“Your mission if you choose accept it …”
Last year, we challenged everyone to secure a minimum of $300 in donations. This year, we’re raising the bar by challenging every rider to raise at least $350.
We are here to help!
Is this your first year? Fundraising not your thing? Are you uncomfortable asking people for money? No problem, we have you covered with tips & tricks from perennial top fundraisers! Just follow these seven simple steps to get started:
- Set a goal. Actually, set two goals. Set a goal for yourself (e.g. $350) and then double it. Tell everybody about the second goal, keep the first one to yourself. In fact, just tell everybody your goal is $1000. Why not? What’s the worst that could happen…that you only raise $350?
- Build your “ask” list, engage them and keep them updated. Don’t be shy. More importantly, do NOT feel bad about asking for money. Instead, assume that everybody wants the OPTION to support you and will be disappointed if you don’t ask. The more people you ask, the more you’ll raise.
- Suggestions: Friends & family, current or former military (especially Marines!), anybody whose cause you have supported in the past or people who owe you money or favors.
- Pro tip: keep everybody involved by giving them the option to provide support in the form of positive thoughts and fingers crossed for good weather and no mechanical issues.
- Pro tip: send emails via bcc: to avoid spam caused by well-intended “reply all” messages.
- Keep it simple, but make it personal. Update your PledgeReg page with your picture, fundraising goal and personal story for what this event means to you. Leverage the “Share My Page” feature to post on social media and generate emails to your personal network.
- Pro tip: “Make it your own” by including a personal story about why you are doing the ride or what it means to you.
- Pro tip: Include pictures from past rides (the muddier, the better).
- Pro tip: Use your social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, personal blog) to amplify your message.
- Pro tip: Offer perks (gift, act of service, ride swag or raffle prizes) to your supporters to encourage larger donations.
- Make it easy to contribute. Provide clear instructions (5th grade simple) about when you need donations, how to get them to you and who to make the check out to.
- Pro tip: Throw a party and ask everybody who attends to bring a donation.
- Pro tip: Instead of simply asking for a donation, suggest contribution amounts (e.g. $20 or $40).
- Please do NOT set up a GoFundMe account.
- Please do NOT set up a Facebook fundraiser.
- Be Persistent! Send updates every week or so. Some people will donate immediately, others prefer last minute and will appreciate the reminder.
- Pro tip: Provide updates on your fundraising (“I’m half way to my goal!”) and training progress (“I just got back from a 30 mile ride in 100+ heat”).
- Stay Organized. Keep track of who-pledged-what and follow up to make sure you get the donation. Let people when you receive their donation (if not in person). Send receipts (use this email friendly template).
- Turn in your donations early. We are tentatively planning to have a pre-ride party at Spokes in Tempe on July 22nd. You can also send checks via snail mail: MLC c/o Shannon Lindner | PO Box 36983 | Phoenix, AZ 85067.
Ready for more? Check out “Know the charity you’re supporting”