Fundraising
We know that fundraising can be a challenge for some people, which is why we created the Fundraising Guide, shown below. Riders are required to raise a minimum of $1,200 in donations to participate. Crew members are not required to fundraise; however a suggested goal of $200 is appreciated.

If you're intimidated by the $1,200 minimum donation requirement, remember that you are not alone. Once you register you are not only assigned an incredible volunteer Mentor who is there to motivate and educate you on how to fundraise, but you also will have access to fundraising information on this website. We provide sample donation letters, online fundraising tools (you can update your own personal page on the Active.com site), and hundreds of fundraising tips.

We'll show you how to make a list of everyone you know and explain how to ask them for donations (think BIG!). We'll share with you our golden rules of fundraising, assist you in drafting your fundraising letter to be used via snail mail or on your online personal page you can create, and show you how to host a House party no one will soon forget.

Here is an example of what one rider received, just for the effort of an application. See Jim's story.

ACT 6 is about doing something difficult. Something challenging. Something BIG! Maybe for you training is a snap, but fundraising has you caught up. Whatever your concerns, we're here for you.

FUNDRAISING GUIDE
Download a Donation Form here to give to your friends and family.
Create your personal fundraising page by following a few easy steps.
Need help? Read our 75+ fundraising tips.
Riders Raise $1500 in just 6 weeks!
Crew Can Raise $500 in just 4 weeks!

Why We Ride
The thing you must keep in mind about your fundraising is that it's the reason we are riding. It's why we're here to raise necessary, crucial dollars for AIDS Network. The money you raise is the concrete link between you and the people who will benefit from your efforts. Yes, as a participant on ACT 6 , whether it's as a rider or crew member, you get to have this amazing, life-changing experience. But the most important reason for this event is to raise those funds for the people who need them most.

By now you have registered for the ACT 6 . You are charged up and motivated by the inspiring words you have heard from people connected to ACT 6 . You feel connected to something REALLY IMPORTANT and can't wait to join other riders and crew to make a difference for people living with HIV/AIDS. You want to get on the road, and even crave Gatorade. This is probably the most exciting physical challenge of your life. How amazing do you feel? You are beautiful and powerful and YOU WILL DO THIS!

Oh, by the way, in order for you to actually experience this rush of feeling, you have to raise money. A lot of it. You are going to have to do something many of us are terrified of-- ask other people for money. It can be a touchy subject, and often we just avoid it. We are here to help you step over that line and take the steps necessary to raise your fundraising minimum, and even go beyond it. For more information on why we ride take some time to ponder the latest statistics about the AIDS epidemic in Wisconsin, U.S.A. and world.

The realization that this event is a service to those in need is an important first step and can help alleviate your anxiety about fundraising. You aren't asking for yourself, but instead for a cause that you believe in and are committed to. Committed enough to ride 300+ miles in the middle of summer and while camping each night in a tent or sleeping on the hard floor of a gym. When most potential donors hear about ACT 6 and your commitment to it, they are more than happy to contribute. In fact, they want to contribute and often help spread the word about your cause.

For many people, fundraising seems more difficult than training. But we promise you, it's just as thrilling. The first time you receive a large donation feels like reaching the top of your first big hill. The love and support you receive from donors is as powerful as the love and support you receive from people who cheer you on the road. And the only way you're going to raise money is to start asking for it. It's a simple formula; you ask, ask, and then ask again. The more people you ask, the more pledges you will receive. And the more people you ask, the more comfortable you will feel every time you do it. And don't do yourself or the beneficiary the disservice of thinking that $1200 is some kind of "limit." It is merely a minimum. We strongly encourage you to go far beyond that amount. The more money we raise means the more money that goes into the hands of AIDS Network.

But in order to get those donations, you need to start asking. And you need to start NOW.

Who Do I Ask?
Simple ask EVERYBODY YOU KNOW. You need to generate a list of potential donors, from friends and family to coworkers, associates, neighbors, and to the person who cuts your hair. Think about people for whom you have made charitable contributions. Honestly, your list of potential donors cannot be too long. Go through your address book, and then double-check that you didn't miss somebody. You will be very surprised to find out the generosity that lies within the people you know. Many of them will be moved by your commitment, and some of them may also be personally affected by HIV/AIDS and want to make some kind of difference.

The other thing you need to do is to start talking about ACT 6 , Wisconsin's AIDS Ride. Talk about it. It's an amazing conversation starter. People are fascinated when you tell them you're going to ride 300+ miles for an HIV/AIDS service organization. They want to know your story. Once you start talking, word gets around, and you will find that is as powerful a fundraising tool as anything you could do.

The Pitch
You have several powerful tools in your fundraising approach. Those tools are the Internet, the letter campaign, the House party and the face-to-face ask. Once you have generated your list of potential donors, you simply need to decide what method is most appropriate to use with them.

Your Personal Page
As a registered rider you probably already know about your personal page at Active.com. Fundraising online, using your personal page, is a quick and easy way for donors to make a donation at anytime. We provide you sample donation letters that you can easily email to people in your address book in an instant. It saves them the hassle of writing a check, addressing, stamping and mailing back your donation form. And once you email out your donation letter from your personal page you can have your friends and family forward it to their contact list! The more donations each participant raises, the more money that goes to AIDS Network.

Letter Campaign
Many people choose to do a large letter campaign to their potential donors. It's quite simple really. You draft a letter that describes ACT 6 and your reasons for doing it. Make sure your letter includes instructions for them to donate online if they'd like. For some riders their fundraising letter is an incredibly personal expression of their passion and drive for participating in the ride and making a difference for people living with HIV/AIDS. You may choose to include information about the AIDS Network, the amount you'll be training and preparing for the event. The choice is up to you. The thing to remember is that it's your personal message about why you're riding, and it should be tailored to the recipient. You probably aren't going to send the same letter to your brother that you send to your boss.

When you send your letter, make sure to include a donation form and a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Your donors can mail their pledge forms and donations back to you, so you can enter them offline on your fundraising page. That way you will know what your pledge total is at all times. Download a Donation Form here. If your donors send donation forms to the AIDS Network office, the pledges will be posted offline on your personal page as long as your name is on the form.

The Face-to-Face Request
As you generate your list of donors, there may be a name or two that jumps out at you as a potentially large donor. If so, do not send those individuals your email or letter. Instead, meet with them individually and ask them to make a donation to ACT 6 . You will have the chance to truly share your enthusiasm and feeling for this event, the crucial need the AIDS Network has for these funds, and your hope that this person will share your commitment by making a contribution to the ride.

You may have other opportunities to make face-to-face requests for donations. Do you have a regular staff meeting at work during which you could make a short presentation about ACT 6 ? Do you belong to a community group to whom you may speak? Get creative. Again, the more people you ask, the more money you will raise.

The Houseparty
Don't want to do the asking? We'll do it for you. Just gather everyone you know in one place for a few hours, give them some food and beverages, and we'll send a trained speaker to talk about ACT 6 and AIDS Network. The speaker will ask your guests to make a donation to ACT 6 , and your minimum fundraising requirement could be met in just one evening. If you are interested in a Houseparty speaker, call the AIDS Network office (608-252-6540).

Get Creative!!
There certainly are other ways to raise your minimum pledges. You may even come up with some unique methods of your own. If you have a birthday or other "occasion" coming up, ask friends and family to forego gifts and instead make a contribution in your name to ACT 6 . Groups of riders may choose to fundraise as a "team." There is certainly power in numbers, and you are able to combine your efforts and contacts in order to raise your minimum. If you choose to fundraise as a team, you must be aware that donations need to be recorded individually on each rider's personal fundraising page. For example, if a team of 5 people raise $1,000 each rider must record $200 (or however you split it up amongst the 5 of you) on their own page. If you have questions about team fundraising, please call the Events Specialist at 608-252-6540.

Tracking Donations
Keeping current and accurate track of your donations is extremely important. It will help relieve anxiety about your fundraising and allow you to concentrate on training. You will be able to log into and use the Active.com website to keep current track of your donations on your personal page.

Involve Your Donors
You should follow simple rules of courtesy and gratitude once you receive a donation from someone. Always thank your donors personally. Keep them involved and part of your experience. You may choose to send a newsletter out to everyone who has supported you. Encourage donors to check out our website and your personal page. Keep them informed of your progress and training. Invite your donors to Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and to the cheering stations along the route (that information will be given out prior to the ride). These people have made a sacrifice and commitment of their own in order to let you experience ACT 6 , and keeping them engaged and involved in your experience is a gratifying and meaningful experience for everyone. Is there someone special you wish to honor with your ride experience? Do any of your donors have someone for whom you could do the same?

After the Ride
Once you have completed the ACT 6 presented by Williamson Bikes & Fitness, you may wish to send your donors a symbol of your experience, such as a great photo of you on your bike with a personalized message. Again, this is all very personal and your best choice is the one that suits YOU.

This is a lot of information to absorb. We know this. We've been there. But remember you can do this. We're here to help you. Please contact your Mentor or the Events Specialist at the AIDS Network office if you need help sorting it out or have any questions.