The most effective way to get sponsorships is to ask people directly. The next-best
way is a letter-writing campaign. All donations are appreciated and they add up!
You can also ask for sponsorships from your place of work, civic or
religious group, places where you do business, etc.
Remember your company matching gifts program!
Letter Writing Campaign
Make a list of everyone you know. Friends, family, co-workers,
businesses you frequent and groups you belong to. For regular mail,
please enclose a pre-addressed envelope for them to use. We can also
prepare a personal TeamWalk web page for you, allowing your family and
friends to link right to it and make safe, online credit card donations.
Sample Letter:
I am writing this letter to everyone I know because I hope you will
support me in an annual event that is very important to me and my
family. It is the annual Spastic Paraplegia Foundation TeamWalk.
I will be participating in a TeamWalk in (location) on ((date)).
(Or, I am going to participate as a Walker-by-Proxy and a designated Walker will
walk for me (location) on (date).)
As you may know, I have (or family member has) a rare neurological
disorder called (HSP or PLS). This disorder slowly damages the nerves
that help me (walk, move my arms, speak). It is progressive, and will
make it more difficult for me as time goes on. However, I hold on to a
positive attitude and make the best of everything life places before me
because there is so much to be grateful for (give a personal statement
here).
Although there is currently no cure, I have a lot of hope because research
is finally accelerating. Experts are hopeful that cures can be found in
this generation. But that, of course, depends upon funding. The Spastic
Paraplegia Foundation (SPF) was formed in 2002 as a foundation
dedicated to raising funds for research on Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS)
and Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP).
The foundation has made significant contributions to understanding the
causes of these conditions. In the last seven years, we have raised and
spent over $2 Million for research through events like this TeamWalk,
with over 90% of the funds we raise going to research.
I realize that there are many charities that vie for your attention, but any
contribution, large or small, will be greatly appreciated. I hope you'll
return the enclosed envelope to me by (date) or visit my online TeamWalk
fundraising page to make your online contribution at
(www.address.com). If your company has a matching gift program, please
include the form so that your gift can be matched. Thank you so much
for your consideration!
We need your help. Please walk with us today, so we can walk with you
tomorrow.
Email Campaign:
You can have your own TeamWalk Webpage with your photo and letter
where people can make online credit card donations through PayPal, a
secure site for online business. Email your friends and give them a link
to your website. Visit www.sp-foundation.org for more information on
how we can set up a web page for you.
Recruit other walkers:
Ask your family and friends to register for the TeamWalk and walk
alongside you! Set a fundraising goal as a group, and assign individual
goals from there. Sponsorships are the most important part of our
TeamWalk, so don't stop until you hit your target!
Other suggestions:
You can organize a small Family and Friends Fundraiser! Hold a bake
sale, car wash or a spaghetti supper! If you have competitive family and
friends, have a fundraising contest. Check with your employer, local PTA,
civic or religious group to see if they can help! Or, ask your beauty salon
or other service shop to hold a special day where proceeds support your
cause!
Remember to ask your donors about company gift match programs!
For additional information, email us at information@sp-foundation.org
