events | polar-plunge | Fundraising Tool Kit
Freezin' for a Reason
Asking for donations is never easy and it can leave even the most outgoing person with trembling knees. Just remember: what is the number one reason that people give? Because you asked! People give to people – not causes – and your passion and enthusiasm for Polar Plunge and Special Olympics Texas are your best asset. Happy fundraising!
Quick Tips
- Most Successful Idea: Mail a fundraising letter to your friends, family and neighbors with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Alternately, email your contacts and include a link to your personal fundraising web page where they can make a donation online.
- Team Spirit: Form a team at work or with friends. Select a captain, choose a team theme - like “Super Plungers” and dress up like superheroes. Wear matching shirts or hats to make a statement.
- Extra, Extra… Tweet All About It! Posting on social media sites like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram is a great way to share information about your involvement in Polar Plunge, and to solicit donations. Include a link to your personal fundraising page.
- Double Your Fun: Challenge a friend or colleague to take the plunge!
- Matching Funds: Ask your supporters about matching funds from their employers.
- Follow Up: Always follow up, via phone and/or email. People will appreciate the reminder.
- Send Thank Yous: Always send thank you letters/emails to all sponsors (and include a crazy picture, so they remember you next year).
Who Do You Know?
Make a list:
|
Family Members |
Community |
Child’s Sports Team |
|
Friends |
Social Clubs |
Vendors/Suppliers |
|
Co-Workers |
Fraternity/Sorority |
Child’s School |
|
Neighbors |
High School/College Alumni |
Colleagues/Competitors |
How to Raise $400 in 10 Days
| Who to Ask | Total Per Day |
Grand Total | |
| Day 1 | Sponsor yourself for $20. | $20 | $20 |
| Day 2 | Ask 3 family members to each match your personal donation of $20. | $60 | $80 |
| Day 3 | Ask your best friend to sponsor you for $20. | $20 | $100 |
| Day 4 | Ask your boss for a company contribution of $20 or to match the entire amount you raise. | $20 | $120 |
| Day 5 | Ask 4 local friends to sponsor you for $10 each. | $40 | $160 |
| Day 6 | Ask 4 out of town friends to sponsor you for $10 each. | $40 | $200 |
| Day 7 | Ask 4 businesses you frequent (barber, salon, dry cleaner, dentist, lunch restaurant) to sponsor you for $10 each. | $40 | $240 |
| Day 8 | Ask 4 co-workers to sponsor you for $10 each. | $40 | $280 |
| Day 9 | Ask 4 neighbors to sponsor you for $10 each. | $40 | $320 |
| Day 10 | Ask 8 people from your church/temple/social club, etc. to sponsor you for $10 each. | $80 | $400 |
Sample Donation Request Letter
Dear [Insert Name]:
I am writing to ask for your help. On [insert date of plunge], I have committed to grin and bear it for the athletes of Special Olympics Texas by taking a chilly dip into freezing water alongside other warm-hearted people. I know you’re probably getting cold just thinking about it! The cold that I will feel is temporary; the positive impact it will have on the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities will last a lifetime.
I have set a personal fundraising goal of $[insert amount], and I need your help to reach it! I’m not asking you to take the plunge alongside me, but instead, I am asking if you will make a donation to Special Olympics Texas on behalf of me taking part in the Polar Plunge. Any amount would be appreciated – it all goes to a wonderful organization, and every bit gets me that much closer to my goal.
In order to support my plunge, please make your check payable to Special Olympics Texas and return it to me in the envelope I have provided. Or, if you prefer the web, visit [your individual web page address]. To learn more about this wacky winter event, visit www.sotx.org/polarplunge for all of the chilly details. Think warm thoughts for me as [insert date of plunge] approaches. I will do my best to bear the cold and make my supporters proud!
Thank you!
[Plunger Name]
Promotional Graphics
Make use of our Polar Plunge promotional graphics to tell your friends and family about your plunge on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram! Right-click on each image and “Save Image as…” to save to your computer. When you post them to your social media pages, be sure to include a link to your fundraising web page!
