By registering for Tour de Streets, you’ve committed to more than a walk or bike ride. You are now part of a movement to create safer streets and a member of an extraordinary community.
As you work to meet and hopefully exceed your fundraising commitment this year, we encourage you to utilize the resources below. Whether you’re a Tour de Streets veteran or newbie, you can expect to learn something new and be inspired!
Haven’t registered yet? Click here to create or join a group!
Getting Started
Create a group: Friendly competition can be a great motivator. Ask a friend or three to join you in your quest to raise the most of any group! (You are also welcome to join an existing group or register as an individual.)
Make it personal: Add photos to your Qgiv fundraising page, and personalize the text by including an anecdote or simply why you want to raise money for better transportation and safer streets.
Set a specific goal: Set a fundraising goal for your individual or group fundraiser and then figure out how much you will need to raise each week to get there. Setting a specific goal and schedule will help everyone stay on target and mobilize more asks.
Crafting the Perfect Pitch
Audience: Brainstorm a list of people who might donate to your efforts. We recommend starting with:
- Friends and family
- Current or former colleagues and classmates
- Neighbors
- Your networks, whether that's professional, volunteer, cultural, etc
- Your social media connections
Tell your story: The most successful Tour de Streets fundraisers have one thing in common: they ask as many people for support as possible, in very personal ways. Practice telling your story by asking yourself the following questions:
- What does LivableStreets mean to me?
- Why did I make the commitment to participate in Tour de Streets?
- How does transportation impact my life and why do I believe it’s important to create safer streets and more livable communities?
- If a friend told me that their donation wouldn’t really make a difference, what would I say to them?
Craft an email to potential donors: We recommend creating a personal and direct message that explains the why, how, and who of your fundraising campaign.
Staying Motivated
Have a fun night out! Partner with a local restaurant and have a portion of the proceeds that evening go towards supporting your campaign.
Training rides: Ask donors to give $1 for each mile you ride over the summer! If you cross-train, create a fitness challenge such as $1 for every pushup you complete.
Double-up: Create a limited-time match opportunity and reach out to friends and family and encourage them to give while their donations will be matched.
Shout it out on social media: Making the most of your social media platforms is a super effective way to get your network on board with Tour de Streets!
Crossing the Finish Line
Don't be afraid to ASK (and then ask again!): Follow up with anyone you contacted, but never heard back from. People are busy and sometimes need that extra nudge!
Go for the goal: Let people know how close you are to meeting your personal fundraising goal (i.e. "I only need 4 more people to donate $25.")
Invite your friends to join you at the event: it's a fun way to spend a Saturday and encourages them to make a donation!
Wait, There's More
Flex those fundraising muscles: Fundraising continues after Tour de Streets through the end of September. Be sure to share photos and highlights after the event and let friends and family know that they can still give!