In 2009 and 2010 Team Christner was sixth in overall team fundraising. In 2011 with fewer riders finished tenth. While we are proud of our fundraising efforts we would like to be among the top five fundraising teams. It is why we ride. All team members must meet the $250 minimum donation required by the MS Society. In addition to meeting MS Society fundraising requirements we encourage everyone achieve a fundraising goal of at least $500. The information below suggests how one can improve and expand their fundraising efforts. Seven Truths about Fundraising
1. Fundraising does not happen by itself - you have to make it happen 2. Fundraising is a numbers game – the more people you invite to support your ride, the more money you will raise 3. Fundraising is about crafting the right message to the right audience at the right time 4. Fundraising is about building new relationships and strengthening old ones – your success is directly proportional to the quality of your relationships 5. Fundraising is about following up – people are busy and don’t always respond to your initial appeal 6. Fundraising is about saying Thank You promptly and in the correct format – the personal touch is vitally important 7. Fundraising is about commitment – the more committed you are the more successful you will become Fundraising is a numbers game and your success will depend on how many people you reach, how effective your message is, timing, organization and follow up. 1. How many people do you know? Think about reaching out to your extended family, co-workers, friends, church members, those you know in clubs or organizations, neighbors, business owners, your doctors, your dentist, your hair stylist. The list goes on. To help you get organized, create an Excell worksheet to keep track of everyone you contact, the dates, their pledge amounts, what they gave in prior years, the type of appeal (email or letter) and whether or not I have sent a Thank You note (important!).
2. Your message can be composed in a hundred different ways. Often it is best to modify the message to fit the audience. For example, an email to fellow employees at work should be worded a little differently than a letter sent to friends and family. While the younger and more business savvy generation will respond well to electronic communication, the older set will be more responsive to a hard copy letter in their US Mail box. Include a picture of you on the bike, it will connect people to what you are doing. Make mention of the distances and training involved. Don't brag, but when people see the effort you are putting into the event they be more inclined to make a contribution.
3. Get your personal website set up for the MS 150. This will help you immensely because it provides an easy way for your supporters to donate via a credit card. See attached "My Account User Instructions". If you have questions, call Charity Hoven at the Gateway MS office at 314-446-4174. chariti.hoven@gatewaymssociety.org
4. Successful fundraising takes a lot of time and effort, get organized early. It also takes a lot of diligent follow up. People are insanely busy these days and we are on "information overload" so you need to hang in there and keep following up. People are more generous than you think. You will be surprised as to who donates and who does not.
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