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Border Walk organizers and mentors will support you in any and every way to help you meet your fundraising goals. If you need help, please contact us.
The bottom line is this. Don't be shy. The secret is to ASK. Be sure that no one in your life is safe from your plea. Don't make up someone's mind for them by failing to ask. Remember that most people really like to participate in a good cause. Be positive and enthusiastic and tell your story. Chances are good that the person you're talking to knows someone whose life has been touched by MS in some way. Keep in mind that fundraising is a great way to educate people about multiple sclerosis. And don't worry. It's not as hard as it sounds! Here's how you can do it too. Read through these fundraising tips and try your hand at the first one: $1,000 in 9 Days!
Top Ten Rules for Being a Good Fundraiser
Ask for a gift, don't wait. Someone else will ask if you don't.
Be professional and look pofessional.
Be accountable - personally and for your cause.
Be honest.
Speak with conviction for your cause.
If you can't ask, find someone who can.
A prospect is simply a donor without motivation. Your job is to provide the motivation.
A donor is a fundraiser who has yet to share their conviction with a friend. Ask them to do that.
A good fundraiser, then, is a friendly motivator. It's that simple.
A good fundraiser has a thick skin, a soft heart, exceptional hearing, a quick mind, a slow tounge, and no shame - at least when it comes to asking for a gift!
- Day One: Sponsor yourself for $50.
- Day Two: Ask 2 family members for $50 each.
- Day Three: Ask ten friends to contribute $20.
- Day Four: Ask five co-workers to contribute $20.
- Day Six: Ask 10 people from your church or temple for $10.
- Day Seven: Ask your boss for $50.
- Day Eight: Ask five businesses or vendors that your company works with for $40.
- Day Nine: Ask four businesses that you frequent to contribute $25
- Ask for a gift, don't wait. Someone else will ask if you don't.
- Be professional and look professional.
- Be accountable - personally and for your cause.
- Be honest.
- Speak with conviction for your cause.
- If you can't ask, find someone who can.
- A prospect is simply a donor without motivation. Your job is to provide the motivation.
- A donor is a fundraiser who has yet to share their conviction with a friend. Ask them to do that.
- A good fundraiser, then, is a friendly motivator. It's that simple.
- A good fundraiser has a thick skin, a soft heart, exceptional hearing, a quick mind, a slow tongue, and no shame - at least when it comes to asking for a gift!
- The A List includes the "shoe-ins" People you are certain will help you like family and close friends.
- The B List: those you are less sure about including friends, acquaintances, neighbors, business contacts and personal vendors (hairdresser or barber, dry cleaner, doctor, dentist, CPA, or lawyer).
- Start with the A List. You'll gain confidence this way. Can you raise $500 this way? Are there 5 people who will each give you $100?
- Remember. Every so often you can raise half or ALL of your goal with one or two well-placed requests to a local business, your community group or your employer.
- Make it personal by telling your story - why you're walking and your connection to MS.
- Add a short, handwritten note at the bottom.
- Include a self-addressed, stamped reply envelope.
- Shorten your letter a bit and send it out to everyone in your address book.
- Include instructions on how to donate online or by mail.
- If you participate in chat rooms or message boards, use them as a forum for your cause.
- Add a signature line about the Walkabout to all your emails.
- Put brochures and donation forms on your desk, in the break room and the reception area.
- Is there a place for a donation jar?
- Sell the MS ribbons of hope or braclets. Purchase them by calling 1.800.FIGHTMS.
- Hang up a thank you poster listing the names of co-workers who have made donations.
- Work with your Human Resource Director to sponsor a "jeans day". Participants can dress down by making a $5 donation.
- Talk to your boss. Many companies will match what you raise, dollar for dollar.
- Ask your friends to ask their employers to match their donations to you.
- Do you have a sibling, parent, spouse or best friend than can send an email or letter on your behalf?
- Are you walking in support of someone who has MS? If you are, send a letter to that person's family and friends.
- Many will work with you to have a fundraising night with a portion of the proceeds going to your Walkabout effort.
- Pre-arrange a date or series of dates and distribute flyers to your neighbors, friends and co-workers.
- Patrons present the flyer on the specified dates and a portion of the check will be donated to your effort. 15% or more is customary.
- Make up simple business cards with your walker information and donation instructions.
- Carry them everywhere you go. You'll be amazed at how much you can raise through everyday encounters!
- Do you have an anniversary or a birthday coming up? Ask for donations in lieu of gifts.
- Hold a prize drawing or a silent auction.
- Wash out MS! Have a car wash!
- Garage sale, yard sale, or a bake sale.
- Are you an expert? Cooking lessons, golf lessons, craft lessons.
- Trade favors with your friends by babysitting, walking the dog, cooking a special dinner, weeding the garden, or driving the carpool.
- Give a short talk and request funds at your civic club, church, class, book group, etc.
- This also works at "girls night out" or on the golf course.
- Create a fundraising page when you register with Active and encourage donors to submit there.
- Keep a list of who has received requests from you, including dates, phone numbers and addresses.
- Follow up after 2 weeks.
- Record donations when they come in.
- Send thank you notes as promptly as possible.
- Send a note describing your experience after the Walkabout. Include photos.
- Click here to download Receipt Forms and Pledge Sheets. (link should be added to receipt form attached to email)
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