Riders: How to Raise Funds

There are lots of ways to ask for pledges, but there are three basic rules of fundraising that you should follow:

• Frequency - ask often
• Disclose your own pledge amount to enable you to ask for the same or a similar amount
• Articulate why you are doing the MS Bike Tour to the people you ask

Ask Often

It seems so simple, but most people think asking is the hardest thing to do. You can only raise money if you ask for it. The more people you ask, the more money you will raise. Ask a lot, raise a lot. Imagine the sense of accomplishment you will feel when you raise double or triple your pledge commitment, simply because you asked and asked often.

To be prepared to ask often, always keep your pledge sheet with you. You never know when you'll run into a potential sponsor. When you do, you'll be able to pull out your pledge sheet and get their actual pledge on paper.

Disclose Your Own Contribution

Make the first pledge yourself. This will show your potential sponsors that you are serious about what you are doing and that you feel strongly enough to make the first pledge yourself. Your generosity will inspire sponsors to give generously.

Your commitment to ride is an awesome commitment, and your expectations of yourself are high. Make sure your expectations of your sponsors are just as high. Don't undersell what you are doing on behalf of the 400,000 people with multiple sclerosis in the United States.

Your commitment to fight MS is serious. So make the act of asking a serious one as well. Don't underestimate the importance of meeting with people...it demonstrates that this commitment is serious, important, and you want them to join you on the journey though their contribution.

Share Your Reasons

People will be moved to give when they hear your reasons for riding and raising money.

Tell everyone you know what you are doing, and ask them to tell everyone they know. The excitement is contagious and your story will inspire others. The more genuine excitement you generate about your upcoming challenge and adventure, the more likely you are to reach more people and bring in more pledges.

Articulate why you are doing the MS Bike Tour to each person you ask for a pledge. Take a moment to write down your thoughts before you begin collecting pledge. Is it because you have a friend or family member with multiple sclerosis? Is it because you want the challenge of riding over 150 miles on a bike? Your commitment will be the reason they choose to give a pledge to you. Ask for a pledge worthy of your physical, mental, and financial commitment when you present your pledge form.

Basics of Fundraising

Before you begin, ensure that you've read and fully understood the pledge form. Become an expert on it so that you can answer your sponsor's questions about how it needs to be filled out. You will receive a few copies from the National MS Society, but you are welcome to make additional copies. Your name must be on every pledge form. Your sponsors can either give their donations directly to you or mail them directly to the National MS Society office. The mailing address is listed on the form.