In Writing (Emails and Letters)

Writing letters or emails is one of the most effective ways to raise money.

Send your letters or emails to your:

  • Business Associates (flip through your rolodex)
  • Family, neighbors, and faraway friends (Consider sending to your Holiday card list)
  • College alumni, fraternity/sorority members, club members, professional organization members

When writing your request letter or email, remember the following tips for success:

  • Create and customize your personal fundraising Web page for online donations and include the link in your emails and letters. Your sponsors can make E-Pledges to you on the National MS Society Web site, where you can also access online fundraising tools. You can customize your personal web page with your own photos, interesting facts, and stories after you’ve set-up an account with a username and password.
  • Personalize your appeal. Use familiar details about yourself and your commitment to end the devastating effects of MS. Thank your business associates for their help in the past year and catch up with old friends and family.
  • Include a deadline as a gentle nudge to get those contributions in. Make a copy of the information about how the funds you raise will be used and include it with your letter or copy and paste it into your email.
  • When sending a letter, always include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your letter and pledge sheet. Make it easy for your friends and family to respond.
  • Follow up with a note or a phone call to those who have not responded. Send a thank you note once you receive a pledge. (Hint: After the MS Bike Tour, send another letter or email including details of the event, even a photo, and tell your sponsors how you did!)

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