FUNDRAISER TOOLKIT

Tips and Suggestions to Help You Maximize Your Fundraising Efforts

Tips To Help You Reach Your Fundraising Goal 

Share Your Story – Make It Personal

People connect with you, not just the cause. Personalize your donation page and tell your story—why you're participating and what motivates you. The more personal and heartfelt, the more likely people will want to support your journey.

Start with Your Inner Circle

Reach out to your closest friends, family, and colleagues first. Personalized requests from those who know you best can make a big impact. Once your inner circle is on board, it becomes easier to expand your reach to a wider audience!

Double Your Impact – Check Donation Matching

Many companies offer matching gift programs. Reach out to your employer to see if they’ll match the donations you receive! This is an easy way to double your impact and encourage even more people to donate. You can also ask your supporters if their employers have matching programs.




Set and Share a Specific Fundraising Goal

Instead of just asking for donations, set a specific fundraising goal—like $500, $1,000, or $5,000—and share it with your network. Encourage them to help you reach the goal for the 50,000 Canadians living with dystonia. Clear, achievable goals make it easier for people to commit to donating.


Our national goal is to raise $60,000, which could fund one year of the Clinical and Research Fellowship. This fellowship trains the next generation of movement disorder specialists (neurologists specialized in dystonia) in Canada and supports groundbreaking research for better dystonia treatments. Your support brings us closer to finding a cure!

Use Social Media to Spread the Word

Social media is your best tool for reaching a broad audience. Post regularly on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to update your friends and followers on your progress and encourage them to donate or even join your team. Use hashtags like #FreedomToMove and #DystoniaResearch to increase visibility. Visual content (photos, videos) showing your participation and progress can inspire people to support you.

Send Personalized Thank-Yous

Once someone donates, make sure to thank them personally—this can be through email, a text, or even a social media shoutout. People like to know that their support is appreciated. If they see your gratitude, they may be more likely to donate again or share your page with others!

Build a Team and Encourage Friendly Competition

If you can, form a team for the event. Not only does this make the experience more fun, but it also boosts your collective fundraising power. Challenge your teammates to see who can raise the most and celebrate the milestones together. Friendly competition can spur more donations.

Keep Donors Updated on Your Progress

Let your donors know how much you’ve raised so far, what your next goal is, and how close you are to meeting your overall goal. Regular updates show your donors that their support is making a difference and keeps them engaged in your progress.

SAMPLE EMAILS


Subject Line: Help Us Bring Hope to 50,000 Canadians with Dystonia

Hello friends and family,


I am participating in Freedom to Move: Run, Walk and Wheel for Dystonia in support of Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) Canada—and I need your help!


Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that affects 50,000 Canadians, causing painful, involuntary muscle contractions. Despite ongoing research, there is still no cure, and many people struggle for years to receive a proper diagnosis.


🔹 63% of people with dystonia wait over a year for a diagnosis

🔹 For 45%, it takes more than 4 years

🔹 And for 16%, the wait is over a decade


This needs to change. More research, more awareness, and more support are essential to improving lives—and you can be part of the solution.


By donating today, you’re funding critical research, support programs, and advocacy efforts that bring hope to those living with dystonia. Every dollar counts, and together, we can work toward a future without dystonia.


👉 [Insert Fundraising Page URL]


Thank you for your generosity and support!


[Your Name]


Download Sample Email #1 Word Doc


Subject Line: Help Me Make a Difference in the Fight Against Dystonia

Dear friends and family,


I’m reaching out today to ask for your support in the fight against dystonia, a condition affecting 50,000 Canadians, including many people you may know.


I’ve signed up to participate in Freedom to Move: Run, Walk, and Wheel for Dystonia, a fundraising event in support of the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) Canada. The money raised will go directly to funding vital research and support programs for individuals living with dystonia. Every contribution will have an immediate and lasting impact, as DMRF Canada is the only organization in Canada dedicated to dystonia.


My personal fundraising goal is [insert your goal amount], and I need your help to reach it.

Would you consider making a donation to support this cause?


[Insert Fundraising Page URL]


Together, we can help fund the breakthroughs that will change lives, support those affected by dystonia, and bring us closer to a cure. Your generosity will make a real difference.


Thank you for considering a donation, and for your support!


Warmly,

[Your Name]


Download Sample Fundraising Email #2 in Word Doc


Subject Line: Will you help me reach my goal for dystonia research and support programs?

Dear friends and family,


Today, you can help change the lives of 50,000 Canadians living with dystonia. 


I joined Freedom to Move: Run, Walk and Wheel for Dystonia in support of the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) Canada.


The funds I raise will go towards funding critical dystonia research as well as support programs ensuring that no one will have to face dystonia alone. As DMRF Canada is the only foundation in Canada focused solely on dystonia, I know that each dollar raised will directly benefit the dystonia community and progress us to our ultimate goal of finding a cure. 


I’m committed to raising [insert your goal amount] for life changing dystonia research and support programs. 


Will you help me reach my goal?


[Insert Fundraising Page URL]


Please give generously. The research breakthroughs of tomorrow count on the investments we make today.


Sample Email #3 Template in Word


Subject Line: Your support will help change 50,000 lives

Hello friends and family, 


I am participating in Freedom to Move: Run, Walk and Wheel for Dystonia in support of Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) Canada.


Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that affects 50,000 Canadians. Although progress is being made, dystonia is still an incurable disorder, and it is still devastating lives. 


Did you know that a DMRF Canada Survey revealed it took 63% of respondents more than 1 year to receive a proper dystonia diagnosis? For 45% of those individuals, it took more than 4 years, and for 16%, it took more than 10 years.


We need more research, more support programs, and more awareness about dystonia – and I need your help to get us there. 


Your support matters. When you donate today, you’ll be driving us one step closer to the ultimate goal: a cure. With your help,  a future without dystonia can be possible.


[Insert Fundraising Page URL]


Thank you. 


Sample Email #4 Template in Word


SAMPLE POSTS Facebook & Instagram 


  • Facebook Fundraising Post Option 1: General Ask

    🚶‍♂️🏃‍♀️💙 I’m participating in #FreedomToMove to support life-changing dystonia research and support programs!


    Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that affects 50,000 Canadians, causing painful, involuntary muscle contractions. We need more research, more awareness, and more support—and I’m raising [$ insert your goal amount] to help make that happen!


    💡 Every donation brings us one step closer to a cure. Will you join me in making a difference?


    Donate today: [insert your personal fundraising page link here]


    Together, we can create a future without dystonia! 🙌 💙


    @DMRFC #FreedomToMove #DystoniaResearch

  • Facebook Fundraising Post Option 2: Personal & Inspiring

    💙 I’m moving for a future without dystonia! 💙


    Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that affects 50,000 Canadians, causing painful, involuntary muscle contractions. Many people struggle for years to get a proper diagnosis, and there is still no cure—but together, we can change that!


    I’m participating in #FreedomToMove to raise [$ insert your goal amount] for @DMRFC to fund research, advocacy, and support programs that make a real difference.


    Every dollar counts. Please help me reach my goal—donate today: [insert your personal fundraising page link here]


    #FreedomToMove #DystoniaAwareness #DystoniaResearch

  • Facebook Fundraising Post Option 3: Short & Powerful

    🚶‍♂️🏃‍♀️💙 I’m moving for those who can’t!


    Dystonia affects 50,000 Canadians, and for many, daily movement is a challenge. That’s why I’m participating in #FreedomToMove with @DMRFC—to raise funds for critical research and support programs.


    💡 Every donation helps bring us closer to a cure. Join me in making a difference!

    👉 Donate today: [insert your personal fundraising page link here]


    #FreedomToMove #DystoniaAwareness #DystoniaResearch

  • Facebook Fundraising Post Option 4: Storytelling Approach

    Imagine waking up and not having control of your own muscles—spasms, tremors, and pain that won’t stop. That’s what life is like for 50,000 Canadians living with dystonia. Many people wait years for a diagnosis and even longer for effective treatment.


    I’m taking action. I joined #FreedomToMove with @DMRFC to raise [$ insert your goal amount] to support research, patient programs, and advocacy efforts.


    💙 You can help! Every donation—big or small—makes a difference. Click here to support my goal: [insert your personal fundraising page link here]


    #FreedomToMove #DystoniaResearch

  • Facebook Fundraising Post Option 5: Community & Encouragement

    💙 Together, we can make a difference! 💙


    I’m joining #FreedomToMove with @DMRFC to support life-changing dystonia research and programs for the 50,000 Canadians affected by this disorder.


    Dystonia causes painful, involuntary muscle contractions, making everyday movements a challenge. But with more research, awareness, and support, we can bring hope to those living with it.


    ✨ Every donation counts. Help me reach my goal of [$ insert your goal amount]—let’s create a future without dystonia!


    👉 Donate today: [insert your personal fundraising page link here]


    #FreedomToMove #DystoniaResearch

  • Instagram Fundraising Post Option 1: General Ask

    🌟 I’m moving for a cause! 🌟


    I joined #FreedomToMove to support @Dystonia_Canada and help fund groundbreaking research and vital support programs for the 50,000 Canadians living with #dystonia.


    💙 Every donation fuels the next breakthrough and brings us closer to a future without dystonia. Let’s make a difference together!


    🙏 Please donate today—click the link in my bio to support my goal!


    #FreedomToMove #DystoniaResearch 

  • Instagram Fundraising Post Option 2: Personal & Motivational

    💙I’m taking action for the 50,000 Canadians living with dystonia!💙


    Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that causes painful, involuntary muscle contractions. It can take years for many people to even get a diagnosis—this needs to change.


    That’s why I joined #FreedomToMove with @Dystonia_Canada to raise funds for life-changing research and support programs.


    Will you help? Every dollar makes a difference! Donate today—link in bio.


    #FreedomToMove #DystoniaResearch

  • Instagram Fundraising Post Option 3: Short & Direct

    I’m running, walking, and wheeling for a cure! 🏃‍♀️🚶‍♂️💙


    I joined #FreedomToMove to help fund critical dystonia research and support programs. Together, we can change lives.


    💡 Every donation gets us closer to a cure. Click the link in my bio to support my goal today!


    @Dystonia_Canada #DystoniaResearch

  • Instagram Fundraising Post Option 4: Storytelling Approach

    Imagine waking up one day and your muscles are no longer under your control—and no one can tell you why. That’s the reality for 50,000 Canadians living with dystonia. Many wait years for a diagnosis, and even longer for proper treatment.


    That’s why I’m participating in #FreedomToMove with @Dystonia_Canada—to raise awareness, fund research, and provide support for those who need it.


    💙 You can help. Every donation fuels research and hope. Click the link in my bio to give today!


    #FreedomToMove #DystoniaResearch

  • Instagram Fundraising Post Option 5: Urgency & Call to Action

    ⏳ Time is running out to make an impact! ⏳


    I’m participating in #FreedomToMove to support @Dystonia_Canada and help raise critical funds for dystonia research and support programs. Every day, 50,000 Canadians live with the pain of dystonia, and we need to act now to create change.


    Your donation can make all the difference in funding the next breakthrough and providing support for those who need it most.


    💡 Donate now and help me hit my goal of [$ insert your goal amount]. The clock is ticking, and every dollar counts.


    👉 Click the link in my bio to give today!



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