TAX INFORMATION FOR RIDERS/VOLUNTEERS

The IRS allows volunteers (including fundraisers) to deduct some expenses related to fundraising for charities. Learn more and consult your tax adviser for guidance specific to your situation.

RIDER FUNDRAISING SUGGESTIONS

• START EARLY! Order Tour des Trees info/fundraising brochures & Rider Cards when you register online.
• FOCUS on what it is you are doing, and why: What is the TREE Fund? What is the urban forest and why is it important? How does the research supported by the TREE Fund benefit your community or profession? (www.treefund.org) Why are YOU involved?A few helpful resources:
  Active Giving Fundraising Guide
  Heartland Tree Alliance
  Urban Forestry South

CREATE A LIST OF POTENTIAL DONORS (that’s everybody you know). Include:

• Co-workers, business associates, clients, and suppliers
• Doctor, dentist, lawyer, accountant, insurance agent, church members
• Local businesses you patronize (including your gym & bike shop)
• Local utility companies (they understand the need for arborists and tree care)
• Fellow ISA/TCIA members
• Fellow biking enthusiast

CONTACT your prospects. Use our Fundraising Letter Template, or write your own. Be creative. Be passionate. Be clear.

• Identify yourself as a 2012 STIHL Tour des Trees rider
• Identify the cause (Tour brochures/rider cards are helpful)
• Identify your fundraising goal
• Ask for a specific donation amount

FOLLOW UP:

• Track responses to your pledge requests
• Send another email with a link to your Active Giving fundraising page
• Make a phone call
• RESPOND WITH APPRECIATION: Thank your supporters personally; it will make soliciting easier next year! Active Giving keeps a list of all of your donors and sends an electronic receipt for donations made online. The TREE Fund sends a thank you letter/tax receipt for donations of $25 or more received via US Mail. Neither one is as effective as a personal note from you.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE FUNDRAISING TOOLS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE TOUR DES TREES WEBSITE PROVIDED AS PART OF STIHL’S TITLE SPONSORSHIP OF THE 2012 TOUR:

• The Rider Gallery displays a photo, a brief bio, and a link to your Active.com fundraising page on the Tour des Trees website, but ONLY IF YOU SIGN UP TO PARTICIPATE. To get listed on the gallery please send a photo of yourself to Laura Cusick. Gallery updates are posted on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• Rider Gallery participants are automatically eligible for the Hometown Media Support campaign. Using the info you provide in your Gallery survey, STIHL’s media relations staff will create a news release about your campaign, and distribute it to the media outlets in your area. (This release will be sent to you for final approval, and can not be distributed until you’ve given your consent.)

THROW A PARTY TO BENEFIT YOUR CAMPAIGN

• Involve a local restaurant or caterer
• Raffle off a prize
• Every guest makes a donation

HAVE A GARAGE SALE

• All proceeds benefit your fundraising campaign
• REMIND YOUR DONORS to ask if their employer matches their charitable contributions. Double Your Money!