FUNDRAISING STEP BY STEP –
“It can be helpful to break your fund-raising process down into specific steps. As you complete each step, you draw closer to your fundraising goal and helping thousands of people living with MS in the Mid South Chapter
STEP 1: Set your goal, Identify your prospects and Self-Pledge
Let people know what you are shooting for (remember you can always re-adjust higher if need be)
Determine who to add to your list.
Show others how serious you are about your fundraising by donating to yourself first!
STEP 2: Select your approach
Face-to-face. This is the best and most direct approach when you anticipate large pledges or when the opportunity presents itself. Approaching someone face-to-face is a more personable step that garners more positive results and support.
E-mail. This can be one of the most efficient ways to reach a large quantity of prospects and convey important information. Remember to follow up with anyone who receives one of your e-mails.
Mailing Letters. Remember the old-fashioned stamps and envelopes? Several people you may know do not use email or have the internet. This is especially true with older generations. Send these people a personal letter with an envelope already addressed to the MS Society.
Telephone. Calling someone is effective as a follow-up to a letter or e-mail if you are unable to approach face-to-face.
STEP 3: Craft the style of your message
If you take a serious approach, discuss the mission of the National MS Society, the role of Bike MS in helping the lives of more than 8,800 individuals in the Mid South Chapter region living with MS and the importance of your goal for the 2011 ride.
A light and humorous approach can also be effective with family and close friends. It allows you to discuss the mission of the Society while adding your own personal flavor to the message.
A combination of both approaches can be effective as well.
STEP 4: Select the format
Form letter or e-mail. This simply means that the same letter or e-mail goes to every individual. If you are using this format, consider a mail merge to make your communications more personal. Helpful hint: You can always personalize a form letter by adding a handwritten P.S. note.
Personal letter or e-mail. This can be a much more effective approach than a form letter. A personal touch can make all the difference. By personalizing your message on an individual basis, you can emphasize particular aspects of the Society's mission and your Tour participation that will appeal to your respective audience. Although this can be time consuming for long lists, the results are well worth it.
Solicitation card. More simplified than a letter, a solicitation card provides an opportunity for a creative touch.
STEP 5: Suggest the level of pledges
Amount. Let donors know the amount of contribution you would like for them to consider.
Aim high. Don't underestimate the donors willingness to give.
The National MS Society is pleased to provide additional information or suggestions regarding any of the steps listed above. Do not hesitate to contact us if we can assist you.
Pledge Form
Receipts
Deposit Slip
Sample Fundraising Letters
• WHO TO ASK LIST:
“TO ASK LIST”
Most people are pleasantly surprised at just how many people they know and the resources they have. A great way to evaluate your contacts and connections is to make an “Ask List”. This list will be invaluable to you once you begin your fundraising efforts. If you like, you can record the address and telephone number of each person on your list now to save time later.
Who…
…is on our holiday card list
…do I write checks to
…is on our wedding list
…is in the medical profession
…are my neighbors
…is from my fitness club
…do I work with
…does my spouse work with
…have we done business with
…attends our church
…writes us letters
…is in sales
…are parents of our children’s friends
…is from my old job
…is high school, college alumni
Who is/are our…
mail carrier
dentist
doctor
minister
lawyer
insurance agent
chiropractor
children’s teacher
realtor
massage therapist
personal trainer
hair stylist
veterinarian
landscaper
banker
Relatives
parents
sisters/brothers
sister/brother-in-laws
nieces/nephews
cousins
aunts/uncles
grandparents
grandchildren
stepchildren
stepparents
stepgrandparents
stepbrothers, sisters
former spouse
former in-laws
extended families