Fundraising Tips

You’re participating in the Tour of Novato bike ride event benefiting the students of Novato. Fundraising is the way to make a real difference. But, it doesn’t have to be hard or a chore; the ride is all about fun! People want to help you and they want to help provide a great education for our children. By asking them to give a donation, you are giving them an opportunity to make a difference.

How to Raise $250 in 5 Days

Day 1: Donate $25 to yourself (total=$25)

Day 2: Ask your housemate/spouse/partner and/or best friend to donate $25 (Total=$50)

Day 3: Ask two relatives to donate $25 each (Total=$100)

Day 4: Ask two friends to donate $25 each (Total=$150)

Day 5: Ask four neighbors or colleagues to donate $25 each (Total=$250)

Set Your Goals High

The suggested minimum fundraising amount for each participant is $100 in addition to the registration fee. We encourage everyone to set a goal of at least $250. You should know that historically the average participant raises over $300, and every year we have multiple participants who raise over $2,000! Victory demands you stretch a bit, risk a little, and challenge yourself. Pick a number that feels like a real stretch and go for it. This does not have to be the ceiling for your personal goal as the average participant raises much more than that. Think of fundraising as a personal challenge, your team’s challenge and also as a part of the adventure. Think of the lives you are touching. Think about a fundraising goal that would be a truly big accomplishment for you. Remember the golden rule of fundraising: if you don’t ask, you don’t get. Aim high. And go for it. The goal for the Tour of Novato this year is to raise $125,000 for our schools.

Use Your Employer’s Matching Program to Reach Your Fundraising Goal

Did you know that many companies have matching gift programs and charitable giving programs set up, in which the company matches donations made by employees to eligible nonprofit organizations? Ask your human resources department if your company has a program like this. Programs like this can help you achieve and exceed your fundraising goals.

This also works for those who donate to you for the Tour of Novato. Be sure to mention to potential donors that their donations could possibly be matched by their employer, and to check with their HR department to find out if their employer has a matching program.

How to Solicit Support

Go to your fundraising page, copy the web address (URL) and paste it into an email you write to send to all of your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and anyone else you can think of who might be willing to help our cause and your kids. If you participated in this event in the past, you can also log into your account and use the new “Email My Supporters” button to compose a message that you can send out the good folks who donated to you last year, or to contact potential new supporters.

Incentives for Individual Participants

 

Fundraising Participation Level	Gift Bag	T-Shirt	Special Breakfast	VIP Access	Jersey	Jacket
$2,500	P	P	P	P	P	P
$1,000	P	P	P	P	P
$500	P	P	P	P
$300	P	P	P
$100	P	P