Donations
Where does the money go?
The money you raise for Bike MS funds services and research aimed at helping people affected by MS live their best lives as we end MS forever.
How much money should I raise?
There is no fundraising minimum for Bike MS: Inside Out. Together we’re working toward a $12 million fundraising goal so let’s go all out. In fact, by reaching certain fundraising thresholds, you can be a Bike MS VIP.
What if my donors need a receipt?
Everyone who makes an online donation will receive an e-mail confirmation receipt for tax purposes. Donors that give $250 or more (including via check) 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.
What if a donor wrote a check out to the team or my name?
If you receive a check payable to your team, just write "National MS Society" above your team name. If it's made out to you, please endorse the check payable to the National MS Society. Please be sure to write the participant's name, event, and event year on the memo line of each check (e.g., "Mark Kindy, Bike MS: Inside Out").
Where do I mail my donations?
For the safety of the MS community—and all our communities—National MS Society offices are currently closed, and all incoming mail is being held at a secure location with the United States Postal Service. This means there will be a delay in the processing of mailed donations, as well as tax receipts.
Please encourage your donors to make their gifts online or over the phone during this time. If you do choose to donate by mail, please see instructions below. We thank you for your patience and generosity. For assistance please contact us at 855-372-1331 or fundraisingsupport@nmss.org.
Mail your donations (made out to National MS Society) with a completed Donation Tracking Form.
National MS Society
ATTN: Bike MS: Inside Out staff
900 S. Broadway, Suite 200
Denver, CO 80209
Please be sure to write the participant's name, event, and event year on the memo line of each check (e.g., "Mark Kindy, Bike MS: Inside Out ").
When do I receive my prize?
Prize redemption instructions will be provided via email following the prize deadline. Please watch for details.
My fundraising total in my Fundraising Center doesn't match what I know I turned in.
It may take up to four weeks to process donations during peak event times. If it's been less than four weeks since submitting your donations, please log back into your Fundraising Center at a later date to check your fundraising total. If more than 4 weeks have passed since you submitted your donations, or you have additional questions about your fundraising total, please contact us at Fundraising Support: Toll-free at 855-372-1331 or by email at FundraisingSupport@nmss.org.
If you'd like to see your donations right away, please encourage your supporters to donate online, or mail your donations to your local office immediately upon receiving them.
Matching Gifts
What is a Matching Gift?
A matching gift is a gift from a donor's employer that matches the donor's original gift. Many employers match dollar-for-dollar. You can significantly increase your fundraising total by asking your donors to apply for matching gifts!
How it works:
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Send an email to all your donors explaining the benefit of utilizing their company's matching gifts program.
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Your donors will submit the appropriate information to their company regarding matching gifts for their donation.
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The company may reach out to us to confirm the donation was made and our staff will send confirmation to the donor's company.
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Upon receipt of the matching gift check, we will credit your fundraising efforts with the amount. This process may take some time depending on how frequently companies pay out charitable donations. However, if we have received the matching gift paperwork by the fundraising deadline, we will include the pending donation in your fundraising total. It's that easy!
How do I know if my employer has a Matching Gift program?
Search for your employer on our online database, ask your human resources staff, or visit your company's intranet.
How do I request a Matching Gift?
The first step is to talk to your employer about their matching gift process. Generally, your human resources department is a great place to start.
What do I do with the matching gift form once I've filled it out?
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.
How will I know when the Matching Gift has been paid?
Check the "Progress" section of your Fundraising Center. It usually takes months before we receive matching gifts; however, even though they are not yet paid, you will receive credit for matching gifts for prize purposes.