Fundraising Support at Your Fingertips
With the current economic situation, it can be difficult to ask people for donations. However, MS does not stop just because the economy does...and neither can we! Here are some easy ways to get started:
Forms - Everything you need to organize, track and submit your fundraising!
Fundraising Ideas - Resources and tips to get you started.
Promote Your Walk - Download materials and templates to get the word out in your community and the media!
Popular Fundraising Methods
Fight MS with one click of a mouse!
Online fundraising has become a very popular alternative and supplement to letter writing. It’s easy for you and your sponsors! You can log-in to your Participant Center to learn how you can set-up your own personal web page, customize existing templates and tools, and send “sponsor me” emails. By utilizing your Participant Center and opening up your electronic address book, you will recognize quick and substantial gains in your fundraising total!
Letter Writing
By using letters to raise money, you can expand your donor base to people you may not see on a regular basis. It can also take some of the pressure off a direct face-to-face ask. Use these tips when writing your letter:
- Be compelling: Show your passion for our mission. Tell your story...why you walk.
- Provide a description of MS and/or your personal connection to the disease.
- Talk about how when the economy slows down, MS doesn’t. People with MS need us now more than ever!
- State where the money goes.
- If you have participated in the past, consider including pictures.
- Consider a suggested donation amount or donation levels, for example $50 or $100.
- Ask donors to make checks payable to the National MS Society and include your name and “Walk MS” in the memo line.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope (your address, not ours).
Click here to download a SAMPLE FUNDRAISING LETTER (doc).
Community Events
Many of our participants and teams like to host community events or mini fundraisers to raise money for MS. Teams have hosted golf tournaments, bowling tournaments, basketball games, concerts, dinner parties, garage sales, bake sales and raffles. If you can dream it, our teams have done it! All it takes is a little creativity and the willingness to have a whole lot of fun!
Sell Sponsorships
Did you know that you can receive fundraising credit by selling an event sponsorship? That's right! If you have a connection with a potential corporate sponsor or know a company that may be interested in sponsoring Walk MS, use the Corporate Sponsorship Booklet (PDF) and a sample Sponsorship Request Letter (doc) to make the ask. For more help, visit the Corporate Sponsorships page or contact Mally Gent. If you are instrumental in selling an event sponsorship, you will receive fundraising credit for the value of that sponsorship. Opportunities range from $500 to $50,000.
Mile Marker Sponsorships
Not sure if your company can sponsor the event? No problem! We also offer Mile Marker Sponsorships for only $250. Participants have the opportunity to sell each mile to different sponsors and gain credit for their sponsorship. All you need to do is print the Mile Marker Request Form (PDF) and have your company fill it out and return it with their payment!