You’ve registered for bike MS! Now what? Bike MS is more than just a ride, it represents a mission. The minimum pledge amount is $125 for the ride, but the average participant goes above and beyond that amount, and you can too!
Matching Gifts
Many companies offer their staff a Matching Gift Contribution Plan. Generally, any charitable contribution that an employee makes can be matched in part, or in whole, by the company for which he or she works. Contributions to Bike MS qualify participants, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, to receive these corporate contributions.
How can you “cash in” on this incentive? Visit your human resources department and ask if your donation to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society can be matched. If your contribution is eligible under your company's charitable giving policy, pick up a Matching Gifts Contribution form from your HR department, fill out the donor section of the form, and bring it with you the day of the event to turn in with your pledges.
The advantages of matching gifts
- You could double the money you turn in and qualify for larger incentives.
- Your sponsors can also request matching gifts, adding dollars to your pledges.
- The National Multiple Sclerosis Society will be able to fund more research, programs and education with the funds received from matching gifts, aiding us in our mission to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis.
- This is a benefit your company offers; why not use it?
Note: Please make sure the cyclist’s name is listed on the matching gifts form so we can credit the gift properly. Also, if you are submitting matching gift applications online, please mail or include with your pledges a printed copy with the cyclist’s name.
Fundraise with Facebook!
Extend your fundraising efforts to your social network on Facebook using the Boundless Fundraising application. By adding this application you will publish newsfeeds on your profile to keep others updated on your participation and fundraising progress including a link for your friends on Facebook to support you with a donation. You will also be able to share your fundraising badge for Bike MS on Facebook as well as share your story with other participants of Bike MS.
To add this application, follow the steps below:
- Register for Bike MS click here. If you are already registered, skip to #2.
- Create a Facebook profile. If you already have a Facebook profile, skip to #3.
- Log into your Participant Centerusing the username and password you used/created during registration.
Click on the Fundraise with Facebook button on your Participant Center homepage and follow the directions given to add the application.
Fundraising Tips
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, co-workers, 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, 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.
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 Spoke 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 wheels 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 by selling 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.