Top 10 fundraising tips
1. Start today and set yourself a target
Don't put it off, get going with your fundraising as early as you can. Set yourself the goal you want to raise. Be prepared to increase your target as you get closer to it, keeping it just out of reach generally induces more giving.
2. Create a fundraising plan
Ask everyone you know! Sit down and make a list of all your social circles, family, clubs, school, work colleagues and clients. Prepare how and when to approach each group, and with what type of fundraising activity. Sample fundraising plan.
3. Be passionate about the MS Trust
Let people know about the work of the MS Trust and if we have helped you or someone you know, tell people about it. Explain what we do and how their money will help to support people with MS.
4. Set up an online fundraising page
At Virgin Money Giving you can easily create a free online fundraising page in minutes. Supporters can donate safely and tax-effectively, making your personal fundraising target easier to reach. Don't forget to check out our top 10 online fundraising tips as well so you can maximise your sponsorship! Read more about fundraising online and why we recommend that you use Virgin Money Giving.
5. Top sponsor first!
When collecting sponsorship, make sure you approach your most generous friend or family member first. If the first sponsor on your form or online fundraising page has been generous, this leads the way for others to follow! Collecting your sponsorship pledges upfront can help you avoid the effort of chasing up your supporters.
6. Enlist the help of others
Encourage your family and friends to help. If you have a personal connection to MS, there are likely to be many other people around who feel impassioned to support you. If anyone asks to run a coffee morning or do any other activity to raise money on your behalf, take them up on it. You won't expend the energy but you'll have money raised for your appeal nonetheless.
7. Promise something different
If you are taking part in an event, tell your sponsors that you will take part in fancy dress if you raise over your target sponsorship amount! You will most likely get a host of sponsorship pledges, along with a whole load of costume ideas from friends and family!
8. Ask your employer for their support
Many employers can match the funds you raise or will at least make a substantial contribution. Ask if you can hold fundraising activities at work such as dress down days, raffles, cake sales.
9. Try and get some local PR
Prepare a press release and send it to local and regional newspapers, magazines, websites etc. If your employer has a newsletter or website, write for that too. Keep it short and pithy, include information about your event and a link to your online sponsorship page if you have one, and don't forget to supply a good photograph. You've got a great news story to tell and you'd be amazed just how many people read these articles, and act on what they read!
10. And finally…
Fundraising is not as hard as you might think. It requires energy, a plan of action and time. Our advice is to enjoy it; smile, be positive, and don't forget to say thank you. If it starts to tail off, take a break and go back to it, re-invigorated and with new ideas.
- For further support...
- Contact the MS Trust's fundraising team for sponsor forms, fundraising packs, posters, balloons, stickers, collecting tins, advice... let us help you do the hard work!
- Call us on 01462 476707 or email fundraising@mstrust.org.uk
