Sample Templates for Use in Your Fundraising Emails and Social Media Posts
NOTE: There is a lot of info on this page! It’s organized into sections: Sample Social Media Posts; Sample Emails; and Quick Facts/Links. Within the sample post and email sections, there are examples that you can send out as the Pledge begins, about midway through the Pledge, and then as the Pledge is coming to an end. Please scroll down to find the section that contains the info you need to rock the Pledge!!
Feel free to use any portion of the sample text below in your fundraising messages and personalize it for your own purposes. You can also simply use the examples as inspiration to write your own. Don’t forget to insert/include your Personal Impact Page share link and use hashtags (especially #321Pledge and #RubysRainbow) as appropriate!
(Your Personal Impact Page link is the link that you receive in an email after making your first 3/21 Pledge donation this year. You can also find it linked up on your profile page on the Pledge Committee page of the Ruby’s Rainbow site. If the link is not live yet, please email it to Catherine@rubysrainbow.org! If you’ve already provided it, your link will be live soon!)
We have also included some handy links and quick facts about Ruby’s Rainbow and the 3/21 Pledge below, in case you want to include them in your posts and emails; please scroll down to view those. You can also click here to read Liz Plachta’s moving letter about the history of the organization and how Ruby’s Rainbow came into being.
Sample social media posts:
As the Pledge begins – roughly March 7–10 or so:
Sample 1:
World Down Syndrome Day is coming up on 3/21, and Ruby’s Rainbow is raising scholarship funds to help people with Down syndrome go to college!! Can you pitch in? When you donate ANY amount, you’re supporting an awesome cause and community!! Please visit my personal Pledge page on 321Pledge.org to take the Pledge today!! #RubysRainbow #321Pledge [include your Personal Impact Page link]
Sample 2:
Y’all, it’s time to take the 3/21 Pledge!! What’s the 3/21 Pledge, you ask? It’s a fundraiser, but it’s also so much more: When you take the 3/21 Pledge, you are supporting peeps who are rockin’ that extra chromosome in pursuing their college dreams, AND you’re also pledging to be kind to people of all abilities. So what are you waiting for?? Visit my personal Pledge page on 321Pledge.org to take the Pledge today!! #RubysRainbow #321Pledge [your PIP link goes here!]
Sample 3:
Ruby is the little girl behind Ruby’s Rainbow, who inspired her parents to want to help others like her go for their college dreams! When you take the 3/21 Pledge, you’re helping people with Down syndrome get the skills and education they need to succeed in life — and what could be more awesome than that? SO LET’S ROCK THIS PLEDGE — visit my personal Pledge page on 321Pledge.org to take the Pledge today! [your PIP link here!] #RubysRainbow #321Pledge
Sample 4:
People who are rockin’ that extra chromosome have SO MUCH POTENTIAL, and getting a college education can help them unlock it to access the jobs and lives of their dreams! Your donation to the 3/21 Pledge goes toward scholarships for these deserving individuals – so let’s make it happen!! Visit my personal Pledge page on 321Pledge.org to take the Pledge today! [your PIP link here!] #RubysRainbow #321Pledge
Sample 5:
Y’all, taking the 3/21 Pledge is beyond easy! You just donate $21 (or more) to Ruby’s Rainbow, pledge to be kind to peeps of all abilities, and then ask three friends to do the same. That’s it — easy-peasy! Visit my personal Pledge page on 321Pledge.org to take the Pledge today!! [your PIP link here!] #RubysRainbow #321Pledge
* * *
Also, feel free to upload this “I Took the Pledge” image to your post, to encourage others to follow your example!
Mid-Pledge, to keep your friends & followers engaged and updated on progress – roughly March 11/12th through the 15/16th:
Mid-Pledge, to keep your friends & followers engaged and updated on progress – roughly March 11/12th through the 15/16th:Sample 1:
WOW – the 3/21 Pledge total is currently at $[X amount] which is [X number of] full scholarships so far! So grateful to the people who have donated to the 3/21 Pledge through my personal page!! [your PIP link here!] #RubysRainbow #321Pledge
Sample 2:
We are [X number of days into/halfway through/etc.] the Pledge and going strong!! Let’s keep up the momentum, y’all — visit 321Pledge.org TODAY to take the 3/21 Pledge and then tag three friends to do the same!! [your PIP link here!] #RubysRainbow #321Pledge
Sample 3:
I am so excited – I set a goal at the start of the 3/21 Pledge to raise $[X amount], and thanks to YOU, we’ve reached that goal together!! Now it’s time to set a new one! I’m raising my goal to $[X amount] — are you with me? Let’s make it happen! Visit my personal Pledge page on 321Pledge.org and take the Pledge today! [your PIP link here!] #RubysRainbow #321Pledge
Sample 4:
World Down Syndrome Day is almost here and we are ROCKING the 3/21 Pledge! Let’s see this thing through to the finish — visit my personal Pledge page on 321Pledge.org to donate, or tag some friends to take the Pledge today! [your PIP link here!] #RubysRainbow #321Pledge
* * *
Reminder: The 3/21 Pledge website calculates full scholarships as $5,000 each, but Ruby’s Rainbow awards smaller amounts as well. Pledge Committee members who fundraise at least $3,000 are considered to have raised a full scholarship amount, and are eligible to have a scholarship awarded in their honor. Thus, if your immediate network (purple + red rings only on your My Pledge page on the 3/21 Pledge site) has raised at least $3K together, that counts as a full scholarship!
* * *
As the Pledge comes to a close – roughly March 17–21 (World Down Syndrome Day!!!):
Sample 1:
THANK YOU for cheering us on throughout this year’s Pledge!! In doing so, you’ve cheered on the incredible past, current and future Rockin’ Recipients who are pursuing their higher-education dreams. In taking the Pledge, you’re shouting that being different is beautiful, whether you possess that tiny little extra chromosome or not, and that acceptance, kindness and believing in someone’s capabilities really mean something!! I am so proud of us for coming together and making a big difference in the lives of people who are rockin’ that extra chromosome! [your PIP link here!] #RubysRainbow #321Pledge
Sample 2:
Thank you so much for coming together to help us say YES — not just yes to more scholarships, but yes to a different way of thinking — a raised expectation. And make no mistake, your support for the 3/21 Pledge is not just limited to scholarship funds! When you took the Pledge, you were supporting all the people out there with Down syndrome who are going for their college dreams…and all the parents out there with a child who’s rockin’ that extra chromosome, who now have a new vision of their child’s possible future. That individual’s path and life are forever changed, and YOU were a part of it. THANK YOU!! [your PIP link here!] #RubysRainbow #321Pledge
Sample 3:
To everyone who took the Pledge and donated to Ruby’s Rainbow to help raise scholarship funds for students with Down syndrome who are pursuing higher education — I can’t thank you enough!! I am so excited and proud of what we’ve managed to accomplish together — we raised $[X amount] as a group, which is equivalent to [X number of] full scholarships!! AMAZING!!! Thank you for being part of a cause I hold close to my heart, and for coming together to accomplish something truly great!! [your PIP link here!] #RubysRainbow #321Pledge
* * *
A few reminders:
- Be sure to tag us in your posts (Instagram: @Rubysrainbow; Facebook: RubysRainbow.org; Twitter: @Rubysrainboworg) and use the hashtags #321Pledge and #RubysRainbow!!
- On calculating full scholarships: The 3/21 Pledge website calculates full scholarships as $5,000 each, but Ruby’s Rainbow awards smaller amounts as well (and bigger ones, too – up to $10,000!). Pledge Committee members who fundraise at least $3,000 are considered to have raised a full scholarship amount, and are eligible to have a scholarship awarded in their honor. Thus, if your network has raised at least $3K together, that counts as a full scholarship!
- Don’t forget to thank your friends and followers when they donate through your page! People love getting a personal shout-out on social media. If you add the shout-out in a comment on a new or previous Pledge post, this makes that post visible to more people while giving your supporters that warm-and-fuzzy feeling that comes from knowing you see them and you’re grateful for their contribution. You can also thank them via the 3/21 Pledge site by signing in, clicking My Pledge at the top of the page, and then clicking on History. From there, you’ll see a list of who donated under you; click the green Send button next to their name to send them a quick-and-easy thank-you note! (This note will auto-populate with text that you can change as desired or leave as-is.)
Sample emails:
As the Pledge begins:
Sample email 1:
Every March, leading up to World Down Syndrome Day on 3/21, Ruby’s Rainbow holds its biggest fundraiser of the year, the 3/21 Pledge. The money raised goes toward scholarship funds for people with Down syndrome who are going to college, and I’ve set a goal to raise [X amount] with the help of my family and friends! If you would consider helping out, I would be so grateful! Donating ANY amount, large or small, means you’re supporting an amazing cause and community. Thank you in advance for helping me reach my goal!!
Want to know a little more about the 3/21 Pledge? Taking the Pledge is easy: You just donate $21 (or more) to Ruby’s Rainbow, pledge to be kind to peeps of all abilities, and then ask three friends to do the same. That’s it — easy-peasy! Check out 321Pledge.org for more info.
Ready to take the 3/21 Pledge? Please visit my personal Pledge page on 321Pledge.org today! [share your Personal Impact Page link here]
Sample email 2:
Psst — it’s time to take the 3/21 Pledge!!
What’s the 3/21 Pledge, you ask? It’s a fundraiser that raises scholarship funds for adult students with Down syndrome who are pursuing post-secondary education — but it’s also so much more than that. When you take the 3/21 Pledge, you’re supporting peeps rockin’ that extra chromosome in pursuing their college dreams, and you’re also pledging to be kind to people of all abilities.
Ruby’s Rainbow was founded by a couple in Austin, Texas, whose little girl, Ruby, was born rockin’ an extra chromosome. Ruby inspired them to want to help this incredible community with post-secondary education funding. College, vocational and enrichment classes can help individuals with Down syndrome unlock their incredible potential and gain the skills and knowledge they need to access the jobs and lives of their dreams! So what are you waiting for?? Please visit my personal Pledge page on 321Pledge.org to take the Pledge today! [share your PIP link here]
Also, feel free to use any of these “I Took the Pledge” badge images in your email, to encourage others to follow your example!
Mid-Pledge, to keep your friends & followers engaged and updated on progress:
Sample 1:
WOW – the 3/21 Pledge total is currently at $[X amount], which is [X number of] full scholarships so far! I am so grateful to the people who have donated to the 3/21 Pledge through my personal page!! If you haven’t donated yet, there’s still time – please check out the 3/21 Pledge site to learn more about this awesome organization and fundraiser, or visit my personal 3/21 Pledge page to donate! [include your PIP link here]
Sample 2:
We are [X number of days into/halfway through/etc.] the Pledge and going strong!! Let’s keep up the momentum, shall we? Please visit my personal 3/21 Pledge page TODAY to take the Pledge!! After you’ve donated, please feel free to forward this email to friends who might be interested in donating, or post on social media to let the world know the awesomeness you’ve accomplished today!! [include your PIP link here]
Sample 3:
Friends, I am so excited – I had set a goal at the start of the 3/21 Pledge to raise $[X amount], and thanks to YOU, we’ve reached that goal together!! And you know what that means – now it’s time to set a new goal! I’m raising my goal to $[X amount]. We’ve got [X days] until World Down Syndrome Day and the end of this year’s 3/21 Pledge – but I know we can reach the goal together!! Are you with me? Let’s make it happen! Please visit my personal 3/21 Pledge page and take the Pledge today! [include your PIP link here]
Sample 4:
World Down Syndrome Day is almost here, and we are ROCKING the 3/21 Pledge! Please join me in seeing this thing through to the finish!! If you haven’t yet donated, I’d be so grateful if you’d visit my personal 3/21 Pledge page to take the Pledge, or forward this email to anyone you think might be interested in getting involved! [include your PIP link here]
* * *
Reminder: The 3/21 Pledge website calculates full scholarships as $5,000 each, but Ruby’s Rainbow awards smaller amounts as well. Pledge Committee members who fundraise at least $3,000 are considered to have raised a full scholarship amount, and are eligible to have a scholarship awarded in their honor. Thus, if your immediate network (red + purple rings only on your My Pledge page on the 3/21 Pledge site) has raised at least $3K together, that counts as a full scholarship!
As the Pledge comes to a close:
Sample 1:
I just wanted to email everyone who took part in the 3/21 Pledge in ANY WAY throughout the past couple of weeks! THANK YOU for cheering us on!! In doing so, you’ve cheered on the incredible past, current and future Rockin’ Recipients who are pursuing their higher-education dreams. In taking the Pledge, you’re shouting that being different is beautiful, whether you possess that tiny little extra chromosome or not, and that acceptance, kindness and believing in someone’s capabilities really mean something!! I am so proud of us for coming together and making a big difference in the lives of people who are rockin’ that extra chromosome!! [include your PIP link here]
Sample 2:
To all my friends and family who joined me in taking the 3/21 Pledge and donating to Ruby’s Rainbow – thank you. Thank you so much for coming together to help us say YES — not just yes to more scholarships, but yes to a different way of thinking — a raised expectation. And make no mistake, your support for the 3/21 Pledge is not just limited to scholarship funds! When you took the Pledge, you were supporting all the people out there with Down syndrome who are going for their college dreams…and all the parents out there with a child who’s rockin’ that extra chromosome, who now have a new vision of their child’s possible future. That individual’s path and life are forever changed, and YOU were a part of it. So THANK YOU!! [include your PIP link here]
Sample 3:
To everyone who took the Pledge and donated to Ruby’s Rainbow to help raise scholarship funds for students with Down syndrome who are pursuing higher education — I can’t thank you enough!! I am so excited and proud at what we’ve managed to accomplish together!! We managed to raise $[X amount] as a group, which is equivalent to [X number of] full scholarships — and that is AMAZING!!! Thank you for being part of a cause I hold close to my heart, and for coming together to accomplish something truly great!! [include your PIP link here]
* * *
Reminder: The 3/21 Pledge website calculates full scholarships as $5,000 each, but Ruby’s Rainbow awards smaller amounts as well. Pledge Committee members who fundraise at least $3,000 are considered to have raised a full scholarship amount, and are eligible to have a scholarship awarded in their honor. Thus, if your immediate network (red + purple rings only on your My Pledge page on the 3/21 Pledge site) has raised at least $3K together, that counts as a full scholarship!
Quick Facts About Ruby’s Rainbow and the 3/21 Pledge:
- Ruby’s Rainbow has been granting scholarships to adult students with Down syndrome since 2012.
- Since the organization was founded, Ruby’s Rainbow has granted 741 scholarships to Rockin’ Recipients across the United States, together totaling over $2.67 MILLION — and counting!
- In 2023, the 3/21 Pledge fundraiser raised over $600,000 to fund scholarships for 142 Rockin’ Recipients!!
- This year, our fundraising goal for the 3/21 Pledge is $700,000!!! 🙌
- The Ruby’s Rainbow Mission is to grant scholarships to adults with Down syndrome who are seeking post-secondary education, vocational or enrichment classes, helping them achieve their dreams of higher education while spreading awareness of their capabilities and general awesomeness.