When you ask someone to donate to your Pelotonia ride, you are giving them an opportunity to do something good for others, and, in turn, feel good about themselves. Here are some tips for your Pelotonia fundraising campaign.
Create a Rider profile page
- Rider Profiles are easy to create and use. Give your donors a visual representation of what Pelotonia is all about!
- Tell your Pelotonia story in your own words and upload your picture.
- Email a link to your Profile Page to your target donor list so they can click to donate directly to your ride.
- Display a fundraising total so your donors can track your progress.
- And much more…
Customize your email signature
Add a direct link to your Profile Page to your email signature.
Use corporate matches and double your donations
Many companies will match their employee’s charitable donations. Ask your donors to check with their HR department.
Host a fundraising party at your home
A fundraising party is an effective (and fun) way to increase your fundraising by bringing Pelotonia to life for your contributors. Your donors are more likely to sponsor you at a higher level once they have a better understanding of what Pelotonia is all about. Your contributors will discover what a huge commitment you are making and how their contributions will support the James Cancer Hospital.
Fundraising parties can be of any size or style. The first things you should decide are the date, location, and type of your event. Good ideas include house parties, a larger event at a bigger venue, golf tournaments, wine tastings, casino nights, auctions, or a home party through a company that specializes in at-home sales. Many companies that specialize in merchandising through home sales are happy to pass on a percentage of your sales to a charity of your choice. Please let us know if you have success with other types of parties to help with your fundraising.
Raffles are a good way to generate funds at a party. Local businesses may be willing to donate gift certificates. 50/50 raffles are also popular.
Silent or live auctions are a great way to generate funds. With the right crowd and an experienced auctioneer, a live auction will generate the most money.
Give your guests the opportunity to donate at your event. Guests may donate by check or credit card. Provide credit card slips, or for guests who prefer to go online to donate, provide them with an instruction sheet so they may do this at home. Even better, put a laptop or computer out at your party and set it to the Pelotonia donation page. This "Donation Station" gives guests the opportunity to donate online AT your party!
Promote your ride with local merchants
Ask local merchants (the cleaners, local restaurant, coffee shop, hairdresser, liquor store) if you may hang up a sheet promoting your Pelotonia ride in a visible location in the store. Include a description of Pelotonia, a picture of yourself, your reasons for riding Pelotonia, the Pelotonia website address (www.pelotonia.org) and information on how to sponsor you. You can also leave information on your ride for the manager and ask for a donation. Offer to have the names of local merchants printed on a riding jersey or tee shirt that you will wear at some point on Pelotonia weekend.
Organize a spin-a-thon at a health club
Does your health club offer spin classes? Talk with the manager and arrange a spin-a-thon to benefit your fundraising. Talk with your favorite instructors and perhaps they would be willing to donate their time to teach the class.
Personal appeals
If you are planning on asking someone for a significant gift, ask them in person. Make sure the time is right. Consider treating your prospective donor to lunch. Practice what you will say a few times beforehand.
Be prepared to talk about Pelotonia, what you will do, and how much it means to you. Look your prospective donor straight in the eyes and ask for his or her support. Ask for a specific amount of money, and aim high. It is always better to ask for more than he or she can give.
Once you have asked for a gift, STOP TALKING. Do not apologize or make excuses. Remember that you are not asking for yourself but for the fight against cancer. It may be hard to keep quiet, but just WAIT for a response. Your donor will be impressed that you have the courage to ask them in this way. People like to be perceived as successful, and they like to be asked for a significant contribution.
Write a personal letter
We provide some examples in the email solicitation you can send to donors, but sometimes donors want to hear your personal story and see it in an actual letter. Sometimes personal hard copy letters can be very powerful. If you would like to write a personal letter, please feel free to include any information from the Pelotonia site.
Have a neighborhood yard sale/bake sale
Ask your neighbors if they would be willing to have a neighborhood yard sale with a percentage of their sales going to sponsor your Pelotonia ride. Neighbors who are not around to participate may be willing to donate items for you to sell. Or have a bake sale with a new twist. Instead of actually selling baked goods have an auction of items such as: cake of the month, care package of the month to a student away at school or camp, or a specialty dessert for a dinner party.
Use the trickledown effect of fundraising
Ask your sponsors if they will join you in your fundraising efforts by asking their friends, families and companies to support your ride.
Are you riding in honor of a person who is battling cancer? Ask if they would like to join you in your fundraising endeavors by sending out letters to their family and friends.
Are you riding in memory of a person who has lost their battle with cancer? Ask their family and friends if they would like to join you in your fundraising endeavors by sending letters to their friends and family.
Goal thermometer / Pledge sheet
Design a goal thermometer or pledge sheet for others to view at your office.
In lieu of gifts
In lieu of gifts for a special occasion ask that a donation be made to your Pelotonia account.
Send thank you notes
Remember to send thank you notes to all of your donors! For an extra touch try a hand written note.
