Minimum Fundraising Requirement
The Dirt Bowl is an important fundraising event for the Marin County Bicycle Coalition and the NorCal High School Mountain Bike League. Proceeds from the Dirt Bowl will go towards the ongoing advocacy work being conducted by both organizations.
All participants are required to raise $125. Raising $125 to support a cause you are passionate about is easy! Just take the time to ask your friends and aquantances for an appropriate donation. Some participants may choose to pay some or all of the $125 themselves.
Fundraising Rewards
Sponsors are contributing fantastic prizes for top fundraisers, including bikes, gear and dinners at fine restaurants. We will announce top fundraisers and the growing prize list as the event gets closer!
Fundraising Tips
The best fundraising tip is simply to be optimistic and excited. People will respond to your passion and energy. With enthusiasm and a careful plan, raising the mininum or more can be easy. A simple plan will make it easier to acquire pledges. Here are some steps to help you begin:
1. Raising the Money is Not as Hard as it May Seem
Take a deep breath, and realize that meeting your fundraising goal is easier than you probably imagine. In the end, the Dirt Bowl is not about the money. The Dirt Bowl is about sharing your passion for the sport of cycling, and passing that passion on to youth, friends, and the community. Share THAT with people, and the vast majority of the time, they will answer your request for support with a resounding, “Yes.”
2. Start Fundraising Today
Start asking today, and you’ll raise more money. It’s that simple. Begin making contact with everyone you know as soon as you register—via letter, e-mail, telephone, and in person—whatever suits you. Some of your contacts may need to hear about your commitment to the League two or three times before it sinks in that you are serious and want their support.
3. Know Some Details About the League's Mission and Programs
Learn about the MCBC and the League’s programs, and about the impact they are having on youth. Make sure you can share the mission statement and some key facts about the MCBC and the League. Your donors will likely want to know what good their donation will do. The more knowledgeable you are, the easier it will be to meet your fundraising goals. If you have first hand experience with the MCBC or the League then share your own experience!
4. Be Proud of What You’re Doing
You aren’t asking for money so that some kids can just ride bikes. You are making it possible for many young people to find a sport they love, become part of a caring community, learn to make healthy lifestyle choices, and become strong, empowered people. Raising money for a cause is something to be proud of! Your pride and excitement for the Dirt Bowl will be contagious, and will make it virtually impossible for potential sponsors to say no.
5. Brainstorm and Make a List
Make a complete list of everyone you know. Include everyone: family, friends, co-workers, schoolmates, local businesses, club members, politicians, hairdressers, gardeners, neighbors, your doctors, your dentist, and so on. Make it a goal to tell everyone on the list about your ride, and ask each person, company, or organization to support you. Remember, if you don’t ask, you are saying “no” for them. Often companies can match pledges, offer days off or other perks in exchange for donations. They can help to recruit new riders for the event. Local clubs or church groups can also be a huge help.
6. Follow-Up Is Important
Each of us has a favorite communication style. Some people prefer face-to-face conversations, while others prefer the phone, letters or e-mail. Start with whatever works best for you. But keep in mind that the less personal your initial contact is, the more important the follow-up becomes. Your contacts may have every intention of making a donation, but simply set the paper aside or let the email get lost in the inbox. Sending out a training update (or a fundraising update) is a fantastic way of reminding those friends and family that their support is still wanted and needed.
7. Say the Magic Words: 100% Tax Deductible
We will provide your donors with written proof of their contributions. For donations of $50 and more, a thank you letter that can be used for tax records, will be sent directly to the donor.
8. Ask With Confidence
Practice your “ask” before you start fundraising. You will be far more effective if you are straightforward. Never apologize about asking for money! Instead, follow a simple formula: Tell people WHAT you are doing, and WHY you are doing it. Tell them your fundraising goal, and ask for a specific amount of money. Then stop, and wait for their answer. Resist the urge to continue talking. Statements such as, “I understand if you can’t....” and “I know it’s a lot of money, so....” are more likely to lead to smaller donations. If someone can’t donate what you have asked for, they will tell you.
9. Say Thank You
Send everyone who makes a contribution a simple note of thanks. Think about also sending a photo of you at the Dirt Bowl, and/or on a training update. The more you can include your supporters in your Dirt Bowl experience, the more they will feel a part of the cycling community, and the better they will feel about their role in these organizations. It’s nearly impossible to say “thank you” too many times.