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Ideas

Darrin (Center), Diagnosed in 2007

Fundraising Ideas

Whether you are a first timer or seasoned veteran, our guide will help make you an awesome fundraiser.

 

A step-by-step guide to becoming a fundraising rockstar. 

Raising funds for Walk MS is an opportunity to share your passion and purpose as we move together toward a better future for everyone affected by MS. 

Follow these 4 steps by going to your Fundraising Center and get started.

 

Step 1: Personalize your Fundraising Page

Research shows that fundraisers who personalize their fundraising page raise 5X more than those who do not. So, this is the perfect place to start. Every dollar raised helps to lift up those living with MS.

Level of Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 30 Minutes

  • Set a goal and aim high!
  • Make a self-donation.
  • Update your profile picture and banner image.
  • Tell your story and share your reason for fundraising.


 

Extra Credit!

  • See if your employer will match your gift.
  • Download the new DonorDrive app.
  • Set fundraising milestones.
  • Create donor incentives.
 
 

Step 2: Raise Awareness

Now that you’ve kicked-off your fundraising, there are subtle ways to raise awareness right away. Give your donors an opportunity to support you by making it known you are fundraising for a cause you believe in.

Level of Difficulty: Intermediate

Time Required: 45 Minutes

  • Make a self-donation to show you are all in.
  • Create a custom email signature and link to your fundraising page.
  • Update your social media profiles and cover images with links to your fundraising page.
  • Create a custom QR code in the NEW DonorDrive app
  • Launch a Facebook Fundraiser.
     

Extra Credit!

  • Ask a local retailer or restaurant if you can put a change/donation jar at the register.
  • Order Team T-shirts from our national vendor to receive a $1 donation to your team for every shirt you order.

Step 3: Fundraise Like a Pro 

The number one reason people don’t give to a fundraiser is because they aren’t asked. Fundraising is all about building connections and helping those connections understand the impact their gift will make – no matter the amount. The more you ask for donations, the easier it is. Here are some simple ways to get started.

Level of Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: Varies

  • Share your fundraising goal on social.
  • Email your friends, family and colleagues and ask for support.
  • Ask in-person whenever an opportunity presents itself.
  • Call a friend to chat about your fundraising goal.
  • Take a traditional ‘snail mail’ approach by writing a letter.
  • Text a personal message and link to your fundraising page.

Extra Credit!

  • Ask people to donate to participate in game night, movie night or backyard badminton.
  • Host a walk-a-thon! Donor can pledge money for every hour.

Step 4: Celebrate Your Fundraising Success

Walk MS unites the MS community in the largest gathering of its kind to raise funds and make a difference for everyone living with MS. You are part of a movement that’s going to change the world for people with MS because a cure is on the line. Celebrating and sharing your success may inspire others to get involved.

Level of Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: Varies

  • Genuinely thank your donors.
  • Share fundraising milestones you’ve met.
  • Fulfill incentives that have been offered to your donors.
  • Many companies offer matching gifts so make sure your donors know!

Extra Credit!

  • Keep track of the rewards points and swag items you’ve earned.
  • Become familiar with our fundraising clubs and how you can qualify.
  • Earn as many fundraising badges as you can!
Screenshot from the DonorDrive Charity Fundraising App

Fundraising made easier with our NEW DonorDrive App

We have a brand-new app this year! Download the NEW DonorDrive app to connect to Walk MS and access exclusive features that will level-up your fundraising. Quickly deposit checks, easily create and share QR codes, track your fundraising progress, ask for donations and more from the palm of your hand.

DonorDrive Charity Fundraising App
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
DonorDrive Charity Fundraising App

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