Sample Fundraising Letter (Top 10 Reasons to help me raise money)
Dear _____________,
On {insert date} , I will be participating in the 2009 Walk MS event. I am participating in the walk
to raise money to help fund research into the cause, treatment, and a cure for multiple sclerosis,
and to provide services to the 2,900 people living with MS in 51 counties in western and central
Virginia. I have challenged myself to raise $___ dollars. This is by far the greatest challenge I
have set my mind to, and I am counting on your generosity and support to make this goal a
reality.
TOP 10 REASONS TO HELP ME RAISE MONEY FOR MS:
10. Because multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system
(made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves), believed to result from attacks by
the immune system.
9. Because every hour of every day, someone is diagnosed with MS.
8. Because imagine waking up to discover your entire world changed. Imagine not knowing if
you can get out of bed today, hold your child, or see clearly enough to drive to work.
7. Because MS strikes between the ages of 15 and 50, when people are just beginning their
careers, their marriage and their family.
6. Because there are over 400,000 Americans living with MS.
5. Because MS research gives us invaluable insight into the function of the immune & nervous
systems and provides a window of treatment for MS and many other auto-immune diseases.
4. Because $___ is a lot of money and I can only raise it with your help!
3. Because ALL donations (large and small) make a difference.
2. Because I want to do something for my friends, family, and co-workers who have been
diagnosed - and because I want to prevent more people from learning what it means to live with
this disease
1. Because with continued research we can and will find a cure.
The National MS Society believes that moving is not just something you can or can’t do,
but rather is who you are. By simply making a contribution to Walk MS, we are raising
funds for research, as well as comprehensive programs for people with MS - moving us
closer to a world free of MS.
You can make checks payable to the National MS Society and mail them directly to me. Please
be sure to put my name in the memo section. Or you can e-pledge me with your credit card at
{YOUR PERSONAL PAGE WEB ADDRESS}. Thank you, in advance, for your support.
Regards,
Sample Fundraising Letter (friends & family)
Dear Friends & Family:
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is kicking off our annual Walk MS on
(insert date). I am planning to be a part of that event and I'm asking you to join
me in the movement to create a world free of MS by making Your contribution will
help me meet my personal fundraising goal of (insert fundraising goal) and will
help the Blue Ridge Chapter continue to offer programs and services to the more
than 2,900 individuals in the chapter who live with MS.
Walk MS raises money for MS research projects and client programs (40% for
important national research and programs and 60% that stays in the local
chapter for programs that assist those individuals in this region living with the
MS). The funds also help to raise awareness about the disease and to educate
the public about the FDA-approved drugs now available which may delay or
reduce future disability in many people with multiple sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) usually strikes adults in the prime of life between the ages
of 20 and 50. MS is a chronic disease of the central nervous system affecting the
brain and spinal cord, causing blindness, paralysis, and loss of movement. The
symptoms are vast and unpredictable, bringing uncertainty to those living with
the disease and the future.
You and I are essential in this movement to create a world free of MS as there
are only 400,000 in the United States who have MS; not enough to cure the
disease. Rather, we need people like you to join the movement...people who can
give their time, treasure and talent.
Sponsoring me and contributing to the National MS Society is what YOU CAN
DO to help move us even closer to a cure. Any amount, no matter how small it
may seem, is helping to get us closer to the day when no one has to hear the
words, "you have MS." We don't have time...we need a cure now.
In gratitude,
Sample Fundraising Letter (family member/close friend with MS)
Dear__________,
Did you know that every hour of every day someone new is diagnosed with
multiple sclerosis? This has occurred in {my family/to one of my close friends}.
(Insert personal story. Describe their experience at the time of the diagnosis,
how their life has changed, and your concerns about the future. Also share with
them what the National MS Society has done for them.)
I am helping to fight this disease by participating in Walk MS with hundreds of
other people on {DATE}. I am walking because I am determined to help the
National MS Society continue to provide services for people with MS. The
money I raise will help them fund top-rated research giving {insert family/friend
name) a better quality of life. There are over 2,900 people, just in my community
alone with MS. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society will use funds collected
from Walk MS to not only support research for a cure tomorrow, but also to
provide programs which address the needs of people living with MS today. By
simply participating or making a contribution to Walk MS, we are becoming part
of the powerful movement that will end MS forever.
My personal fund raising goal is {dollar amount}. I am well on my way. If you’d
like to donate towards my goal, visit: {your personal webpage}. Or, you can use
the enclosed envelope and send me a check. Please make it payable to the
‘National MS Society. Whatever amount you can contribute is deeply
appreciated.
I thank you, and those living with MS thank you!
Sample Fundraising Letter (WALK TO CREATE A WORLD FREE OF MS)
Dear _______________,
I find it hard asking someone to make a donation. I guess we all do. But, today
I’m writing to you about a cause that’s important to ME and a cause that I know
you will want to support.
Multiple sclerosis interrupts the flow of information between brain and body and
stops people from moving. With the help of people like you, the National MS
Society addresses the challenges of each person whose life is affected by MS
and helps them stay connected to the great big moving world.
MS researchers have made extraordinary progress in the last few years
searching for a cure and your contribution will help support these vital efforts.
Funds will also be used to support local programs for people with MS and their
families.
WALK TO CREATE A WORLD FREE OF MS
You can help me reach my fundraising goal of $________ by sponsoring me in
the 2009 Walk MS. It’s easy. Just complete the enclosed contribution card and
return it to me in the envelope provided with your check payable to the National
MS Society by ______________. Or you can learn more about MS and sponsor
me online by visiting {YOUR PERSONAL PAGE WEB ADDRESS}.
Your support will mean so much to me and over 400,000 Americans living with
MS. Can I count on your help?
Warmest Regards,
Sample Fundraising Letter (Fundraising)
Hello________!
I hope you can help! On {Date}, I will be participating in the National Multiple
Sclerosis Society’s Walk to raise awareness and funds for the fight against MS.
The Society supports more MS research, offers more services for people with
MS, provides more professional education programs and furthers more MS
advocacy efforts than any other MS organization in the world.
Please consider joining as a fund-raiser yourself or sponsoring me as I walk. It's
easy to make a difference -- visit www.walkMSva.org or call 1-800-344-4867 to
register or make a donation today. If you prefer to write a check, please make it
payable to the ‘National MS Society,’ and send it to me. Donations of every size
are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated.
My personal fund-raising goal is {dollar amount}. I am well on my way. Your
generosity and enthusiasm will not only help me reach my goal, but will also
make a positive difference in the lives of the 2,900 people with MS in my
community.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Sample Article for Newsletter or Bulletin
We are proud to announce that our company is forming a team to participate in
the 2009 Walk MS. Our team, _____________, will join thousands of walkers
and volunteers in our community to raise money for the fight against multiple
sclerosis. We have set a goal of $________ to help support MS research and
services for people living with MS. Our team and the National Multiple Sclerosis
Society, Blue Ridge Chapter are working together to help reach this goal. By
doing so, we will aid the National MS Society in its mission to end the devastating
effects of multiple sclerosis.
Our company is participating in Walk MS [site(s)] on [date(s)]. If you would like to
join the Walk MS team or sponsor a co-worker, contact [contact name] at [phone
number].
Multiple sclerosis (MS) usually strikes adults in the prime of life, between the
ages of 20 and 50. It is a chronic disease of the central nervous system that
affects the brain and spinal cord. One new case of MS is diagnosed every hour.
MS can come and go unpredictably, leaving people to ask themselves, “Will I
become paralyzed, blind or have trouble walking? Will I be able to raise my
family and continue my career?”
Funds raised from this year’s event directly benefit 2,900 Virginians and their
families living in 51 counties served by the Blue Ridge Chapter. Funds also
support research that aims to make multiple sclerosis a disease of the past.
[Company/organization name] employees/members, their families and friends
are encouraged to support our Walk MS team. Contact [name] at [phone number]
or call the National MS Society at 1-800-344-4867. To learn more about the 2009
Walk MS, you can also visit www.walkMSva.org.
Thank you note
Dear
,
Thank you so very much for sponsoring me for the 2009 WALK MS. The event
was wonderful and we had a great time. Because of your generosity, I raised a
total of ($AMT) and helped the National MS Society get one more step closer to
creating a world free of MS.
The (TOWN) WALK MS raised ($AMT) and had approximately (AMT) walkers.
The money funds research and local services for the more than 2,900 people
with MS in the Blue Ridge area.
Thanks again for all your support and your generous donation!
Sincerely,
Your name