Road Cycling - MS150 - Creative Fundrising

Okay everyone -

I am now in the process of starting my fundraising for the Houston - Austin MS150 in April.

Does anyone have any creative ideas for generating fundrasing dollars?

So far I have used the traditional:

Letters to Friends, Business Partners, and Businesses I patronize.
Email to Friends
Bulletin Board at Work
Word of Mouth at Work
(and the same at my Wife's and parents office...hehe a 31 y.o. man having mommy and daddy raise funds for him....)

Thanks!

Rule #1 – Ask
Ask, Ask, Ask. It seems so simple, but it’s actually what most people think is the hardest thing to do. Ask. You can only raise money if you ask for it. The more people you ask, the more money you will raise. Ask, and ask again. Ask a lot, raise a lot. Imagine the sense of accomplishment you will feel when you raise double, even triple your pledge commitment, simply because you asked.

Keep Your Pledge Sheet with you Always!
You never know when you will run into a potential sponsor. When you do, you will be able to pull out your pledge sheet and get their actual pledges, versus their promise. Keep your pledge sheet with you, and be prepared to present it at a moment’s notice. Ask people for their support as part of your daily conversation.

Rule #2 – Ask for a pledge that matches your commitment.
Make the first pledge yourself. This will show your potential sponsors that you are serious about what you are doing and that you feel strongly enough to make the first pledge yourself.

Your commitment to ride is an awesome commitment and your expectations of yourself are high. Make sure your expectations of your sponsors are just as high. Don’t undersell what you are doing on behalf of the 350,000 people with multiple sclerosis in the United States.

People will give money based on how moved they are about what you are doing.
What you are doing is BIG! So ask BIG!

Your commitment to fight MS is serious. So make the act of asking a serious one as well. Don’t underestimate the importance of meeting with people…it demonstrates that this commitment is serious, important and you want them to join you on the journey through their contribution.

Rule #3 – Share your commitment with others.
Tell everyone you know what you are doing, and let them tell everyone they know; the excitement is contagious and your story will inspire others. The more genuine excitement you generate about your upcoming challenge and adventure, the more likely you are to reach more people and bring in more pledges.

Articulate to those you ask your reasons for doing the MS 150 Bike Tour Breakaway to the Beach. Take a moment to write down your thoughts. Is it because you have a friend or family member with multiple sclerosis? Is it because you want the challenge of riding over 150 miles? Your commitment will be the reason they choose to give a pledge to you. Ask for a pledge worthy of your commitment and present your pledge form.

Pledge Forms
Familiarize yourself with the pledge form. Read it, understand how it needs to be filled out. Become an expert on it so you can answer your donor’s questions. You will receive a few copies from the National MS Society, please feel free to make more copies or call a member of the National MS Society staff at 1-800-477-2955 so that they can send you more. Please make sure that your name is on every pledge form. Your donors can either return their donation directly to you or they can mail in their donation directly to the National MS Society office.

Basics of Fundraising
Even if you think you know the ropes, you're guaranteed to find some new ideas, so read on about three fundraising methods: 1) Face-to-Face, 2) Letter-Writing, and 3) Telephone. You can choose the one that is the most comfortable for you or use a combination of all three. Whichever method you pick, don't delay putting it in practice. The sooner you start, the sooner you'll see your $ climb well above the $200 minimum!

Face-to-Face

Face-to-face asking is the most effective way to raise pledges. We say, "It's easier than you think,” but we all know how it feels to ask someone for a contribution. You may fear rejection or feel embarrassed and nervous. Often all you lack is the confidence to ask donors for support. Be fully informed and the face-to-face request will be a breeze. Use the following topics and sources of information to build your confidence about asking a "prospect" to contribute to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
1. Remember you are asking for the contribution on behalf of the one-third of a million Americans with MS. Don't feel guilty or greedy -- you are being generous! You won't lose friends or business contacts. Your image will only be raised in their estimation.
2. Educate your potential sponsor so that they feel more comfortable about making a contribution. Use the information "Where does the money go?” to teach them how funds raised through the MS 150 Bike Tour will be used. Then your prospects will know exactly how their contribution will make a difference in the lives of people with multiple sclerosis in the Mid-Atlantic Chapter.
· Carry this handbook with you when recruiting sponsors. Or reproduce the information on “Where Does the Money Go?” as a handout to support your personal request. (Handouts give any request validity!) OR
· Create your own flashy flyer highlighting not only data about multiple sclerosis and the National MS Society, but also your own commitment to the MS 150 Bike Tour.
3. Treat your request as an everyday conversation. Don't start by apologizing! There is value in what you are saying. Build your request around your excitement and enthusiasm for bike tour and the fight against MS. Share stories about your excitement for the MS 150 Bike Tour and why your participation is important to you.
4. Finally, make the appeal personal. Ultimately, your friends, family, and coworkers will support you because it is you doing the asking.

Using these guidelines to keep you and your sponsor well informed will take all the awkwardness out of asking for pledges. You may even find yourself having fun! Certainly you'll feel good about advancing research and services for people with multiple sclerosis.

Putting Your Plan Together
Ideas:
• Put some Breakaway brochures on your desk at work. When co-workers ask what The MS 150 Bike Tour is all about, explain and ask them to help. (Extra brochures and holders are available from our office.)
• Pin your bike tour T-shirt on your office wall. Or create a badge/button to wear advertising your goal. Tell people that sponsoring you is a way for them to participate in the MS 150 Bike Tour without having to bicycle.
• Give donors an accurate record for tax purposes. Remind them that they will receive from our office an acknowledgment of any contribution over $75 paid by check. Or, we can give you receipts to hand donors in exchange for their cash donations.
• A pledge account is waiting for you at the chapter. Once you have registered, let us keep up with your accounting. Send your pledge checks or pledge forms to our office as soon as you receive them (please, no cash through the mail). Keep your own pledge file at home for safety’s sake and to assist in collecting from donors later.
• Get your donor’s check when they agree to sponsor you. Save them the trouble of remembering in September. Ask for contributions around payday or other times donors have cash handy, like when last year’s tax return check comes in!
• Create a challenge with any group of people: your coworkers, your pals at the gym or the golf course, the "girls-night-out" group, or just about anyone.
• Pass the buck -- Have your donors extend a challenge to other potential sponsors. They could attach written endorsements to your pledge sheet, communicate via e-mail, or issue a challenge in person: "I'm supporting Rick with a $100 pledge for five months. Will you match or beat that amount?"
• Take advantage of "peer pressure." Approach people in a group setting. Make a quick appeal before a business meeting, at a party, or in the break room at lunch. Ask folks to donate what they would spend on incidentals like movies, snack food, cocktails, or dry cleaning for a month.
• Try trading favors. Go to your neighbors and suggest, "If you sponsor me for $150, I'll take the carpool for an extra week."
• Pay attention to where you spend your money. Ask the manager of your local gas station, grocery store, coffee shop, hair salon, dry cleaner, or restaurant to make a pledge in return for your faithful patronage.
• Enlist a go-between. If a friend has an entree into a particular group, use them to make your appeal. Moms and Dads of cookie-selling Girl Scouts are very familiar with this routine!
• Remind your sponsors to use matching gifts. Many companies match their employee's donations to non-profit organizations. If donors’ companies are among them, they can double their pledge dollar.
• Start with "easy targets" -- your family and friends. Practice your technique and build your confidence with a few trial runs. Then go after the bigger marks.

Letter Writing
Letter writing is one of the most effective ways to raise money.

Send your letters to your:
· Business Associates (flip through your rolodex)
· Family, neighbors and faraway friends (take a look at your holiday card list)
· College alumni, fraternity/sorority members, clubs you belong to, professional organizations.

When writing your request letter, remember the following tips for success:

1. Always include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your letter and pledge sheet. Make it easy for your friends and family to respond.
2. Personalize your appeal. Use familiar details about yourself and your commitment to end the devastating effects of MS. Thank your business associates for their help in the past year and catch up with old friends and family.
3. Include a deadline as a gentle nudge to get those contributions in. Make a copy of the “Where Does the Money Go?” section and include it with your letter.
4. Follow up with a note or a phone call to those who have not responded. Send a thank you note once you receive a pledge. (HINT: After the MS 150 Bike Tour, include details of the event, even a photo and tell your donors how you did!)

Phone It In!
The telephone has become a popular part of fundraising in the past few years. It is one of the most effective and direct ways to reach out to a prospective list of contributors--particularly those you do not see on a daily basis, but who may need that “personal touch.”

There are seven easy steps to raising money over the telephone:

1. Develop your list. Determine who on your list needs to hear your voice. There is nothing wrong with contacting people that you have not had contact with in several years. Some of your friends and business associates may be better suited to a letter-writing campaign, but some need a personal touch.

2. Pick the best time to call. Some calls will be quick and some will take more time. Build a plan of who you are going to call and when--business associates and vendors are used to talking to you during the day, family and friends on weekends or evenings. (Avoid the dinner hour and late night calls.)

3. Do your homework. To avoid uncomfortable pauses, figure out what your request will be before you call.

4. Make the call! Once you place the call, people may wonder why you’re calling. Explain your commitment to help end the devastating effects of MS by participating in the MS 150 Bike Tour, then state your fundraising goal and ask your friend for their assistance by asking for a specific amount. Remember, silence is not a “no.” Wait until your prospect has responded to your initial request before you suggest a different amount.

5. Say Thanks! Regardless of the outcome, thank them for their time, consideration and support. If you find that someone is unable to assist financially, invite them to volunteer at the event.

6. Follow up. It may seem like a detail, but it’s a critical step in fulfilling your goal and showing your appreciation to your donors. Remember to personalize your thank you with the donor’s name and amount of the contribution you agreed upon over the phone. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope – it makes it easier for them to send in their contribution.

7. Have fun! If you sound excited about the MS 150 Bike Tour and the fight against MS, it will be contagious. You can challenge your friends to match your contribution – by either joining you on the MS 150 Bike Tour or sponsoring you with a match of your own personal contribution. It’s important that your sponsors understand your personal commitment

Now is the time to work witl local shops and clubs.

Now is when it helps if you were nice and not naughty with shops and clubs.

Some may not be able to help but ask them if they can help pass out information and such. That they all should be able to do for you. Help you gain exposure.