Joining the RiseUP Elevation Challenge gives you the opportunity to set a meaningful September goal while building support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and neurodiversity.
Participants can work toward 5,000 feet of elevation through walking, hiking, running, stairs, or treadmill incline. An accessible Distance Challenge is also available, and participants can join individually or with a team.
Here are 10 practical ways to build fundraising momentum.
1. Explain Why You Joined
Your supporters need to understand why the challenge matters to you.
Lead with your personal connection to inclusion, community, RiseUP, disability advocacy, movement, or service. Authenticity is more compelling than a perfectly polished fundraising pitch.
2. Choose a Clear Fundraising Goal
Pick a number that is ambitious but understandable.
Examples:
- Raise $250 individually.
- Find 20 people to donate $25.
- Raise $1,500 as a family.
- Build a company team with 10 participants.
- Raise $5,000 through a community organization.
3. Ask Your Closest Contacts First
Contact five to ten people individually before sharing your fundraiser publicly.
Early support gives your campaign momentum and demonstrates that others already believe in what you are doing.
4. Divide Your Contacts Into Groups
Create simple outreach categories:
- Family.
- Friends.
- Work contacts.
- Community organizations.
- Local businesses.
- Social media connections.
- Fitness or recreation contacts.
- Disability and neurodiversity advocates.
Write a slightly different message for each audience.
5. Ask People to Join Your Team
Someone who cannot donate may still be able to register, share your page, join a walk, or invite coworkers.
Teams may include offices, churches, families, friends, gyms, clubs, neighborhoods, nonprofits, and community organizations.
6. Create a Local Colorado Activity
Make your fundraising effort tangible by organizing:
- A Colorado Springs neighborhood walk.
- A Denver office stair challenge.
- A family hike.
- A treadmill incline hour at a local gym.
- A community movement day.
- A team progress meetup.
- An accessible distance event on a paved route.
The activity does not need to be large or complicated. Its purpose is to bring people together.
7. Approach Businesses With a Specific Request
Rather than asking a business to “support the challenge,” give them options:
- Become a sponsor.
- Form an employee team.
- Match employee donations.
- Donate a drawing prize.
- Contribute a silent auction item.
- Share the challenge online.
- Invite customers to participate.
Clear options make it easier for a business to respond.
8. Share Progress, Not Only Requests
Supporters want to see what their contribution is helping you accomplish.
Post when you:
- Reach your first 500 feet.
- Welcome your fifth team member.
- Receive your first business contribution.
- Reach half of your fundraising goal.
- Complete an activity you did not think you could finish.
9. Follow Up
Many people need more than one reminder.
A respectful follow-up might say:
I wanted to follow up in case my first message got buried. I’m still working toward my RiseUP Elevation Challenge goal and would be grateful for your support or a share.
10. Thank Everyone
Thank people personally whenever possible. Public recognition can also be effective when the supporter is comfortable being named.
Your fundraiser is not only a financial transaction. It is an opportunity to build a network of people who care about dignity, inclusion, connection, and opportunity.
RiseUP serves children and adults through programs including education, residential support, adult day services, family caregiver support, supported employment, and community participation in Denver and Colorado Springs.
