Open your address book today. To whom do you send holiday cards? Who is in your Rolodex or e-mail list? Make a list of every person you know, the obvious (friends and family) and the not-so-obvious (neighbors, former acquaintances, business associates, club members, team members, alumni associates, etc.). You have just created your donor list and now need to select a fundraising campaign that will work best for you.
- Online Letter Campaign
E-mail is a great way to send out fundraising letters, and we’ve made it easy for you. Here are some of our online features:
• Personalize and send pre-written fundraising letters
• Send the letter to everyone in your address book
• Create a quick and easy personal web page
- Traditional Letter Writing Campaign
We’ve made it easy for you! You can use sample letters in the Challenge Guide or create your own letter. Customize the letters to each recipient. In addition, consider different approaches for those who are the $100 vs. $500 donors. In your letter, give the exact amount you intend to raise. Once you have mailed the letter, give your donors time to respond. After two weeks, if they have not responded, contact them again. Follow up with a phone call.
Traditional Letter Writing Campaign Check List
Write your letters on special stationery, making them as personal as possible.
Mail letters.
Follow-Up. Two weeks after mailing your letters, follow up with a phone call to everyone who has not yet donated.
Send thank you notes to those who have donated.
Stay in touch. Send letters telling of your fundraising and training progress to all donors and non-donors.
Keep them updated!
- Challenge Parties
A Challenge Party is a personalized fundraising tool that can result in up to one-third of your fundraising sponsorship. This is an opportunity for you to invite your friends, family and co-workers for a one-hour fundraising meeting or party. The goal of this party is to introduce the adventure you are embarking on and to obtain their support. You can host this event at your home, work, church or club. Make the event fun and powerful. You want each person to fully understand what you are doing and to feel your commitment. We will provide you with a video and will be there for you to tell your donors about the vital work of the National MS Society.
- Go Corporate
Ask your company to sponsor you. Some companies offer matching gift programs for contributions made by employees. If they do, contact your human resources director for more details and bring it to the attention of the employees. Put up posters and signs promoting the Dean Team Automotive Challenge Walk MS. Display a chart showing your progress. Hold a contest to see which department can raise the most pledges.
- Ask Big
Put together a list of potential major donors; those who can donate $500 and over. These may be business associates, your employer, or acquaintances in lofty positions. You may want to meet one-on-one, perhaps over lunch or dinner.
1. Call each potential major donor to schedule a meeting or lunch/dinner.
2. Be bold, contact people you don’t know but are able to make large donations.
3. Write a script of things you want to cover during your meeting. Be enthusiastic and passionate.
4. Meet your prospect and ask for a donation face-to-face.
5. Regardless of the outcome, send a thank you note after the meeting.
6. Stay in touch. Send progress letters to all donors and non-donors.
Ways to Thank your Donors
Always send a thank you note to anyone who donates and/or attends a lunch/dinner or Challenge Party.
Think of thoughtful, individualized ways to thank your donors.
Send photos, poems, anything creative.
Create and send a newsletter with updates. Mention their names.
Invite them to volunteer or come to the closing ceremony at the finish line on Sunday.
Send weekly e-mail messages.