Fundraising Resources

Asking for donations is never easy and it can leave even the most outgoing person with trembling knees. These resources are here to aid Polar Plungers in their fundraising efforts. Successfully asking for donations involves a good deal of preparation, some solid groundwork in finding the people you are going to ask and using the right "pitch" to convince them to donate.

 

All that being said…the #1 reason that people give? Because you ask them to! Remember that people give to people – not causes – and your passion and enthusiasm for the event and/or the cause are your best asset. Happy Fundraising!

 

jump to:

form downloads
newsletters
how to raise $500 in a week
fundraising tips
donation guidelines

form downloads

• Waiver [.pdf] Every plunger MUST turn in a signed waiver when you check in. No exceptions!
  

promotional material downloads

Check back in november to download event brochure and poster

newsletters - Plunge 2010

• issue #1 - november 24, 2009
• issue #2 - december 21, 2009
• issue #3 - january 15, 2010
• issue #4 - january 20, 2010
• issue #5 - february 3, 2010
• issue #6 - february 12, 2010

newsletters - Plunge 2009

• issue #1 - january 12, 2009
• issue #2 - january 23, 2009
• issue #3 - february 11, 2009
• issue #4 - february 19, 2009
• issue #5 - march 24, 2009

How do I raise $500 in a week?

Day 1 Start by sponsoring yourself for $25
Day 2 Ask 3 family members to sponsor you for $25
Day 3 Ask 5 friends to donate $15
Day 4 Ask 5 co-workers to sponsor you for $10
Day 5 E-mail 15 people and ask for a $10 donation
Day 6 Ask your company for a $75 contribution
Day 7 Ask 2 businesses you frequent for $25

fundraising tips

• Sign up to take the plunge on-line. This is the easiest and most effective way to raise money.
• Tell your sponsors why you’re plunging for Special Olympics Oregon.  Emphasize that the funds raised from the Polar Plunge directly support sports programs for athletes in Oregon. 
• Anyone is a potential sponsor.  Ask people you have contact with daily or who you’ve established a relationship with in one way or another — parents, friends, classmates, co-workers, neighbors, grocer, banker, mechanic, lawyer, dry cleaner, etc.
• Ask your company about matching gifts.  Many companies will match whatever amount each employee raises on his or her own.  When your company sends the money in, make sure they indicate what and who it is for so you get credit for it!
• Collect your donations up front so you don’t have to ask for them a second time.
  Ask at least one person a day to sponsor you.
• If you’re uncomfortable asking face-to-face, write or email your friends instead. We’ve provided a sample letter to help you.
• Ask 10 friends or co-workers to sponsor you for $10 each.
• Aim high — ask for $50 and settle for $25, instead of asking for $25 and settling for $10. Base the amount you’re asking for on your prospects’ ability to give.
• Carry your Collection Envelope with you at all times

donation guidelines

• Please make sure that all donations that are turned in specify which Polar Plunger and which location the money should be credited to.
• Make all checks payable to Special Olympics Oregon
• All donations made to Special Olympics Oregon are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
• Accepting cash and writing a personal check is discouraged- simply hand in cash with donor information at the event.