Want more ideas? Check out our 101 Fundraising Ideas!
Be Optimistic
Excitement is contagious. It is important for potential sponsors to understand how enthusiastic you are about their sponsorship participation.
Be Committed
When you raise funds for the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter, you are directly helping people with MS in your community, and funding research for this unpredictable disease. Make the first pledge yourself. When your friends and family members see your name and contribution, they will see how serious you are.
Ask Anyone And Everyone
Ask family and friends first. Once you have tackled the “easy ones,” branch out to ask clients, coworkers, clubs … anyone and everyone for pledges.
Ask For A Specific Amount
Tell sponsors your average pledge amount and ask them to beat it.
Use Our Online Fundraising Tools
Once you register for the bike MS Ride you will gain access to our online fundraising tools. You can create your own Web page, and send blast e-mails inviting your friends and family to join your team. People can also pledge to you online using our secure site, My Participant Center.
Make A List Of Places Where You Spend Money
Great places to solicit pledges are doctor and dentist offices, your dry cleaner, auto repair shops and favorite restaurants.
Send Letters
Send an announcement of your plan to take part in the bike MS Ride to friends, business associates, church members, family and old acquaintances. Don’t forget company, organization and school newsletters. Ask for their support in writing.
Ask Vendors At Your Place Of Business
Coffee vendors, paper vendors, delivery service people, copier technicians and associates who are hoping to maintain that friendly business relationship are often happy to make a pledge.
Double Your Pledges
Contact your Human Resources Department to find out if your company has a corporate matching gift program. Visit Matching Gifts to find out how you can double your donations.
Are you a member of a civic organization?
Ask to be placed on the agenda at the next meeting and ask the group to sponsor you. Attend the meeting in your bike gear to promote the event and your mission.
Stay Motivated
Keep in mind that pledges can help you earn fabulous prizes for going above and beyond the minimum pledge amount. More importantly, you’ll feel good knowing that you made a difference in the life of someone with MS.
MS Paper Spokes Sales
You can energize your bike MS fundraising by selling paper "spokes" in your place of business, at school or in your community. Thousands of “spokes” have been sold in Connecticut over the past two decades, moving us forward toward a cure for this devastating disease. The National MS Society will send you spokes that you can sell for $1 or more. You can then "paper" your office, storefront, school or other community location with the paper spokes. Ask local businesses that you support if you can sell paper spokes to raise funds to benefit the 6,000 Connecticut residents living with MS. Place dollars raised from paper spokes in a labeled envelope and include it with your donations turned in at check-in.
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