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Fundraising Tips & Tools

1. Start now
There’s no time like the present. And results show the sooner you start, the more you’ll raise.

Testimonial
Ask early & ask often." – Chris Lennert

2. Know your networks
Make a list of every person you know -- friends, family, neighbors, acquaintances, and business associates. You have just created your donor list.

3. Aim high
Set a goal that seems just out of reach. It will inspire you and the people you’re asking for support. A World Free of MS is going to take everything we can collectively raise.

4. Be ready to educate
People may have questions. Luckily, we have lots of answers. What is MS? Progress in MS research.

5. Give to yourself
You’ll set the example and kick-start your fundraising!

Testimonial
Donate a dollar to yourself now and then so that your total doesn't end in a '0' or '5'. People will tend to add 4 dollars to their donation to round out the number. Works every time!" – Mike Figliulo

6. Set up your fundraising page to tell your story
Within the participant center, you have your very own web page. Be sure to customize it with your story and your pictures.

Another great way to tell your MS story is to blog within your Participant Center.

Testimonial
When you sign up to fundraise one of the tools available on your personal page is a blog. I post something every week. People can like or comment just like any other blog except this is integrated into your personal page."

"Use the blog tool regularly. I have found that about half of my email list goes to the blog regularly to read. If they are getting that far, they are only a click away from donating."
– Kevin Fischer

7. Ask far and wide!

Many think the initial ask can be difficult, but it's easier if you tell everyone WHY you are doing what you are doing. The excitement is contagious and your story will inspire others. Your commitment and passion will be the reason they choose to give you a donation! Remember, you aren't asking them to give YOU a donation, you're giving them an opportunity to make a difference in the world THROUGH your activity!

Testimonial
Create an email campaign that shares the real-life challenges of one person that you know that has MS. Include pix if possible. Mail broadly to everyone you know." – Craig Mason
Testimonial
Ask anyone and everyone. If you don't ask, then the answer is always no." – Kevin Fischer
Testimonial
Facebook does well for me. So does sending a letter to professionals to whom I give a lot of business (my vet, my doctors, the dealership where I bought my last car, etc) -- they often have a budget for things like this to show appreciation to their customers and to give back to the community." – Kelly Knox
Testimonial
Just ask. Every donation counts. This year i raised the most I have ever raised in the 7 years I have been riding. This year we held a very successful 50/50 raffle. I also make sure I thank each and every person who donates" – Brittinee Huntley

8. Share your progress

Bike MS Facebook screen

9. Be thankful

Testimonial
Share a lot and try to give someone something back when they donate. I sold cheesecakes to raise money, but you don't always have to sell something. Make sure they at least get a thank you note (which is just polite anyway), but personalize it with a photo or a story about how why you're doing this." – Kelly Rodriguez

10. Use the Facebook app

Download the Fundraising with Facebook app.

Fundraise_with_Facebook

11. Go mobile on iOS/Android

Fundraise on the go with mobile. iPhone/iPad | Android

   

12. Get social, and creative!

Testimonial
Utilize FB sharing. I always get help unexpectedly from friends I might never have considered asking." – Lisa Hanson Tilley
Testimonial
I do well on Facebook. Share facts about MS & give public shout outs to those that support you. Many times people think , "oh, I'll do that!" But if they only see it once, they'll forget. So keep the reminders coming!" – Daralee Champion

There is so much that can be done on Facebook, such as this example here by Sarah Klein. Competitions, public thanks, tons of fun—follow her lead!

Bike MS Share Facebook

13. Ask again!

Testimonial
Ask EVERYONE...twice." – Eddie McKeon
Testimonial
Ask EVERYONE you know to donate. Most will and surprisingly [it's] those you least expect." – Tara Sweitzer Jones

14. Double your impact with matching gifts

Testimonial
Also ask around about matching donations. A lot of companies do it for their employees, but a lot of companies also do it for good customers. One kid on our team is having every donation matched by his bank, for instance." – Kelly Rodriguez

Find out more about matching gifts on our matching gifts page.

15. Have fun

We're all serious about ending MS, but this is also about having fun in the process. The combination of having fun and having a huge impact on people affected by MS will have a huge impact on you.

16. The 4 + 1 Ask

The 4 + 1 Very Simple, Very Easy, Not-At-All Intimidating Steps to an Ask, by Jeff Shuck

17. We're here to help

Society staff is here to help! Contact us.

Thank you to our national sponsors

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