Raising Sails, Raising Funds for Parkinson's

Successful peer-to-peer fundraising for Parkinson’s disease often involves a mix of creative engagement, strong storytelling, and community-building strategies. And, it can be easy and fun! Here are some proven strategies you can explore:

1. Empower Personal Storytelling

• Encourage members of your team to share why they walk— a personal connection to Parkinson’s like supporting/honoring a loved one, friend or co-worker.
• Make sure to share with your team that template emails and social media fundraisers like the Facebook Fundraiser are already created and ready for them to implement, so it’s easy for them to fundraise.
• Send updates on how the funds are making a difference in Parkinson’s support services and research.

2. Leverage Online Digital Tools & Social Media

• When you register for Raising Sails, Raising Funds for Parkinson’s, make sure you add a custom profile picture to your individual and team Fundraising Pages 
• Post updates on your social media platforms and encourage others to donate, creating some fun, friendly competition among your network. Be sure to include your personalized donation link for supporters to donate in the right place. 

3. Team Fundraising & Friendly Competition

• Share the overall Raising Sails, Raising Funds for Parkinson’s fundraising team standings with members of your team (family, colleagues, members of your support group, etc.) to boost motivation and encourage all members of your team to collectively raise funds and compete for first place or to be in the top 5 or top 10 teams.
• Introduce challenges like “Raise $100 in 24 hours and get a shout-out on your team page!”

4. Matching Gifts & Corporate Sponsorships

• Reach out to your network and secure matching gift partners – see if a local business you frequent will match your fundraising efforts.
• Reach out to your employer — many companies will match their employees’ donations.
• Ask local businesses to sponsor your team with a contribution.

5. Celebrate & Recognize Fundraisers on Your Team

• Send handwritten thank-you notes or small tokens of appreciation.
• Hold a post-event celebration to recognize fundraising achievements.
• Recognize your team day of - provide members of your team with a gift day of the finale race on August 14.