Fundraising Toolkit
A message from the President & CEO
Thank you for registering for the Annual “Cushing Fun Run” – being held October 26th at Cardinal Cushing Centers’ Hanover, Mass neighborhood. This will be a fun 1-mile walk or run for all ages and abilities, followed by a FREE Harvest Festival at the finish line.
By participating (and reaching out to Friends and Family to sponsor you), you have become part of the Cushing Story. It’s because of people like you, who believe in our mission to provide kind and compassionate care for individuals with intellectual disabilities, that we can do the great work we do.
After registering yourself and your team members, this guide will help you to reach out to friends, family, neighbors and co-workers to help support your fundraising efforts. Then on Race Day - lace up your sneakers, grab your friends, your kids, the grandparents, the strollers, and the wheelchairs, and help us bring this community together for a wonderful cause.
Sincerely,
Michelle Markowitz President & CEO, Cardinal Cushing Centers
What is the Cushing Fun Run & How Do I Fundraise?
The goal of the 1 mile Fun Run, for all ages and all abilities, is to spread awareness of the good works being done at Cardinal Cushing Centers and to help raise money for programs supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. FUN-draising is easy:
1. Register at www.cushingfunrun.org (or scan this QR code) and select “Register.”
2. Once you click register, choose your fundraising style:
As an Individual - Sign up to get started right away and fundraise on your own for the cause you love.
Join a Team - If your school, business, or other group has already created a team, join them to make an even greater impact.
Create a Team - If you plan on recruiting your friends and family to set up fundraising pages in addition to yourself, make sure to create a team so you can work together.
You will receive an email that will prompt you to set up your fundraising page, or you can select “View” from the pop-up box after you register. Then click “Manage” in the upper right hand corner.
3. Follow prompts to: set yourself a fundraising goal (we suggest $500), add a photo, and personalize your fundraising story. Choose a headline, such as “I’m raising money for individuals with disabilities. Please help me reach my goal.”
4. Set a short URL - This allows you to easily share your page with friends and family. give.cushingfunrun.org/maryjohnson
5. Ask friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to sponsor you - via your special fundraising link (see below for suggested “ask” language).
6. Create a Thank You note to send to all of your donors (see below).
Please note that the first 200 registrants will be guaranteed a Cushing Fun Run Shirt.
That’s It! Once you’ve finished fundraising, JOIN US October 26th at 405 Washington St. in Hanover (10am registration and 11am walk/run) - for the walk / run, followed by a FREE Harvest Festival celebration with music, Clydesdale wagon rides, face painting, food and more!
A Few Proven Tips to Better Fundraising
1. Be sure you get the ball rolling by donating to your own fundraising campaign.
2. Be bold and ask for a donation of $25 or $50, versus smaller amounts. Every dollar is going to a great cause!
3. Provide a deadline, to add some urgency to your request for donations.
4. Set yourself a reminder to follow up with anyone who hasn’t responded, and resend the link to your personal fundraising page. A reminder goes a long way!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Do I Need to Raise?
There is no required fundraising minimum for the Cushing Fun Run, but we recommend setting a goal of $500 – because fundraising with a goal often raises more money! If you don’t reach your goal, don’t worry. If you surpass your goal, that’s amazing.
*FANTASTIC PRIZES will be awarded to the top “Individual” and the top “Team” fundraisers.
How Do I Create a Team?
Creating a team is a fun idea, and often raises more money than signing up individually.
1. When you register, you will choose to “Create a Team.”
2. Invite friends, co-workers, family members to join your team by sharing your personal link.
3. Once a team is made, consider hosting a “Kick Off” event, to pump up the team and start fundraising efforts
4. Create some friendly competition within the team – consider prizes for the most raised, etc.
5. Provide them with the above Fundraising Tips, to maximize success
How
Do I Ask For Donations?
You can ask in person, by phone, via email, and definitely through your social media channels! Use your own words, or pull what you need from here:
Examples to Help You Get Started
Dear X, I am very excited to participate in a 1 mile “Cushing Fun Run” on October 26th, to help raise money and awareness for Cardinal Cushing Centers and the very special people that they serve. Cushing has been in business since 1947, helping people of all faiths, and all abilities, to live fuller, more joyous and independent lives.
Please consider supporting my fundraising efforts for this incredible organization, by clicking this link (ADD YOUR FUNDRAISING LINK). A donation of $25 - $50 (or more!) can help in so many ways – from new art materials and sports equipment, to providing employement training for Cushing staff.
Together, we can change lives for the better.
Sincerely, (YOUR NAME)
Sample Social Media Posts – See the Link Below for The Fun Run logo and photos you can use:
#1 Ask:
I signed up for the “Cushing Fun Run,” a family-friendly walk, run or roll event to raise awareness and funds for Cardinal Cushing Centers and the individuals with intellectual disabilities that they support. My goal is to raise $500 to support the life-changing programs that Cushing provides. Please consider supporting me by a) Joining my team or b) Donating toward my fundraising efforts. (ADD YOUR FUNDRAISING LINK) #CushingFunRun
#2 Ask:
I signed up for the October 26, 2024 “Cushing Fun Run,” a family-friendly walk, run or roll event to raise awareness and funds for Cardinal Cushing Centers and the individuals with intellectual disabilities that they support. My goal is to raise $500 to support the life-changing programs that Cushing provides. If you’ve already supported me, thank you! If not, please consider supporting me by a) Joining my team or b) Donating toward my fundraising efforts. (ADD YOUR FUNDRAISING LINK) #CushingFunRun
Do I Write Thank You Notes?
It’s always great to write thank you notes, either hand-written or via email / social media.
You might say something like:
Dear X, Thank you for donating to my Cushing Fun Run fundraiser. Because of your generosity, I am closer to my goal! Thank you for your support of Cardinal Cushing Centers’ mission – to provide the highest quality care and programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
You are now part of the Cushing story, so if you’d like to learn more please visit www.cushingcenters.org.
Thank you again,
(YOUR NAME)
