Donations Guide
Impact of Donations
Just as the experience of living with MS is different for every person, your reason for joining the Finish MS team is personal to you. But one thing is constant: the money you raise at Finish MS funds groundbreaking research to drive solutions for every single person with MS. Your fundraising also supports Society programs and services that ensure people with MS have access to the resources they need to live their best lives.
Here are some ways you’re fueling progress:
- There are more than 20 treatment options available today — none of which existed just 30 years ago.
- 100% of people affected by MS nationwide have access to an MS navigator for in-depth, personal support.
- We have achieved more breakthroughs for MS than have occurred for any other neurological disease.
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Fundraising Overview
Fundraising Minimum
All events have a fundraising minimum. But the more you raise, the bigger the impact, so we encourage you to aim high!
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Checks & Receipts
Addressing a Check
Checks must be made out to the “National MS Society.” If you receive a check payable to your team, write "National MS Society" above your team's name. If it's made out to you, please endorse the check payable to the National MS Society. Please write your name, event and year on the memo line of each check (e.g., "John Smith, Finish MS: Chicago Marathon, 2024").
Electronically Deposit a Check Donation with the App
Download the new DonorDrive app to upload checks directly from your phone or tablet. Typically, your fundraising total will instantly update after uploading the check (some checks may take up to 3 business days). This is the quickest way for check donations to reflect in your fundraising account. After you upload the check, there is no need to mail the physical copy.
Mailing Donations
Mail your donations (made out to National MS Society) with a completed Donation Tracking Form to the local Society office affiliated with your event. Please write your name, event, and year on the memo line of each check (e.g., "John Smith, Finish MS: Chicago Marathon, 2024").
Donor Receipts
Everyone who makes an online donation will receive an email confirmation receipt for tax purposes. Donors who give $250 or more will receive a thank you letter and receipt by mail. For donations less than $250, the IRS will accept the following as proof of a charitable donation: a canceled check, bank or credit union statement, or a credit card statement.
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Matching Gifts
The Basics
A matching gift is a gift from a donor's employer that matches the donor's original gift, often dollar-for-dollar. You can significantly increase your fundraising by asking your donors to apply for matching gifts if their employer offers them.
How Matching Gifts Work
Donors must submit the appropriate information to their company regarding matching gifts for their donation. The company may reach out to us to confirm the donation was made and our staff will send confirmation to the donor's company. Once we receive the matching gift check, we will credit the amount to your fundraising. Please remember, this process may take some time depending on how frequently companies pay out charitable donations. However, if we receive the matching gift paperwork by the fundraising deadline, we will include the pending donation in your fundraising total.
Steps to Submitting a Matching Gift
- Search for Employer’s Matching Gift Program
To find out if your employer has a matching gift program, search below, ask your human resources staff, or visit your company's intranet. - Request a Matching Gift
Talk to your employer about their matching gift process. Generally, your human resources department is a great place to start. - Send a Matching Gift Form
Refer to the instructions on the matching gift form. If you need to mail or email the form to us, please use the following information (please include the participant's name and event with your matching gift form): Email: MatchingGifts@nmss.org
Mailing Address:
National MS Society Attn: Matching Gifts
733 Third Avenue, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10017
Our Tax ID# is 13-5661935.
Track Your Matching Gift
Check the "Progress" section of your Fundraising Center. It usually takes months before we receive matching gifts.
- Search for Employer’s Matching Gift Program
