Top 10 fundraising tips

	Fundraise online Register online and make fundraising easy! Set your goals and create a personal fundraising page. By customizing your personalized fundraising page your fundraising opportunities are limitless! Your friends and family can donate from virtually anywhere in the world and asking is just a click away. Track your progress easily and best of all, it is a simple and secure approach.
	Be committed Make the first pledge yourself! When your friends, family and colleagues see your name and contribution, they will recognize how serious you are. Try using your donation as an example of the amount you would encourage others to donate.
	Set a goal Set individual and team fundraising goals and make them public! Challenge your team to be the Top Fundraising Team or Team with the Highest Pledge Average. Track and share your progress with current and potential donors. Many people will donate a little bit more if they know you’re close to your goal, while others can help to remind you of your goal.
	Promote yourself Make sure everyone you come into contact with knows about your commitment. Add your personal fundraising link to your email signature. Send an announcement – either via email or mail – of your plan to participate to business associates, local companies, churches, school or newspapers. Notify local radio stations and newspapers for any events you’re doing.
	Educate donors Potential donors may not know about multiple sclerosis. Be prepared to educate them about the disease and how donated funds are put to good use. You can find more details at www.mssociety.ca/en/information/faq.htm. Tell your own story and keep donors informed of your progress.
	Plan your ask Take some time to prepare before asking for donations. Start collecting months in advance. For personal or professional reasons, people may not always be available at the last minute to sponsor you. Ask for a specific amount, consider keeping separate pledge sheets for small and large donors. Tell supporters what your average pledge has been and ask them to beat it. Consider your timing when asking: ask for donations on or after pay day.
	Ask anyone, ask everyone Ask family and friends first. Once you’ve tackled the “easy ones”, branching out is simple. Ask clients, colleagues, suppliers, anyone and everyone. Make a list of places where you spend money; don’t forget about doctors, dry cleaners, mechanics and your favorite restaurants!
	Get matching gifts Contact your Human Resources department to find out if your company has a corporate matching gift program. Make sure each team member asks their company as well, this is an easy way to double your total! Encourage your sponsors to ask their companies for matching gift forms; many sponsors are not aware that this is an option. Often, even if a company does not have a matching gifts program, they will support your efforts financially.
	Host a fundraising event Special events can be a fun, easy and quick way to generate funds in a single day! Find out what businesses in your town offer special promotions for fundraising events. Ask companies for donations that you could raffle off like a paid vacation day from your office. Get together with friends, neighbours or co-workers and host a garage or bake sale, a penny drive, a BBQ, a golf tournament – whatever appeals to you. You’ll end up having a great time with friends and supporting a great cause too!
	Thank your donors Make sure to follow up and thank those who have helped you reach your goals! Thank them instantly as they pledge you. Follow up with a letter/e-mail after your event to share highlights, pictures and how their donations are making a difference. Get the ball rolling and thank them in advance for their continued support next year.