Fundraising outreach does not need to feel uncomfortable or overly complicated.

A successful message should be personal, brief, and clear about what you are asking the recipient to do.

Below are adaptable email templates for RiseUP Elevation Challenge participants.

Email 1: Friends and Family Fundraising Request

Subject: Will You Help Me Rise for Something Greater?

Hi [Name],

This September, I am participating in the RiseUP Elevation Challenge and working toward [5,000 feet of elevation/my personal distance goal].

I joined because I believe people of all abilities deserve the opportunity to feel supported, included, and connected to their communities.

Throughout the month, I’ll be [walking/hiking/running/climbing stairs/using a treadmill/completing a distance goal] while raising support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and neurodiversity.

Would you consider supporting my fundraiser or sharing my page with someone who may want to get involved?

[BUTTON OR LINK: SUPPORT MY CHALLENGE]

Thank you for helping me make every foot count.

[Name]

Email 2: Team Recruitment

Subject: Join My RiseUP Elevation Challenge Team

Hi [Name],

I’m creating a team for the RiseUP Elevation Challenge this September, and I would love for you to join us.

We will work toward shared elevation, distance, and fundraising goals while supporting RiseUP’s work with children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and neurodiversity.

You can participate in the way that works best for you by walking, hiking, running, climbing stairs, using a treadmill incline, or choosing the accessible Distance Challenge.

You do not need to be an experienced athlete. You only need to choose a goal and start moving.

[BUTTON OR LINK: JOIN OUR TEAM]

Let me know if you have any questions. I would love to take on the challenge together.

[Name]

Email 3: Coworker or Company Team Invitation

Subject: Let’s Create a RiseUP Elevation Challenge Team

Hi team,

I would love for us to participate together in the RiseUP Elevation Challenge this September.

The challenge invites individuals and teams to work toward 5,000 feet of elevation or an accessible distance goal while raising support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and neurodiversity.

We could participate through neighborhood walks, office stairs, gym workouts, weekend hikes, or individual activities completed throughout the month.

This would give us a fun way to encourage movement, strengthen our team, and support an important Colorado nonprofit.

[BUTTON OR LINK: LEARN MORE AND JOIN THE TEAM]

Please let me know who is interested. I would be excited to organize the group and get us started.

Thank you,

[Name]

Email 4: Local Business Outreach

Subject: Partner With Us for the RiseUP Elevation Challenge

Hi [Name],

I’m reaching out because I’m participating in the RiseUP Elevation Challenge, a September movement and fundraising campaign supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and neurodiversity.

RiseUP serves families and individuals through programs in Colorado Springs and Denver, including education, adult day services, residential support, family caregiver services, and supported employment.

We are inviting Colorado businesses and community partners to get involved by:

• Becoming a sponsor.
• Creating an employee team.
• Donating a drawing prize.
• Providing a silent auction item.
• Sharing the challenge with their community.

Would [Business Name] be interested in learning more about one of these opportunities?

I would be happy to connect you with the RiseUP team or send additional information.

Thank you for considering it.

[Name]

Email 5: Fundraising Follow-Up

Subject: A Quick RiseUP Elevation Challenge Update

Hi [Name],

I wanted to share a quick update on my RiseUP Elevation Challenge.

So far, I have completed [number] feet or miles and raised [$ amount] toward my goal of [$ goal].

I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has encouraged me, donated, or shared my page. I still have [$ amount] left to raise, and every contribution makes a difference.

Would you consider supporting the challenge or sharing my page?

[BUTTON OR LINK: HELP ME REACH MY GOAL]

Thank you for helping me finish strong.

[Name]

Email 6: Thank-You Message

Subject: Thank You for Helping Me Rise

Hi [Name],

Thank you so much for supporting my RiseUP Elevation Challenge.

Your generosity is helping create greater support, opportunity, and community connection for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and neurodiversity.

I’m grateful that you chose to be part of this challenge with me. I’ll continue sharing updates as I work toward my goal throughout September.

Thank you for helping make every foot count.

[Name]

Participants can customize these templates to match their voice and relationship with the recipient. The best fundraising message should sound like it came from a real person, not a mass marketing campaign.