fundraising tips
How Do I Raise Funds?
Action is the key to your success.
There are many different ways to reach your fundraising goal, but to the chagrin of introverts everywhere, they all require you to ask people to donate. How you choose to ask is up to you. Be as creative as you like, but you must ask. Don’t spend too much time trying to decide who to ask. Ask everyone you know. You might be surprised who responds to you, and you may even develop better relationships with people because you asked.
Remember: every dollar you raise can bring someone closer to recovery. Every mile you ride shows them they’re not alone. Fundraising isn’t just about money —it’s about movement. Let’s ride!
There are many different ways to reach your fundraising goal, but to the chagrin of introverts everywhere, they all require you to ask people to donate. How you choose to ask is up to you. Be as creative as you like, but you must ask. Don’t spend too much time trying to decide who to ask. Ask everyone you know. You might be surprised who responds to you, and you may even develop better relationships with people because you asked.
Remember: every dollar you raise can bring someone closer to recovery. Every mile you ride shows them they’re not alone. Fundraising isn’t just about money —it’s about movement. Let’s ride!
Advice for What to Say While Fundraising
Tell people what you are doing and why you are doing it.
More impactful than just saying “I need donations,” telling the story of why you are passionate about the Recovery Ride can be a moving method of generating a reaction. Take advantage of the personal web page and write your story so people can read it in their own time. Do you have a personal interest or relationship with the community? Do you know someone who has ridden before? Are you a veteran cyclist or a first-time rider?
It does not matter what your story is, it only matters that you share it with people and tell them why you want to do the Recovery Ride. It might seem selfish that you want to ride for the personal accomplishment of completing 100 miles on a bike in a single day, or you may feel embarrassed to talk about your past addiction or loved ones who needed help with their recovery, but it is important to remember that people are supporting YOU.
You decide whether to step up and do something extraordinary that will get people to support you. You will learn so much about people who have their own reasons to support your Recovery Ride, and they will learn about you. Talk about the ride, the many miles from Sausalito to Guernsville and back, the training, the fundraising. Fundraising events have become a part of our modern culture, and people are accustomed to being asked for donations. Do not think you are alone doing something no one has ever done. Just ask. Tell them what you are doing and ask them to donate. Do not take it personally if they choose not to donate, and be thankful to those who do.
If you have never raised funds before, this can seem like a daunting amount. However, you'll be surprised how individuals respond to you when you tell them what you are doing and that you need their help in achieving your goal.
More impactful than just saying “I need donations,” telling the story of why you are passionate about the Recovery Ride can be a moving method of generating a reaction. Take advantage of the personal web page and write your story so people can read it in their own time. Do you have a personal interest or relationship with the community? Do you know someone who has ridden before? Are you a veteran cyclist or a first-time rider?
It does not matter what your story is, it only matters that you share it with people and tell them why you want to do the Recovery Ride. It might seem selfish that you want to ride for the personal accomplishment of completing 100 miles on a bike in a single day, or you may feel embarrassed to talk about your past addiction or loved ones who needed help with their recovery, but it is important to remember that people are supporting YOU.
You decide whether to step up and do something extraordinary that will get people to support you. You will learn so much about people who have their own reasons to support your Recovery Ride, and they will learn about you. Talk about the ride, the many miles from Sausalito to Guernsville and back, the training, the fundraising. Fundraising events have become a part of our modern culture, and people are accustomed to being asked for donations. Do not think you are alone doing something no one has ever done. Just ask. Tell them what you are doing and ask them to donate. Do not take it personally if they choose not to donate, and be thankful to those who do.
If you have never raised funds before, this can seem like a daunting amount. However, you'll be surprised how individuals respond to you when you tell them what you are doing and that you need their help in achieving your goal.
Popular Methods for Fundraising
Below is a list of some popular things other folks have done to help them achieve their fundraising goals.
- Create an Email campaign to family & friends (send it a few times for the procrastinators)
- Join a team and raise funds as part of a group effort.
- Use social media like Facebook and Twitter to let people know what you are doing.
- See if your company has a corporate match for charity events.
- Work with a local benefiting agency for opportunities to raise funds.
- Partner with a local business to do a raffle or outreach event.
You just need a plan, enthusiasm, and passion! Never forget why you decided to get involved. Always keep in mind the personal physical challenge. If you have specific questions about how to raise your commitment, you can work with the local agency, reach out to us, talk to other participants, or chat with your team captain or the rider representative that is assigned to you.
The Letter Campaign
A personalized letter or email is the most basic tool of fundraising, and that’s because it works.
Regardless of whatever else you do, write a letter first! Use it to tell your story. Include the facts — that you will be participating in the Recovery Ride, a 3-day bicycle event, and that you would like to offer them the opportunity to help you fund programs and services that help people change their lives and create a positive and empowering experience for individuals recovering from substance use disorder and other challenges.
You may decide to include some facts about the importance of the Recovery Ride, or you may choose to include facts about the physical challenge. In either case, explain why this is important to you. Send your letter to everyone you have an email or mailing address for, and then look for more addresses and send even more letters. Link this to your Facebook page or a donation form and a pre-addressed return envelope.
Regardless of whatever else you do, write a letter first! Use it to tell your story. Include the facts — that you will be participating in the Recovery Ride, a 3-day bicycle event, and that you would like to offer them the opportunity to help you fund programs and services that help people change their lives and create a positive and empowering experience for individuals recovering from substance use disorder and other challenges.
You may decide to include some facts about the importance of the Recovery Ride, or you may choose to include facts about the physical challenge. In either case, explain why this is important to you. Send your letter to everyone you have an email or mailing address for, and then look for more addresses and send even more letters. Link this to your Facebook page or a donation form and a pre-addressed return envelope.
In Your Neighborhood
There are countless opportunities to raise money within a few miles of your home. Think about it: the coffee shop, gym, workplace, laundromat, car wash, supermarket, newsstand, dry cleaners, grocery store, dentist’s office, bar, deli, parking lot, bike shop, and pizza place. You patronize these businesses all of the time — ask them to help you out with your fundraising effort. How?
- Just ask for the donation.
- Put a poster in the window, explaining what you are doing and how to help.
- Ask the business to donate a portion of their proceeds on a given day.
On the Town
Talk to people about the Recovery Ride as much as you are willing to throughout your everyday life. Tell people what you are doing and take advantage of the opportunity to fundraise. Your friends and family will be more than happy to support you but also go outside your comfort zone and inner circle.
- Throw a party! Ask everyone who attends to write a check when they enter the front door. (Let them know in advance why they are being invited and remind them to bring their checkbook or credit card).
- Host an event — nights in a local bar, a 50/50 raffle, or get a few prizes to raffle off.
- Ask your friends to ask their friends for donations.
On the Clock
If it is allowed, work can be a good source of donations. Your company may even sponsor you…
- Just ask for money.
- Then, ask for more — see if your company has a matching gift program.
- Send an e-mail to the entire company with a link to your donation page.
- Set up a small display — hang a Recovery Ride poster in a prominent place. (ask us and we can help get you one).
- Approach clients, vendors, or anyone else that your company does business with (make sure it’s OK with the boss!).
- During lunch, host a meeting and do a presentation about the Recovery Ride and your commitment to the cause.
Take Advantage of Timely Opportunities
- Throw a Sports Event Party. College football games, NFL games, etc. Create a pool where half of the money goes to your fundraising.
- Birthday coming up? Ask for donations in lieu of presents.
- Create a game night. Trivia. Be as creative as you want but give people a reason to come together and ask them to support your fundraising.
Use the Web
The Internet and e-mail have greatly affected the fundraising world. Use them to your advantage:
- Let people know that they can make donations on your behalf at your web page. Go to the Recovery Ride website and look yourself up by entering your last name!
- Add a message on your personal e-mail signature about your Recovery Ride participation and a link to donate to you.
Other Ideas for Fundraising
Use your own unique creativity, whatever it may be. Everyone can do something well; sell your creations or leverage a skill to benefit your fundraising campaign.
There’s no limit to creative, effective fundraising techniques. The following is a quick list of many more ways to get reach your fundraising goals.
There’s no limit to creative, effective fundraising techniques. The following is a quick list of many more ways to get reach your fundraising goals.
Leveraging What You Have
- Bake Sale – Make cakes and pies, and cupcakes for the holidays and sell them!
- Garage Sale – Ask your friends to do the same. Put it in your front yard and sell, sell, sell! Put all the money raised toward your fundraising goal!
- eBay – Auction off the remaining items from your garage sale on eBay.
- We Love Pennies – Everyone saves pennies. They throw them in boxes, in jars, have a get-together, and have everyone bring their pennies, or even better their loose change!
- Voicemail Message – This will alert everyone who calls you that you are “out training”, even if you're not! Let them know that you need their support and direct them to your pledge page.
- Neighborhood Chores – Are you a Mr. or Ms. Fix-it? A lot of your neighbors would probably rather pay you than someone else. Place signs around your neighborhood advertising your services (i.e. watering gardens, cleaning roof gutters, sweeping the driveway, fixing an easy plumbing problem, painting a room, etc.)
Leveraging Your Network
- Happy Hour party – Invite all your friends (and their friends!)
- Game Night – Get out those board games and start playing! Break into teams and let the fun begin.
- Delegate – Give 10 of your friends 10 donation forms and ask them to help raise money for you.
- Housewarming Party – Anyone moving soon? If so, ask your friends to make a donation instead of purchasing a gift for the new place.
- Business Cards – Print up some inexpensive business cards with your name, your rider or crew number, the link to donate directly to you, and information about the Recovery Ride. Hand these out to everyone you meet!
- Collect While You Pump – Ask your gym to place a Donation Jar at the front desk! Leave a stack of donation forms at the counter, too.
- Neighbors – Write to all your neighbors on your block (or in your building) telling them what you’re training for and asking them to donate.
- Curse Jar – Everyone loves this one. Place a Curse Jar in your office, and whenever someone says a bad word, they have to put a dollar in the jar.
- Do you know a teacher? – Get students to help you fundraise. Kids are incredibly creative and cute, too! Have them put together those red ribbons for you! (at the same time you may be educating and raising awareness).
Leveraging Your Digital Presence
- Monthly Newsletter – put pictures and tell stories, thank people who have sponsored, and do it as a self-mailer. You’ll be surprised how this helps gently remind those who have “forgotten” or “meant to” but hadn’t gotten around to that donation.
- Work Communication – Does your company distribute a newsletter? Run a story on what you're doing. Take advantage of these! It’s a perfect way to get the word out.
Final Thoughts
Feel free to reach out to us if you need help brainstorming ideas for fundraising!
Remember: every dollar you raise can bring someone closer to recovery. Every mile you ride shows them they’re not alone. Fundraising isn’t just about money —it’s about movement. Let’s ride!
Remember: every dollar you raise can bring someone closer to recovery. Every mile you ride shows them they’re not alone. Fundraising isn’t just about money —it’s about movement. Let’s ride!
Join us
September 11 - 13, 2026
For a bike ride from Sausalito, CA to Guernville, CA and back again.
Pre-register to be notified when our fundraising and volunteer platforms roll out in June.