Fundraising Schedule and Tips

The 2026 Polar Plunge® Chicago for Special Olympics Illinois presented by Special Children's Charities may seem far off, but now is the perfect time to get started on fundraising!

3 months out (December)

  • Embrace the holiday spirit! In lieu of presents for the holidays, ask your family and friends to contribute to your Polar Plunge® Chicago fundraising page or ask them to join your team and take the plunge with you!

  • Create a list of donors. Consider all of your networks, including family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, physicians, church members, or even local businesses. Fundraising can be a great chance to reconnect with people! 

  • Customize your fundraising page. Personalizing your fundraising page is a key component in reaching your goal. Make sure to emphasize WHY you are participating and raising funds. Upload photos, edit your message, and add your own personal touch. People are more likely to give when they know the reason behind your why!

  • Get social. Ask friends, family and co-workers to support you and donate to your fundraising page by sharing the link to your fundraising page on social media. Whether you choose Facebook, TikTok, Instagram or LinkedIn, all platforms will help expand your network of donors. 

2 months out (January)

  • Host a fundraising event. How about a New Years Eve party?  Plan an event or activity where all your current and potential donors can come together and support your fundraising efforts. You can even host it virtually! Some ideas include a virtual bingo game, trivia night, or cocktail party. Ask your friends and family to donate to attend your event.
  • Send thank-you cards. Because supporters will be donating to your campaign at different times, don't forget to thank them promptly! Handwritten notes send a more personal message, letting your donors know you took the time to thank them. You can access your donor list at any time via your Qgiv account.
  • Utilize matching gift programs. Matching gifts are the easiest way to double, or even triple, your fundraising dollars! Check to see if your company matches gifts to Special Children’s Charities by using our search tool HERE. If you can't find your company in the search tool, reach out to your Human Resources department or check your company’s website to see if your company offers a program. Encourage your donors to utilize their matching gift programs as well.

1 month out (February)

  • Follow up. Make sure to follow up with anyone on your list that has not yet responded to your emails/letters with a friendly reminder. Include any updates to keep your donors aware and engaged. Continue to post on your social media platforms!
  • Ask your friends and family to forward your fundraising letter to their own networks. You can even give a small prize to the person who helped you get the most donations. Having smaller, internal incentives for your donors can encourage them to share and donate even more! 
    • Purchase a $5 gift card and enter your supporters who donated more than $10 into the raffle.
    • Venmo your top donor "Coffee on me today! Thanks for donating to my cause!" 
    • Feature a family member or friend who donated to social media with a special shout-out.

Post-event (March-April)

  • Send Thank-You's. Send personal messages or emails to all of your donors, thanking them for helping you reach your goal and furthering Special Children's Charities' mission of providing athletes with intellectual disabilities more opportunities. Share your experience–including your fundraising total and pictures of you/your team Plunging–from our free photo download link.

FUNDRAISING TIPS:

  • Stay organized! Keep good records of all offline donations (checks or cash) before sending them to Special Children's Charities. That way, you will have an accurate and up-to-date record of both your online and offline donations. 
  • Check out our printable Offline Donation Form under the Resources Tab, available for supporters who would like to donate offline via check, money order, or credit card.
  • The Special Children's Charities team is here to help! For any questions or concerns, contact us at events@specialchildrenscharities.org. A member of our team will respond within 24 business hours.