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Cool Fundraising Ideas

Looking for some "cool" fundraising ideas? Look no further! Help Special Olympics Virginia raise a cool million this year using the below tips and strategies.

1. By far, the fastest and easiest way to raise money is through your free online fundraising page. Go to firstgiving to create your page, then send an e-mail to your list of contacts with a link to your page so your friends and family can donate directly online.

2. Carry your donation form with you. You never know when you might run into a supporter!

3. Set a goal; then reach it in manageable steps. Here’s an easy way to raise $200:

Ask	Amount	Total
Yourself (Bring your lunch to work one or two days a week)	1 x $25	$25
Two family members (Think Mom, Dad, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, cousin…we all have them!)	2 x $20	$40
Four friends (Have several friends over for dinner and ask them all at once)	4 x $5	$20
Four coworkers (Display a donation bucket in your place of business)	4 x $5	$20
Four neighbors (Not comfortable knocking on doors? Write a letter and insert a return envelope)	4 x $5	$20
Someone from your book club or athletic team	1 x $25	$25
Your hairdresser, dry cleaner or doctor (Ask her/him to put a donation jar in the office/shop)	1 x $25	$25
Church/temple members (Have a request placed in the bulletin for a one-time offering)	1 x 25	$25
		$200

  
4. Encourage people to ask their companies for matching gift forms. Many donors are not aware this is an option. Matching gifts can double (or even triple) the original donation amount.

5. If you have a Facebook profile, add the fundraising application and promote your efforts through your Facebook cause. And don’t forget to add Plunge Virginia as your Facebook friend!

6. If you’re on Twitter, tweet a message to your friends! Challenge them to join you or support you. We're on Twitter too! Follow us @PolarPlungeVA!

7. Set up your e-mail signature with a link to your online fundraising page. Include this year’s message: “I’m a superhero. Support me as I take the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Virginia!”

8. If you didn't receive an answer the first time you asked, ask again! Sometimes people mean to donate, but they don't get around to it. Friendly reminder e-mails, progress updates, etc. help to nudge the process along.

9. Get creative and have fun!

10. Don't forget to let us know what you're doing so we can share great fundraising ideas with other plungers!