Fundraising Tips
The key to successfully raising funds is to be creative and have fun.
Here are some helpful tips:
START EARLY! Begin collecting donations as soon as you receive your pledge kit, and carry your sponsor sheet with you wherever you go. Keep a pledge sheet in your car. You never know when you’ll find a potential donor.
SET AN EXAMPLE. Make a strong personal pledge first! Your friends, family and co-workers will be more apt to sponsor an event that you are committed to yourself
ASK EVERYONE AND ANYONE FOR SUPPORT! Ask friends, family, co-workers, your employer, businesses you frequent, neighbors ask anyone willing to listen.
PUT THE LARGEST PLEDGE ON THE TOP LINE OF YOUR PLEDGE SHEET. Set the standard high for potential donors.
USE THE INTERNET. E-mail and Facebook are great ways to invite people to support your efforts. Be sure to take advantage of the great fundraising e-tools found at your Participation Center.
PERSONALIZE YOUR PARTICIPANT CENTER PAGE. You can change the layout of the page, write your own personal appeal and upload a photo. Start by viewing your Participant Center page now to see what your potential donors will see.
GET THE WORD OUT. Send e-mails. Leave voicemails. Distribute brochures. Create return address labels promoting your participation. Change the outgoing message on your voicemail or answering machine and the signature of your e-mail.
ASK PAST DONORS FOR AN INCREASE. Contact all donors from previous years and ask them to increase their pledge.
CONDUCT A LETTER-WRITING OR E-MAIL CAMPAIGN. Write or e-mail everyone you know and ask them to support you. Be sure to include a self-addressed stamped envelope or link to the Wisconsin Chapter website to make it easier for people to give. Personalize the communication by explaining how MS has affected you.
BE INFORMED ABOUT MS. People are more likely to give money to a cause they understand. Read the information about MS at the web site. If you would like more information or if you get a question you can’t answer, please call the Wisconsin Chapter.
ASK WITH ENERGY AND ENTHUSIASM! Talk about what your involvement means to you. Your excitement and commitment will shine through.
SHARE YOUR SUCCESS. After the event, let your supporters know about your success: the fun you had, how much money you raised, etc. Be sure to thank them for their donation.
DOUBLE YOUR DOLLARS! Your company may have a matching gifts program that can double or even triple your pledge dollars. Ask your supporters if their companies have matching programs. They can double their dollars on your behalf, too!
ALWAYS ASK. The worst a person can do is say no.
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