Raising Funds,
Raising Hope
You can raise money using your team’s fundraising page. It’s easier than you think, and the best part is that 100% of every donation directly funds rare cancer research! Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to help you reach your fundraising goal and ask to make a donation on your behalf.
Successful Fundraising — Tips and Tricks:
100%
Make sure to tell all of your donors that 100% of their donation to Cycle for Survival will go directly to rare cancer research.
Change Your Mindset
Rare cancers touch most of our lives. While you are asking for donations, you’ll be surprised at who might thank you for this opportunity to make an impact.
Rally Your Team
Create an email or Facebook group to share stories, words of encouragement, and key fundraising earnings, and encourage your teammates to do the same.
Give to Yourself
The best way to encourage others to give is to show them that you’ve donated to your own efforts first. Make a kick-off gift!
Make It Personal
Tell YOUR story about why you ride. The Participant Center provides you with templates of suggested language, but the more personal you make your asks, the more people will relate – everyone has been touched by cancer.
Ask, Ask, Ask!
You don’t get what you don’t ask for, so make sure you are asking! Donations don’t always come from where you expect them, so cast a wide net and make each ask personal!
Show Your Gratitude
Say thank you early and often to your donors. Update them on your progress and show them the impact they are having. Help encourage others by saying thank you publicly as well. Facebook is great for that!
Get Social
You’ll be surprised at the support you’ll receive from a Facebook post, X post, lnstagram photo, or Cycle for Survival YouTube video. Use the Facebook, X, and e-mail share buttons on your personal fundraising page.
Think BIG
Ask for specific amounts from people you know can make bigger gifts, and don’t be afraid to follow up with a phone call or an in-person meeting.
Follow Up
Most people are willing to give even just a small amount, but need the reminder. Just because they didn’t initially respond doesn’t mean that they don’t want to support you. It’s okay to follow up!
Meet for Coffee
Meet face-to-face with some of your potential donors. Nothing is more personal or effective than sitting down and having a conversation.
Wear Your Gear
It’s a great excuse to talk to people about the event, the cause, and why you ride.
Team T-Shirts
As a public way to thank your donors, have team t-shirts made to wear at your ride and list all donors on the back!
Double Your Impact
Matching gifts are a great way to double, even triple your impact! Make sure you and your donors check with your respective Human Resources departments to see if they’ll match.
Special Events
Donate on your birthday, anniversary, or any other special occasion to Cycle for Survival, and ask people to give the amount of the year you are celebrating (or more!). We’ve even had a bride-to-be host her bachelorette party at Cycle for Survival.
