Team Maryland - Fundraising Toolkit
Congratulations on being selected for Team Maryland! To help you reach your goal of $2,500 for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, we’ve put together this all-in-one toolkit. Whether you’re a social media pro or prefer talking to neighbors face-to-face, these tools are designed to help you succeed.
Bookmark this page! You’ll want to refer back to it as you track your progress.
Social Media
Tips
- When you post, attach a photo or video of yourself in action (playing your sport or wearing Team MD gear). Posts with images get way more engagement!
- Don’t have photos? You can use THESE pre-made graphics in your posts.
- HERE are some social templates where you can put in your own photos!
- How to edit a video
- How to Create a short URL
Sample Social Posts
Use the following sample social posts on your own social media platforms to ask for donations from your friends and family. simply swap out the bolded sections with the information about yourself or the sport you are competing in.
Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn
I have a big goal, and I need your help to reach it!
As many of you know, I was selected for Team Maryland to compete in [Insert Your Sport] at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota. This is a dream come true, but getting there requires teamwork!
I am looking to raise $2,500 to cover the costs of travel, equipment, and training. Every dollar brings me one step closer to the Minneapolis [fields/starting line/ alleys/courts/ pools].
Can you help me get to the Games? You can donate directly to my page here: [Insert Personal Fundraising Link]
Thank you for being part of my journey!
@SpOlympicsMD #TeamMaryland #USAGames2026
Training for the USA Games: 75% complete. Fundraising for the USA Games: #% complete.
I’m working hard on/in the [track/field/court/pool/alley] to represent @SpOlympicsMD in Minnesota.
Any donation makes a massive difference.
Help me reach 100% by donating here: [Insert Personal Fundraising Link]
#TeamMaryland #USAGames2026
It takes a village to get to Minnesota!
I am working hard every day to represent Team Maryland at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, but I can’t get to the [fields/starting line/ alleys/courts/ pools] alone. When you donate to my journey, you aren’t just giving money—you are providing:
The Gear: Helping me get the uniform and equipment I need to compete.
The Travel: Getting me safely to Minnesota this June.
The Experience: Ensuring I have a place to stay and healthy meals while I go for the gold!
Whether it’s $10, $50, or $100, every bit of support helps me show the country what @SpOlympicsMD athletes are made of.
Support my Road to the USA Games here: [Insert Personal Fundraising Link]
If you can't donate today, please SHARE this post to help me spread the word!
#TeamMaryland #USAGames2026
One Team. One Goal. Destination: Minnesota!
Our Team Maryland squad is officially in high gear! We are training hard to compete against the best in the country at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
But we can't get there without your help.
When you donate, you aren't just funding a trip—you’re fueling the dreams of athletes who have worked years for this moment.
Help us for the Gold: [Insert Fundraising Link]
Every bit of support helps us represent @SpOlympicsMD with pride.
Let’s show them what Maryland is all about
#TeamMaryland #USAGames2026
I am so close to my goal!
Huge thanks to everyone who has donated so far to help me get to the 2026 USA Games. I only have $[Insert Remaining Amount] left to raise to make it to Minnesota!
If you haven't had a chance to donate yet, there is still time! Click the link below to help me represent @SpOlympicsMD on Team Maryland.
[Insert Personal Fundraising Link]
X/Twitter
Goal: Minnesota!
Our Team MD is training hard for the @2026USAGames. We need YOUR help to get our players to Minneapolis in June. Every donation fuels the dream!
Support the team here: [Insert Personal Fundraising Link]
#TeamMaryland #USAGames2026
I’m going to Minnesota!
It’s official—I’ve been selected for Team Maryland to compete in the @2026USAGames! I’m training hard to bring home the gold.
Can you help me get there? Every donation counts: [Insert Personal Fundraising Link]
#TeamMaryland #USAGames2026
The work doesn't stop!
I’m hitting the [track/field/court/pool/alley] every day to represent Maryland at the @2026USAGames.
Help me reach the starting line by donating to my travel & training fund: [Insert Personal Fundraising Link]
Your support moves me!
A donation to my @2026USAGames fund helps cover my travel, uniform, and equipment for Minnesota.
Be a part of my journey to the gold medal: [Insert Personal Fundraising Link]
#TeamMaryland #USAGames2026
I need your help to reach my goal!
I’m raising money to represent Team Maryland at the @2026USAGames in Minnesota. Even $5 makes a huge difference!
Support my journey here: [Insert Personal Fundraising Link]
#TeamMaryland #USAGames2026
Use dollar donations to help reach your fundraising goal! When fundraising, remember that lots of donors are not able to give medium to large donations to your campaign no matter how dedicated and passionate you are about the cause. Many people are willing to give dollar donations (anything under $10) when asked. These small donations can add up to your goal of $2,500.
Donation Grid
Do you have an Instagram or Facebook following? If so, utilize our Donation Grid on your story to raise $100 for your Plunge!
- Step 1: Add your Team Maryland fundraising page link to your profile bio
- Step 2: Save the Donation Grid photo (click the button below) to your phone’s album
- Step 3: Upload your saved Donation Grid to your Instagram Story then tag Special Olympics Maryland (@SpOlympicsMD)
- Step 4: Post the tagged picture to your Instagram Story
- Step 5: When you receive a donation from a follower, repost your donation grid, draw over the donation amount from your supporter, download the marked up image to use for your next update, tag and thank your supporter, and post your updated grid to your story
- Step 6: Repeat Step 5 until your entire grid is complete!
Compare Expenses
One way to solicit dollar donations is to compare the donation to a very common everyday expense. Think cups of coffee, a favorite snack at your local Wawa, or your daily Coca-Cola product. Here is an example:
Use these emails to send to potential donors to ask them to help you raise money to attend the 2026 USA Games in Minnesota. Just swap out the bolded sections with the information about yourself or the sport you are competing in. HERE is an email signature that you can attach to these emails, or any emails you are sending directing individuals to find and donate to your page.
Email Option #1
Subject: Help me represent Team Maryland in Minnesota!
Hi [Name],
I have some exciting news to share! I have been selected as a member of Team Maryland to compete in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games this June in Minnesota.
Representing my state on a national stage is a dream come true. I’ve been training hard in [Insert Sport] to make sure I’m ready to go for the gold, but getting to the Games is a team effort.
I am writing to ask if you would consider supporting my journey. To cover the costs of my travel, housing, uniforms, and training, I am looking to raise $2,500.
You can donate directly to my fundraising page here: [Insert Personal Fundraising Link]
Any amount—whether it’s $10 or $100—makes a huge difference and helps me get one step closer to the starting line. If you can’t donate, a simple share of my link on social media would mean the world to me!
Thank you for always cheering me on. I can't wait to make Maryland proud!
Go Team Maryland!
[Name]
*Insert email signature*
Email Option #2
Subject: I’m representing Team Maryland at the 2026 USA Games!
Hi [Name],
I’m reaching out with some very exciting news! I’ve been selected to join Team Maryland for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games this June in Minnesota. I will be competing in [Insert Your Sport]
Being chosen for the state delegation is a huge honor. It means I get to travel across the country to compete against the best athletes in the nation, represent the great state of Maryland, and show everyone the power of inclusion and sportsmanship.
I am currently training hard to be at my best, but I need your help to get to Minneapolis. Each member of Team Maryland is fundraising to help cover the costs of travel, housing, uniforms, and competition fees.
Would you be willing to support my journey with a donation?
Every gift, no matter the size, makes a direct impact on my ability to compete. You can make a donation on my official fundraising page here:
[Link to Personal Fundraising Page]
If you aren't able to donate at this time, I would love it if you could share my page with your friends or family to help me spread the word!
Thank you so much for your support and for being a part of my journey to the gold. Go Team Maryland!
Best regards,
[Name]
*Insert email signature*
Fundraising Ideas
Tips
- For any printed materials create a QR Code or give directions of how someone could find your fundraising page (visit www.teamsomd.com and search [insert name])
- Whenever you go out in public to fundraise, they should always wear their Team Maryland or SOMD gear. It makes them instantly recognizable as an official Team Maryland member.
Put your editable flyer up at local businesses and get people to donate to your fundraising efforts, or Hand-deliver them to neighbors with a note: "Hi, I'm your neighbor [Name], and I'm representing Maryland in the USA Games!"
"Change for Champions" Jars
This is a classic but highly effective method for local businesses.
- The Action: Place a decorated jar (with your photo and the Team MD logo. Use THIS template) at the counter of a local coffee shop, gym, or diner.
- Make sure to include a QR code on the jar that links directly to their fundraising page for people who don't carry cash.
Restaurant "Spirit Nights"
While Jersey Mike's is the big partner, other local spots (pizza shops, frozen yogurt, etc.) often do "Spirit Nights" where 10-20% of sales go to a specific cause.
- The Action: Schedule a night, print out flyers, and tell everyone you know that dinner that night supports your trip to the 2026 USA Games.
- Let us know if you need help making your custom flyer