Fund Raising
About Fund Raising
The BP MS 150 Bike Tour is a fund-raising event for the National MS Society, Lone Star Chapter. On this page there is information about tax receipts, common fundraising questions, , and how to capitalize on matching gift programs
Also on this Web site:
Fund-raising Prizes: There are some great incentives for people who go above and beyond in fund raising.
Pledge Sheet: Print this to keep track of your pledges.
E-Donate Link: Use our website to fund raise online! By creating an E-Donate Link, you can give your donors a link to the donation page--With your information already filled in!
Online Donation Summary: Just plug in your email address and a nice summary of your online fundraising will be emailed to you!
Fundraising Tips: Looking for an inspirational tip? Check out these approaches to fundraising.
Fundraising Ideas: 43 ideas on how to be a more effective fundraiser.
Raise $1,000 in 9 Days: Need a timeline? This is the 9 day program for fund-raising success!
BP MS 150 Logos: We want you to have the highest quality materials for your fundraising effort. The BP MS 150 logo is offered in different sizes to suit your needs. Please do not use the BP MS 150 logo for commercial merchandise or to promote your goods and services. Please use the BP MS 150 logo to support your individual fund-raising and team efforts.
300 Club: The top 300 fund-raisers from the previous year are the 300 Club! This elite group enjoys perks like the first 300 rider numbers, special 300 Club goodies, express packet pick-up and more.
Up & Coming Fund-Raisers: Congratulations to these Up & Coming Fund-Raisers from the 2007 BP MS 150.
Sample Fund-Raising Letter: This sample letter is sure to inspire!
Tax Deductibility and Tax Receipts
The National MS Society, Lone Star Chapter is an IRS recognized 501(c)3 charitable organization. All donations made to National MS Society are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by the law. Registration, transportation and other fees are not generally accepted as tax deductible. End of year tax receipts are sent to every individual donor of more than $250. For donations under $250, the donor's cancelled check or credit card statement is sufficient evidence for IRS purposes. We will send a tax receipt to any donor who requests one.
Common Questions About Fundraising:
What is the Lone Star Chapter's Tax ID?
74-1266225
To whom should checks be made payable?
Checks should be made payable to National MS Society. If a check is made out by a donor to the MS 150 or other related name, the bank should accept it. Be sure to mark your (the rider's) name on the memo line of the check.
Where should I mail my fundraising checks and matching gift forms? Please do not mail cash!
National MS Society
P.O. Box 4125
Houston, TX 77210
Is it safe to mail in cash?
It is not safe to mail in cash. If you wish to turn in cash, please bring it to our offices located at the address above.
Matching Gifts
Does your company have a matching gift program? Please use the following information to help make our matching program a success!
Please read carefully the guidelines of your employer's matching gift program. Many companies only match donations given to educational institutions or arts and culture organizations, etc. Also, check to see if your company only matches your individual donations. Several companies only match checks/cash from the employee and will not match all pledges turned in by the employee. Many companies also have a minimum amount that you must donate before they match such as $25.00. Please do not send in forms that cannot be processed.
Please include the name of the rider or their account number somewhere on the form. This will enable quicker processing. Please do not date the form. Many companies have a 90 day policy on accepting forms and they go by the date filled in by the donor, not by the date filled in by the recipient organization. Many forms are turned in months after the donation has been received and by the time the form is processed it is too late to turn in to the company for a match.
Don't forget to sign the form! It is an easy step to miss. Also, please fill out the form completely with address and phone number information in case there are any questions about the form.
Please turn in the form at the same time the donation/pledge is turned in. This makes processing faster as well.
Any questions regarding matching gifts can be directed to: Heather Bryan, 713 526 8967 ext. 2242 or email matchinggifts@nmsslonestar.org. Other questions about fund-raising should be directed to the Tour staff: 713 526 8967 or ms150info@ms150.org.
