1.

Set up a Web page and fundraise online. It's free, easy and pays off. Online fundraisers raise double the money.

2.

Set a goal. Make it lofty but attainable and then donate to yourself. This will help motivate your teammates and people who donate to you.

3.

Handwrite and send letters to potential donors. Tell them why you ride, why raising money for the MS Society is important and make it personal. Click here for a letter template.

4.

Host a “free” doughnuts and bagels breakfast at your office or place of worship. Set up the goodies in high traffic areas and ask for donations. Sometimes local bakeries will donate the goods.

5.

Put a pot o’ gold at your desk. Set up a donation jar at your desk during MS Awareness week, March 14 to 20. What better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than filling a pot o’ gold for a good cause?

6.

Have a mow-a-thon, snow-a-thon, whatever-a-thon in your neighborhood. Offer to mow, remove snow, etc., for a donation. This is a great way to involve the entire family or team.

7.

If you are participating in honor of someone, get their permission to include their photo and story in your pledge letters and Web site.

8.

Fundraise and recruit members at your local fitness center.

9.

Spare change donations — Give your friends and family homemade donation jars. Each day they can put their spare change in the jar. Before the deadline, collect all the spare change donations and count them. You could also invite everyone to help you count and celebrate the results together.

10.

Delegate — Have your friends and family help you raise money.

11.

Auction — Find local artists or artistic friends to donate art to be auctioned off. You can also auction: jewelry, pottery, antiques, clothing, etc.

12.

Yard sale — Have your friends and fmaily help you put together a yard sale and donate the profits. Place signage in local businesses informing the public about it.

13.

Personal phone messages — Leave messages on your home/cell voicemail to let people know you need their support. Also, send personalized text messages asking your contacts for their support.

14.

Ask your local restaurant/bar/waiter/bartender to donate a portion of their tips. Create signage for the location informing customers about where the donated tips go. Make your presence known around the location by introducing yourself to people and personally informing them about the tip donations.