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Great
fundraising tips!
The
event is just around the corner, but that doesn't mean that
you can't raise a whole lot of money in a short amount of
time.
Be optimistic.
Excitement is highly contagious and it is important for potential sponsors
to feel how enthusiastic you are about their sponsorship.
Be committed.
When you raise funds for the MS Society, you are directly helping people
with MS and funding research about this mysterious disease. Try making
the first pledge yourself. When your friends, colleagues and family members
see your name and a contribution, they will see how serious you are.
Ask anyone and everyone.
Ask family and friends first. Once you've tackled the "easy ones," branching
out is simple. Next, ask clients, co-workers, clubs, anyone and everyone.
One top fundraiser asks everyone he knows to either join his team or
make a pledge. He has a huge team, but many more people make pledges!
Ask for a specific amount.
Consider keeping a separate pledge sheet for small and large donors.
Tell sponsors what your average pledge has been and then ask them to
beat it!
| Raise
$500 in just 9 days! |
| Day
1 - $25: Sponsor yourself $25. |
| Day
2 - $75: Ask two family members to sponsor you
$25. |
| Day
3 - $175: Ask five friends to contribute $20. |
| Day
4 - $225: Ask five co-workers to contribute
$10. |
| Day
5 - $275: Ask five neighbours to contribute
$10. |
| Day
6 - $325: Ask five people from your social or
sports group to contribute $10. |
| Day
7 - $350: Ask your boss for a company contribution
of $25. |
| Day
8 - $450: Ask five local merchants to sponsor
you $20. |
| Day
9 - $500: Ask two businesses you frequent (doctor,
health club) for $25. |
| It's
that simple! |
|
|
Ask for donations on pay day.
Timing is very important. "When" you ask is almost as important as "who" you
ask.
Make a list of places that
you spend money.
Donations to the MS Society are tax-deductible and we will be glad
to provide receipts. Don't forget doctors, dry cleaners, dentists, mechanics
and your favorite restaurants! And, don't forget all those friends who have
asked you to buy candy bars!
Send letters.
Send an announcement of your plan to participate to friends, business
associates, company and church, college or high school newsletters. Ask
for their support in writing!
Are you a member of a service
club?
Ask to be placed on the agenda at the next meeting. Ask the group to
vote to sponsor you, join your team or be volunteers!
Get matching gifts.
Contact your Human Resources Department to find out if your company
has a corporate matching gift program. If they do, secure and complete
a form to turn in with your pledges. This is an easy way to double your
total. Encourage your sponsors to ask their companies for matching gift
forms. Many sponsors are not aware that this is an option. Often, even
if a company does not have a matching gifts program, they will support
your efforts financially.
Save your spare change everyday.
You'll be surprised how much you'll save for your own pledge by the
time the event is here!
Ask vendors at your business.
Coffee, paper, delivery service, management company, copier technician,
and everyone who wants to maintain that friendly "business relationship" are
generally more than willing to contribute, especially since their
contribution is tax-deductable.
Learn as much as you can about
the MS Society and MS.
Call the MS Society or get online at www.mssociety.ca.
Stay motivated.
Keep in mind that sponsorships will earn you fabulous prizes for going
above and beyond the minimum donation. More importantly, you'll feel good
knowing that you made a difference in the life of someone with MS.
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