Below you will find some tips to ensure your fundraising is a success, and if you scroll down further we have tried to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about fundraising. We hope this is helpful, but do not hesitate to email us if you have any additional questions: info@demoucelle.com

Getting started

Start Early – Successful fundraising is a marathon not a sprint! Start early and plan.

Set your goal – Set a realistic goal, but don’t forget, when you surpass it, be sure to update it with a new one!

Create a personal online fundraising page – It is quick and simple to do!  

 

Encouraging donations

Know your Audience – Categorize your contacts and consider which are the most effective ways to ask for support (a personal email, social media, an in person ask or even a hand-written letter).

Be the First – Kick off your fundraising with a self-donation. People are more willing to donate when they see you have made a donation as well.

Set Donation Amounts – Guide your donors by suggesting giving options e.g. 1 euro per km for a marathon.

Highest Donor – Offer an incentive, such as a gift certificate to a local restaurant (donated of course), to the donor who gives the largest donation on a set day.

Matching Donor pledge – Identify a supporter to match your efforts if you reach/surpass a certain minimum.

 

Getting the word out

Share your Story – When asking for support, explain why you are a fundraising for the Demoucelle Parkinson Charity. People will feel connected to the mission once they know why it’s so important to you.

Know your Facts – Brush up on some facts about Parkinson’s and the how the Demoucelle Parkinson Charity is funding research to find a cure. Donors want to know how their contributions are making a difference.

Letter to the Editor – Submit a “Letter to the Editor” to your local newspaper letting your community know about your event and how they can contribute.

Brand Yourself – Wear your Demoucelle Parkinson Charity t-shirt (if you have one already) when you are out training or even just running your errands. It might spark a conversation.

 

Don’t forget your colleagues!

Corporate Matching Gifts – Ask your company if they will match your fundraising, and remind your donors to check with their companies to see if they match donations as well.

Email Signature – Include your personal online fundraising page URL at the bottom of your personal and (if allowed) work email signature.

Spread the Word – Make a poster about your fundraising for the lunch or break room for everyone to see.

Company Newsletter – Ask if information on your fundraising endeavors can be included in the next office newsletter or all staff meeting.


    How can people support my fundraising activity with donations which would be eligible for tax exemption?

    Donations of more than 40€ made via your personal online fundraising page or directly to the Demoucelle Parkinson Charity’s account curated by the King Baudouin Foundation are eligible for fiscal deductibility.

    (NOTE: Donations resulting from an exchange of goods/services or cash collected on behalf of others are not eligible for tax deduction and should therefore be transferred to the Demoucelle Parkinson Charity’s own bank account:  IBAN: BE72 7350 2825 8916)


    How does fiscal deductibility work?

    Donations equal or above 40 euros, whether paid at once or paid gradually during a single calendar year, are entitled to a tax exemption equivalent to 45% of the amount donated.

    The Demoucelle Parkinson Charity chose the King Baudouin Foundation to curate its direct donations and issue tax certificates on its’ behalf.  Tax certificates are sent at the end of March of the following year. (Please note that, in response to a request from donors to ensure as much money as possible goes to the charity, the King Baudouin Foundation no longer sends thank you letters.)

    All direct donors should therefore be encouraged to either:

    • make a bank transfer to the King Baudouin Foundation (see details below) providing the structured reference to identify the Demoucelle Parkinson Charity,

    King Baudouin Foundation, Rue Brederode 21, 1000 Bruxelles
    bpost bank IBAN: BE10 0000 0000 0404    BIC: BPOTBEB1

    Please provide this reference: ***014/1340/00039***

    • make an online donation via your ‘iraiser’ personal fundraising page, which is linked to the King Baudouin Foundation and eligible for a tax reduction.

      NOTE: Tax reduction does not apply for any contribution/donation that results from an exchange of goods or services e.g. a car-washing event, sale of cookies etc. Nor, can it be applied to donations collected in cash or in-kind from a third party. Money raised in this way, must be transferred directly to the Demoucelle Parkinson Charity.  IBAN : BE72 7350 2825 8916    BIC : KRED BE BB

    NOTE: Donations made via a Facebook fundraiser are also not eligible for any tax reduction.

    Please contact us if you have any question about your gift:  info@demoucelle.com


    How can I create my own personal online fundraising page?

    Step1: create your own event page on iraiser.  Follow this link.
    Step2: ask your network to make a donation
    Step3: receive updates on who made a gift and thank your donors
    Step4: your donors will receive a fiscal attest from the King Boudouin Foundation


    What are some general fundraising best practices to bear in mind?

    No matter what your fundraising activity, it’s important to keep your donors engaged, to spread the word about your efforts, and to give proper recognition to those who show support.

    • Inspire others to support you by educating yourself on the science of Parkinson’s disease and what the Demoucelle Parkinson Charity is doing to accelerate research and, ultimately, a cure. Showing your commitment to this cause will motivate your donors to contribute to your efforts. You are helping to cure Parkinson’s in this lifetime, and they can too.
    • Share your story: Take advantage of your network, social media, …. to share your story. The more people who know about your fundraising efforts, the better. Contact your local newspaper or TV station to share your story. The more people who know about your fundraising efforts, the better.
    • Thank your donors & supporters: Send personal thank you notes to everyone who donates and helps you along the way. Express your gratitude and make your supporters feel a part of your efforts to speed a cure.


    How can I get help and support?

    A group of experienced #TeamBeatParkinson fundraisers is ready to brainstorm with you, and then guide and support you! Please email: info@demoucelle.com


    How can I register as a Demoucelle Parkinson Charity group in an existing sporting event?

    • Contact the organization of the run to see if you can register as a group
    • Send the link to the registration platform & the name of your group to your friends asking them to sign up with you.  Every runner will pay his/her own registration fee.
    • Create an online fundraising page for the event and encourage all runners to send it to their network.