Many riders successfully turn their fundraising efforts into creative outlets for their dedication to the cause. The goal for the National MS Society can propel your fundraising efforts to new heights as we pedal to end the devastating effects of MS. Keep in mind that the money you raise directly helps 4,000 people living with MS in our community.  The average rider raises over $500.  It is helpful to set a fundraising goal and break target amounts into smaller, more manageable increments.

To get you started, here is a simple, yet eye-opening strategy for raising $2,000 in only ten days!

RAISE $2,000 IN TEN DAYS
DAY                         IDEAS:                                                                                                                                                         TOTAL
Day 1          Sponsor yourself for $50                                                                                                                                           $50
Day 2          Ask two family members to sponsor you for  $50 each                                                                                            $150
Day 3          Ask 10 friends to contribute $20 each                                                                                                                      $350
Day 4          Ask five co-workers to contribute $20 each                                                                                                             $450
Day 5          Ask five neighbors to contribute $20 each                                                                                                               $550
Day 6          Ask 10 people from your church/temple to contribute $10 each   $650
Day 7          Ask five businesses or companies that you deal with through work to sponsor you for $20 each                          $750
Day 8          Ask four businesses you frequent to personally contribute $25 each
                   (This is an easy one—ask your barber/hair stylist, dry cleaner or restaurant where you eat lunch every day.)    $850
Day 9          Hold a garage sale and get rid of all that extra stuff taking up space in your garage, attic and/or basement!      $1,000
Day 10        SUBMIT YOUR COLLECTED MONEY FOR YOUR COMPANY’S MATCHING GIFT PROGRAM!!                                     $2,000
 

EXTRA CREDIT:  COMPANIES OFTEN MATCH THE CONTRIBUTIONS SUBMITTED BY THEIR EMPLOYEES FROM ONE TO FOUR TIMES THE ORIGINAL CONTRIBUTION!!!

EXTRA EXTRA CREDIT:  HAVE YOUR SUPPORTERS SUBMIT THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THEIR COMPANIES. WHEN IT IS SENT INTO OUR OFFICE, IT CAN BE CREDITED TOWARDS YOUR TOTAL!!!

FUNDRAISING AND E-PLEDGES  -- PERFECT TOGETHER!!

In order to make fundraising easier, it may be helpful to create an online account where family and friends can sponsor you!  There are two easy ways to use the National MS Society’s online tools to achieve your fundraising goals.

HELP YOUR SUPPORTERS TO FIND YOU ONLINE!

1. Create an online account with a user name and password--both are your choice--an email address is also necessary for this process. Click the link below to sign up and begin receiving e-pledges:

*You should receive a confirmation email that the account has been set up. If not, please notify us, and we will make any adjustments.

2. Notify your family and friends that you are now set up to receive donations online.  The link below can be accessed for any and all that would like to donate.  Just make sure that they enter your last name and the event for which they would like sponsor you.

SET UP YOUR OWN WEB PAGE TO PERSONALIZE YOUR REQUEST!

1. After you register online, follow the instructions to create your own personal web page.  This can include your own photos, stories and goal thermometer.  Tell your donors about why you are riding and what you hope to accomplish.

2. Insert this link into a blast e-mail, and your donors can be linked back to see your amazing site!!  From your web page, donors can support your efforts by pledging with their credit card.  Of course, all online transactions are perfectly safe.

3. You can go back into your account and see who has supported your efforts.  They can even leave you messages of encouragement!