Asking for donations is never easy and it can leave even the most outgoing person with trembling knees. These resources are here to aid Polar Plungers in their fundraising efforts. Successfully asking for donations involves a good deal of preparation, some solid groundwork in finding the people you are going to ask and using the right "pitch" to convince them to donate.

All that being said…the #1 reason that people give? Because you ask them to! Remember that people give to people – not causes – and your passion and enthusiasm for the event and/or the cause are your best asset.
Happy Fundraising!

form downloads

Registration Form [.pdf]
Waiver [.pdf] Every plunger MUST turn in a signed waiver when you check in. No exceptions!

promotional material downloads

Polar Plunge Brochure

polar plunge -- poster bend
polar plunge -- poster corvallis
polar plunge -- poster eugene
polar plunge -- poster portland
polar plunge -- poster medford

newsletters - Plunge 2010

issue #1 - november 24, 2009
issue #2 - december 21, 2009
issue #3 - january 15, 2010
issue #4 - january 20, 2010

newsletters - Plunge 2009

issue #1 - january 12, 2009
issue #2 - january 23, 2009
issue #3 - february 11, 2009
issue #4 - february 19, 2009
issue #5 - march 24, 2009

How do I raise $500 in a week?

Day 1 Start by sponsoring yourself for $25
Day 2 Ask 3 family members to sponsor you for $25
Day 3 Ask 5 friends to donate $15
Day 4 Ask 5 co-workers to sponsor you for $10
Day 5 E-mail 15 people and ask for a $10 donation
Day 6 Ask your company for a $75 contribution
Day 7 Ask 2 businesses you frequent for $25

fundraising tips

Sign up to take the plunge on-line. This is the easiest and most effective way to raise money.
Tell your sponsors why you’re plunging for Special Olympics Oregon. Emphasize that the funds raised from the Polar Plunge directly support sports programs for athletes in Oregon.
Anyone is a potential sponsor. Ask people you have contact with daily or who you’ve established a relationship with in one way or another — parents, friends, classmates, co-workers, neighbors, grocer, banker, mechanic, lawyer, dry cleaner, etc.
Ask your company about matching gifts. Many companies will match whatever amount each employee raises on his or her own. When your company sends the money in, make sure they indicate what and who it is for so you get credit for it!
Collect your donations up front so you don’t have to ask for them a second time.
Ask at least one person a day to sponsor you.
If you’re uncomfortable asking face-to-face, write or email your friends instead. We’ve provided a sample letter to help you.
Ask 10 friends or co-workers to sponsor you for $10 each.
Aim high — ask for $50 and settle for $25, instead of asking for $25 and settling for $10. Base the amount you’re asking for on your prospects’ ability to give.
Carry your Collection Envelope with you at all times

donation guidelines

Please make sure that all donations that are turned in specify which Polar Plunger and which location the money should be credited to.
Make all checks payable to Special Olympics Oregon
All donations made to Special Olympics Oregon are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
Accepting cash and writing a personal check is discouraged- simply hand in cash with donor information at the event.

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