
  • Weekly mileage highlights
  • Before/after moments
Workplace:
  • Volunteer days
  • Offsites
  • Newsletters/ERGs
  • Team introductions
These moments make fundraising feel natural, timely, and more engaging for your supporters.
Key Contacts & Support
General Questions:
Fundraising support, recruitment help:
Natalie Newhard — Development Associate
Institutional Philanthropy:
Leah Weeks – Head of Institutional Philanthropy
ABOUT THE KING'S TRUST
Nearly fifty years ago, His Majesty King Charles III founded The King's Trust (formerly The Prince's Trust) with one simple belief: when a young person is given a fair chance, they can change the course of their life.
Since then, the Trust has stood beside young people at the moments when it matters most — the moments when confidence is low, opportunities feel out of reach, and one decision can shape an entire future. Through mentorship, skills-building, and real-world experiences, millions of young people have unlocked possibilities they once thought were closed to them.
Today, The King's Trust operates in more than 25 countries and has supported over 1.3 million young people. In just the last five years, three in four young people we worked with moved into work, education, or training — proof of what can happen when potential meets opportunity.
Our Work in the United States
The King's Trust USA was established in 2019 to expand this mission across the U.S. We believe that every young person — no matter their background, ZIP code, or circumstance — deserves the tools and support to build a future they can be proud of.
After a national assessment of youth needs, we launched our first U.S. program in 2023: Enterprise Challenge, a team-based entrepreneurship competition (think Shark Tank for middle and high schoolers). Young people work together to solve real problems, pitch sustainable business ideas, and strengthen essential skills like teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving. This past year, the program reached students in New York, Chicago, Orlando, Detroit, and San Jose.
In 2024, we expanded our U.S. work with Get Hired, an employment-readiness program that helps young people build confidence, gain practical experience, and connect with the networks they need to access meaningful work. In 2025 it ran in New York, Chicago, and Detroit, with Los Angeles and the Bay Area joining this year.
Why This Work Matters
Every young person we meet has talent. What they often lack is access — to guidance, to opportunity, to someone who believes in them. The King's Trust exists to change that.
When you fundraise and run with us, you're doing far more than completing a marathon. You're helping a young person take their first step toward a future they might not have reached alone. You're opening a door that could change the trajectory of a life — and often, an entire family.
"By helping young people improve their lives and prospects, The King's Trust is contributing to social mobility and clearly improving the life chances of the next generation as a result."
In November 2023, The Prince's Trust became The King's Trust, honoring our Founder's continued leadership as His Majesty King Charles III. Our mission remains the same: to help young people learn, earn, and thrive — and to make sure no young person is left behind.
You can learn more about the work of The Trust in our annual reports.
Getting Started
Setting Up Your Personalized Fundraising Page
To get you up and running (literally) with your fundraising, please follow these steps to set up your fundraising page. It should only take a few minutes.
1. Open your unique fundraising link
Click your personalized fundraising link in the same email as this toolkit. This will take you to your King's Trust USA fundraising page.
  • If you already have an account, log in with that email and password.
  • If not, create a new account using the email you'll use for race and fundraising communications.
2. Confirm your basic details & set your goal
Once you're logged in, make sure your name and information appear the way you'd like them to show on your public page.
  • Set a fundraising goal that feels ambitious but realistic for you.
  • Double-check that the charity is listed as The King's Trust USA.
3. Personalize your page (this is the most important part)
Take a couple of minutes to make the page feel like you:
  • Upload a photo of yourself (or a training photo) so people immediately recognize that it's your page.
  • Add a short headline (for example: "Running My Marathon for Young People" or "26.2 Miles for The King's Trust USA").
  • Write 3–5 sentences explaining:
  • That you're running a marathon in support of The King's Trust USA
  • Why this cause matters to you
  • How donations will help support young people through King's Trust programs
Aim for clear and personal over perfect — your own voice is what motivates people to give.
4. Save and preview your page
Before you start sharing:
  • Save or update your changes.
  • Use the preview option to see what your page looks like to donors.
  • Copy your unique fundraising link (you'll use this everywhere).
5. Start sharing your fundraising link
Once your page looks good, start getting it out into the world:
  • Post on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn with your link and a short message about why you're running.
  • Send a quick email to family, friends, colleagues, and mentors including your link.
  • Share the link in group chats or WhatsApp, and consider adding it to your Instagram bio or email signature during your campaign.
6. Keep your page active throughout training
As you train, you can:
  • Post updates (long run milestones, training highlights, race-day countdowns, etc.).
  • Use the platform's tools to thank donors and track your progress toward your goal.
How to Talk About The King's Trust USA in 30 Seconds
Full Version
"The King's Trust USA is part of the global network founded by His Majesty King Charles III to help young people build confidence, develop skills, and move into work, education, or training. We fund programs across the U.S. and around the world — including entrepreneurship programs for middle and high school students and employment-readiness programs for young adults.
The 50-for-50 Marathon Campaign celebrates 50 years of impact by rallying runners across the country to support young people as they take their next steps toward their futures."
A shorter version for quick conversations:
"The King's Trust USA helps young people build skills, confidence, and pathways into work or education. I'm running as part of their 50-for-50 Campaign — celebrating 50 years of impact and supporting young people across the U.S."
An ultra-short version for a fast elevator pitch:
"I'm running for The King's Trust USA — His Majesty's global youth charity helping young people build confidence, skills, and opportunities to move into work or education."
Fundraising Basics & Strategy
Corporate Matching & Workplace Giving
Corporate matching is one of the easiest ways to increase your fundraising total with little extra effort. Many employers will match your gift 1:1 (some even matching up to 5x) when you submit your donation through your company's giving portal.
You can include this simple sentence in emails or social posts:
"Many workplaces offer matching gifts — a quick way to increase your impact with one extra step."
Encourage donors to:
  • Search their employer's intranet for "matching gifts"
  • Email HR or People Operations
  • Screenshot or forward their match donation confirmation to their company's matching team
Craft Your "Why I'm Running" Story
Sharing why you care is one of the most powerful fundraising tools you have.
Here's an easy framework to help you define it:
Why this marathon?
Why The King's Trust USA?
What inspires you about this mission?
What impact do you want to help create?
What's one moment from training or life that connects to this cause?
Keep it to 3–5 sentences and use it in:
  • Emails
  • Social media posts
  • Texts to friends
  • Conversations during training
  • Recruitment outreach

Your "why" builds trust — and people respond to trust.
Fundraising Ideas
Easy and realistic:
  • "Sponsor a Mile" (donors pick a mile to support)
  • Ask your workplace to share your page internally
  • Office coffee morning or bake sale
  • Training-day livestream or reel
  • Birthday fundraiser (if timing fits)
  • A matching challenge: "I'll match the next $200 that comes in today."
Fundraising Timeline (Simple + Effective)
12+ Weeks Out
  • Launch your fundraising page
  • Share your first social media post
  • Send your first email ask
  • Recruit potential runners
  • Reach out to run clubs or share leads with KTUSA
8 Weeks Out
  • Post a training update
  • Highlight matching gifts
  • Text close friends and family
  • Share your fundraising link internally at work
4 Weeks Out
  • Send your "I'm halfway there" email
  • Post a behind-the-scenes training update
  • Encourage supporters to double their gifts through matching
Race Week
  • Post your final push message
  • Send one more email to your network
  • Share your fundraising total after race day
Email Templates
Spread the word to your friends and family using email. There are so many people willing to help if you are willing to ask in a way that educates and empowers them to get involved. Using an email template is an effective and easy way to communicate what you are doing, provide all the steps for making a donation, say thank you for donating, and more.
The templates below are available for your use, but if you want to send one that is completely your own, please do — authenticity always goes a long way.
Tips for How to Best Use the Email Templates
Each of these templates can be customized with a personal message to supporters. Any placeholder or highlighted text should be tailored to your own experience before sending.
Make sure to use an eye-catching subject line to grab people's attention. We strongly encourage you to add a personal note explaining why you're supporting The King's Trust USA.
General Donation Ask

Subject: Help me make every mile count
Hi [Recipient Name],
This year, I'm running a marathon as part of The King's Trust USA's 50-for-50 Marathon Campaign — a nationwide effort celebrating 50 years of impact by rallying runners across the U.S. to support young people.
Why 50-for-50?
For five decades, The King's Trust has helped young people build skills, gain confidence, and access opportunities that allow their talents to shine. This campaign celebrates that legacy and invests in the next generation of young people who are ready to take the next step toward their goals.
My personal goal is to raise [insert amount], and every gift directly supports programs that give young people the tools, guidance, and encouragement they need to move forward — whether that's entering the workforce, continuing their education, or starting something of their own.
[If you'd like to share a personal connection to The King's Trust or why this cause matters to you, include that here.]
Any contribution truly makes a difference. And if your employer offers matching gifts, your donation may be doubled — an easy way to increase your impact with just a quick submission through your workplace benefits portal.
If you're able, I'd be so grateful if you would consider donating to my campaign. Your gift is fast, secure, and tax-deductible.
[Insert fundraising page link]
Thank you for being part of this milestone year and for helping make every mile matter.
[Sign-off]
Donor Thank You Template

Subject: Thank you so much for your support!
Hi [Recipient Name],
Thank you so much for supporting my 50-for-50 Marathon Campaign in support of The King's Trust USA. Your generosity directly contributes to programs that help young people build confidence, gain new skills, and access opportunities that empower them to move forward.
If your employer offers matching gifts, your contribution may be eligible to be doubled — a simple way to extend your impact even further.
You can follow my fundraising progress here: [insert fundraising page link].
Thank you again for being part of this journey. I'm incredibly grateful for your support.
[Sign-off]
SOCIAL MEDIA TEMPLATES
Whether you're using your personal social media profiles or creating a dedicated social media page/account for your marathon journey, platforms like Instagram, X, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok are a great way to generate buzz and excitement!
Don't forget to tag us in your training and fundraising posts so that we can share, repost, collaborate, and amplify your commitment and achievements!

If you would like to use them, pre-designed graphics for posting have been shared with you via email! These are just a few to start with—more to come soon!
1. LAUNCH POST — Kickoff your campaign with excitement + purpose
It's official! This year I'm running [insert marathon name] as part of The King's Trust USA's 50-for-50 Marathon Campaign, celebrating 50 years of helping young people build the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to shape their futures.
This run is bigger than me.
It's about showing up for young people who are ready to take their next step — whether that's entering the workforce, continuing their education, or starting something entirely new.
If you feel inspired to support the campaign, I'd be incredibly grateful. And if your workplace offers donation matching, your impact can go even further with one quick step.
Join me here → [insert link]
Let's make these miles matter.
To stay updated on my journey and the latest from The King's Trust USA, you can sign up for their newsletter here and follow them on Instagram at @kingstrustusa
2. MID-TRAINING UPDATE: For weeks 4–10 of training, when people engage most
Training for [insert marathon name] is no joke... but every long run reminds me why I signed up for The King's Trust USA's 50-for-50 Campaign in the first place.
Each mile is a reminder of what this campaign stands for: creating opportunities, strengthening confidence, and helping young people build momentum toward the futures they want for themselves.
If you've been thinking about donating, this is a great moment to jump in. And if your company matches charitable gifts, your support can be automatically doubled.
My fundraising link is here → [insert link]
To stay updated on my journey and the latest from The King's Trust USA, you can sign up for their newsletter here and follow them on Instagram at @kingstrustusa
Whether it's a donation, a share, or simply cheering me on — it all makes a meaningful difference. Together, we can make this a record year for young people stepping into their futures with The King's Trust.
3. FINAL-WEEK COUNTDOWN: Use during the last 7–10 days when donations spike
One week until [insert marathon name] and I can't believe how fast this journey has flown. Running with The King's Trust USA's 50-for-50 Campaign has been one of the most meaningful commitments I've made. I'm in the final stretch of training and fundraising — and I'm so close to reaching my goal. If you've been considering supporting this effort, now is truly the moment.
Every donation helps fuel programs that support young people at key moments in their lives — from entering work to exploring new opportunities. And many employers offer matching gifts, which can amplify your impact immediately. If you're able, I'd be so grateful for your support:
[insert link]
To stay updated on my journey and the latest from The King's Trust USA, you can sign up for their newsletter here and follow them on Instagram at @kingstrustusa
Here we go!
4. POST-RACE THANK-YOU / GRATITUDE POST — Use the day of or the day after the marathon
I did it! [insert marathon name] is officially behind me, and crossing that finish line for The King's Trust USA's 50-for-50 Campaign is something I'll carry with me for a long time.
Thank you to everyone who donated, shared, checked in, or simply encouraged me along the way. Your support fuels programs that open doors for young people at key moments in their lives.
The campaign stays open for a short time, so if you haven't had the chance to support yet — or if your company offers matching gifts — you can still make a difference.
You can donate or share the link here:
[insert link]
This journey has been unforgettable, and I'm grateful to have shared it with you.
LONG-RUN DAY POST
Today was a long-run day — the kind that teaches you something. Endurance, patience, and a reminder that big goals are built one mile at a time. Training for [insert marathon name] as part of The King's Trust USA's 50-for-50 Campaign has become its own journey, and somehow each run makes me even more committed to this mission.
If you'd like to support the campaign, I'd be incredibly grateful. Many workplaces offer donation matching, which can quickly increase your impact. Every dollar truly helps shape the next 50 years of opportunity for young people everywhere.
[insert link]
To stay updated on my journey and the latest from The King's Trust USA, you can sign up for their newsletter here and follow them on Instagram at @kingstrustusa
Creative Visual Ideas:
  • A before/after split: frame one photo from the start of your run and one from the end.
  • "What I listened to today" screen recording: show your playlist or podcast.
  • A short voiceover clip: talk for 5–10 seconds about something your run (where you went, how it felt, an update on training progress, etc.)
  • POV run shot: hold your phone low and film your feet hitting the pavement.
  • A "runner's eye view" film: trees, skyline, buildings, bridges — a montage of everything you saw.
  • A time-lapse of your warmup routine: quick, energizing, and visually fun.
  • Creative text overlay: "10 miles. 10 thoughts. 10 reasons I'm running 50-for-50."
  • A polaroid-style collage of your route: map screenshot + a couple fun moments from the run.
  • Your Strava route
BEHIND-THE-SCENES TRAINING POST
There's so much behind the scenes that doesn't make it into the neat little squares of social media — the early alarms, the mental pep talks, and the slow, steady progress that adds up over time. Training for [insert marathon name] with The King's Trust USA's 50-for-50 Campaign has been a reminder that momentum is built in the small moments no one sees.
If you'd like to support the campaign, you can do so below. Many workplaces match charitable gifts, which can instantly increase your impact. Every dollar counts, and I'm grateful for every bit of support as I take on this challenge.
[insert link]
Creative Visual Ideas:
  • "A day in the life" reel: 5-7 quick clips of your day — coffee, commute, stretching, run, work, recovery.
  • Your training bag dump: neatly lay out everything inside your running bag — gels, socks, headphones, KT logo.
  • Film your reflection: record yourself lacing up through a window reflection or mirror.
  • A micro-vlog: 10-15 seconds of chopped clips from your week.
  • A "runner math" meme: "If I run 4 miles today... that means I can eat [insert funny thing]."
  • "What I wish I knew before training" carousel: 3-5 tips.
  • Aesthetic flat lay: KTUSA colors, water bottle, bib mockup, motivational sticky notes, training calendar.
PERSONAL "WHY THIS MATTERS" POST
People ask why I'm running [insert marathon name] for The King's Trust USA's 50-for-50 Campaign, and honestly — it's because I deeply believe in what this celebrates. For 50 years, The King's Trust has helped young people step into their futures with confidence and possibility. That's something I want to run for. That's something I want to amplify.
If you'd like to be part of this milestone year with me, you can support the campaign below. Many workplaces match charitable gifts, which can make your support go even further. Your generosity helps shape what the next 50 years of opportunity can look like.
[insert link]
To stay updated on my journey and the latest from The King's Trust USA, you can sign up for their newsletter here and follow them on Instagram at @kingstrustusa
Creative Visual Ideas:
  • A sit-down confessional video: talk for 20–30 seconds about your "why." It doesn't need to be perfect — sincerity wins.
  • Photo series: 3 images that represent your "why" — your hometown, a classroom, a mentor, a journal entry.
  • Overlay old photos: childhood photo next to a present-day running photo with "Why I said yes."
  • Hold up a sign: write "My Why" on paper and film yourself flipping it over to reveal your reason.
  • Story-style carousel:
  • Slide 1: "Why I'm Running 50-for-50"
  • Slide 2: Your personal reason
  • Slide 3: Call to action + link
  • A voice memo turned video: record your voice explaining your why and place it over ambient clips of your city.
  • Quick interview format: have a friend ask you one question: "Why this marathon?" Film the answer.
RECRUITMENT & OUTREACH TOOLKIT
Why Recruitment Matters
Our goal is to build a nationwide team of more than fifty runners across multiple U.S. marathons. Recruiting new runners is one of the most impactful ways to support the 50-for-50 Campaign — and you can help us reach people, clubs, and networks we would never otherwise find.
You don't need to be an expert recruiter. All it takes is sending a message, mentioning the campaign during a run, or forwarding the link to someone who might love being part of it.
How You Can Help
Think about:
  • Run clubs
  • Fitness studios
  • Friends who run
  • Colleagues
  • Alumni networks
  • Professional associations
  • Corporate wellness or DEI groups
  • Your company's internal Slack channels
  • Friends in other cities with strong running communities
Send them a quick note — or send their info to us and we'll do the outreach.
If You Don't Want to Reach Out Yourself
We're more than happy to send messages, emails, or outreach on your behalf.
Send us:
  • The group/company/club name
  • A link (Instagram, website, etc.)
  • Any contact info (even just an email inbox)
  • A sentence on your connection (if you have one)

We'll take it from there — and you're welcome to be cc'd.
Templates for Recruiting Runners
Text/DM Version:
Hi [Name]! I'm running [marathon] for The King's Trust USA's 50-for-50 Marathon Campaign, celebrating 50 years of impact for young people. We're putting together a team and I thought you might be a great fit. Interested in hearing more? Zero pressure — just wanted to share it!
Email Version:
Subject: Join me for [Marathon Name]?
Hi [Name],
I'm running [marathon] as part of The King's Trust USA's 50-for-50 Campaign, marking 50 years of impact. We're building a team of runners across the country, and I immediately thought you might be interested.
If you're curious, I'd love to share more or connect you with the KTUSA team.
[Sign-off]
Run Club Outreach:
Subject: Partnership Opportunity: 50-for-50 Marathon Campaign
Hi [Club],
Wanted to share something exciting... I'm running [marathon] for The King's Trust USA's 50-for-50 Campaign, and we're looking for run clubs who might want to join the effort.
Would you be open to learning more or sharing with your members, colleagues, and friends? I'd be happy to connect you with the KTUSA team.
[Sign-off]
Corporate/ERG Outreach:
Subject: Employee Engagement Opportunity
Hi [Name],
I'm running [marathon] as part of the 50-for-50 Marathon Campaign with The King's Trust USA. I thought this could be a great fit for [Company/ERG] — either through employee participation, matching gifts, or sharing internally.
If this sounds interesting, I'd love to introduce you to the KTUSA team.
[Sign-off]
DIGITAL ASSETS AND VIDEOS
From adding The King's Trust USA logo to a digital flyer to posting a video on your social media, digital assets are an easy way to share your support of The King's Trust USA. They can also serve as a tool to share more about the work of The Trust with your network.
Videos to share: (Keep in mind that we have now officially rebranded to the King's Trust USA)
  • HM King Charles III Discusses the Legacy of The Prince's Trust: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYfM070nM50
Logo Usage Guidelines
Logo (sent via email) usage guidelines:
Clear Space
When working with the logo, to ensure good legibility and stand-out, it is recommended to leave adequate clear space around it. To determine this, the exclusion zone is 25% of the logo width and height. This space should never be encroached. Graphic elements must not enter the exclusion zone. The only exception is if the logo is laid over an image.
Background Colors
Against a white background the logotype may be shown in either red or black.
Against a medium-value background, for example Red, the logotype should be shown in white.
Against a very light background, the logotype should only be shown in black.
Against a black or very dark color background, the logotype should always be shown in white.
Best Practices
Ensure that our logo is clearly recognizable by using it in the form it was sent to you (please do not make any alterations to color, fill, brand name, etc.)
Position our logo at the bottom of your outreach materials, preferably bottom right.
Thank you for supporting The King's Trust USA.
Together, we can build better futures for young people!