Fundraising Tips

Here are some simple fundraising tips to get started with your fundraising for the Ride to Fight MS.

We know it can be scary and uncomfortable to ask your friends and family for donations, so we have complied the below to make it a bit easier. Remember -  it is ok if someone isnt able to donate, but you wont know until you ask, and 9 time out 10, you will be pleseantly surprised by their answer!

1. Recieve your first donation!

Getting your first donation is easy! All it takes is one person close to you to get the ball rolling, because once you start, you won't be able to stop!

Top tip: Making a self donation is also a great way to get the momentum and set the standard for your potential sponsors, for other donations to follow.

2. Send an email

Spreading the word in four simple steps:

1. Copy one of our email templates, or create your own and share your personal MS story.
2. Send it to everyone you know – don’t assume someone won’t give; you never know who has been personally touched by MS, who simply wants to support a good cause and who wants to support you personally as you challenge yourself in the ride to fight MS.
3. Don’t forget to include the link to your fundraising page.
4. Send follow-up emails to provide people with an update of your fundraising efforts and to remind those who haven’t donated yet. Make sure you thank people after they have made their donation.

3. Share on social media

Share a link to your fundraising page and ask for donations on platforms such as:

• Facebook (we have some Facebook resources available for you to download here)
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• A personal blog

It also helps to tag people in your posts, so they see it. Sharing it in Messenger is a great way for people to see it.

4. Personalise your page

Those who personalise their page raise more than those who don’t! Here are some ways you can get started today:

• Upload a photo so people easily recognise it’s your page.
• Update your page with why you are riding. Are you upping your cycling and taking on a challenge of riding a longer distance? Or do you know someone who is living with MS, and you are riding to support them. The more you explain why you are riding, the more generous your friends and family will be.
• Use the blog function to keep your supporters updated on your training progress. You can set up Strava account linked to your online fundraising page to track your training rides and share with your sponsors to show your commitment.

5. Ask everyone

Whether you’re taking to the streets or simply sharing a link on Facebook, get the word out about your fantastic efforts in helping people with MS and how others can help too. Make sure to ask:

• Family
• Friends
• Co-workers
• Employers (and don’t forget to ask about dollar-matching!)
• Members of any of your clubs and organisations
• Local businesses you visit regularly – eg: butcher, bakery, newsagent, hairdresser

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