37th Annual The Ben to the Shore Bike Tour Presented by NSM Insurance Group: Fundraising Info, Tips, etc.

Fundraising Info, Tips, etc.

All riders must raise at least $250 to receive your participation bib. Bibs and T-shirts can be picked up at select locations in the three (3) days leading up to the ride. We do not mail bibs.

At this point in time (June 2024), we strongly advise that you utilize online donations (email, Facebook, etc.) in order to receive timely credit towards your fundraising minimum. Checks and matching gifts must be received on or before July 1, 2024.
Your fundraising page has a customizable link to share and is the best tool to solicit donations from family and friends.
Riders can connect their fundraising page directly with a Facebook Fundraiser for seamless, real-time donation updates.
Most companies offer matching gifts so remember to remind your donors to make a match request through their company. All matching gifts will count towards your fundraising total but must be received by July 1, 2024 to count towards your minimum. Please note, some matching gifts can take up to four months to receive.

FUNDRAISING HELP

Now that we are utilizing RunSignUp for registration, your fundraising pages and management procedure will be a bit different. Below are links to helpful teams for both individual fundraising and team captains.

If you have any other questions about your fundraising page, team, etc., email us at bike@fbbcf.org.

FUNDRAISING INCENTIVES

Fundraising incentives are a way for the FBBCF to thank our participants and teams for going above and beyond. For individuals, all fundraising money, including matching gifts, must be received before August 15, 2024 to qualify.

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2024 Team Fundraising Incentives

One of the many aspects that make this ride unique is the ability for teams to earmark a certain amount of their team fundraising total to an organization of their choosing, as long as that organization or program aligns with the mission of the Families Behind the Badge Children's Foundation. Plus, all teams who raise at least $15,000 will have a private tent at the After Party in Atlantic City!

Team Fundraising Levels and Amount You Can Designate:

Raise $15,000; Designate $1,000
Raise $20,000; Designate $2,500
Raise $30,000; Designate $5,000
Raise $50,000; Designate $7,500
Raise $75,000; Designate $10,000
Raise $100,000; Designate $15,000
Raise $125,000; Designate $20,000
Raise $150,000; Designate $25,000

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FUNDRAISING TIPS

Start Now.
The sooner you start asking, the more money you will raise.
Develop a list of prospective donors.
Start with your email address book and also think about clubs and organizations you belong to. Your fundraising page allows you to import your entire address book, as well as link your fundraising page to your Facebook and Twitter accounts. Then, contact everyone you know. You may be surprised who gives!
Customize your personal fundraising page.
The most compelling fundraising pages tell a story about why you are participating. Include photos, videos, and anything you can think of to show your passion and enthusiasm for the ride. Update your fundraising page and your social media accounts, with information about training, progress, or challenges so that your friends and family can stay engaged throughout your fundraising effort. Click here for a guide on how to maximize your personal fundraising page.
Don’t be shy about asking.
In addition to sending out emails on your own or through your fundraising page, don’t forget to follow-up. Ask, ask, and ask again at every possible opportunity. Don't be shy about asking more than once. Your enthusiasm will be contagious!
Inquire about matching gifts.
Ask your employer if your company offers matching gifts. And remind your friends and family to ask if their employers/companies offer matching gifts. Many matching gifts can take a couple of months for the donor company to process so start early. Matching gifts can increase your fundraising efforts enormously!
Social Media, Social Media, Social Media
Use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn to update friends on your fundraising progress and provide a direct link to your fundraising page. Use these tools to encourage your friends and family to make a donation. Social media is a great way to stay in front of people without making a "hard ask."
Host a Fundraising Event
Invite your team and guests to raise some money for your team by hosting a happy hour, partnering with a restaurant for food percentages, raffle, silent auction, etc.
Get creative and make it fun!
• Ask your boss if you can have a casual Friday, participants must donate $5.
• Add the URL for your fundraising page to your email signature.
• Go to your favorite store and ask if you can put a donation can on their counter.
• Give out "piggy banks" and ask people to save their change (or allowance) for a few weeks.
• Throw a Fundraising Happy Hour! Ask your local bar if you can set up drink specials and have donation cans set up around the bar.

Click here for more fundraising ideas
Click here to download a customizable donation letter