FUNDRAISING | Penguin Plunge

FUNDRAISING RESOURCES

We know fundraising can look scary, but it is made easier by engaging your community and collecting donations to meet your goals! We have the tools and tips to get you started and go above and beyond!

FUNDRAISING MINIMUMS

All community plungers must commit to raising the minimum of *$250 to be able to plunge and start earning incentives. Raise even more to earn great prizes and make a bigger impact! All prizes are cumulative.

Cool Schools Minimum

*Schools must raise an average of $150 per plunger going in the water. In order to earn incentives, an individual page must reflect the total of $150. There is no fundraising commitment for Cool Schools.

Why do I have to commit to raising a minimum of $250? The Penguin Plunge is our largest fundraiser of the year, raising around 40% of our operating budget. Because of the funds raised, our athletes are able to participate in Special Olympics Vermont sports and competitions and other programs at no cost. We know it can look scary, but fundraising is made easier by engaging your community and collecting donations to meet your goals!

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FUNDRAISING BEST PRACTICES

ASK YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

Ask your biggest supporters to help you achieve your fundraising goal! Invite them to come cheer you on when you take the plunge on Feb. 8!

SHARE TO
SOCIAL MEDIA

A simple post on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or X is an easy way to get your network to support your plunge!

GET CREATIVE
WITH IT!

Put the fun in fundraising! Some examples we've heard are hosting a dinner party and asking guests to donate or pledging to wear a costume if you reach your fundraising goals!

FRIENDLY COMPETITION

Adding some competition can get plungers fired up to fundraise! Create a leaderboard in your office with fun prizes or partner with your rival school!

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FUNDRAISING TOOLS

Copy and paste these pre-written asks into an e-mail, facebook post, or text message to easily share with your network and start receiving donations!

"On February 8th I am braving the icy waters of Lake Champlain as a plunger in the 2025 Penguin Plunge for Special Olympics Vermont! Your contribution, large or small, will help provide inclusive year-round sports training and competitions for over 2,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities in Vermont. You can support my Plunge several ways. The best and easiest is to donate online. My personal page can be found at <<insert personal Plunge link>>. You can check this page to see my goal, money raised and more! Thank you in advance for your support!"

"I need your help! I am trying to raise <<goal amount>> for Special Olympics Vermont by February 8th when I will jump into Lake Champlain for the 2025 Penguin Plunge! Your donation creates life changing experiences for over 2,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities right here in Vermont! Visit my plunge page to make a contribution and track my progress! <<insert personal Plunge link>> "

Try out these pre-written captions and hashtags to get you started on social media! Make sure to include your personal plunge page link with in your post! Add a picture of yourself plunging, doing something you love, or download one of our pre-made social media assets, linked below.

You can make a difference! Help me reach my fundraising goal as I take the Penguin Plunge for @specialolympicsvermont! #2025SOVTPenguinPlunge #EveryDonationCounts #PlungeVT <<Insert personal plunge page link>>

‘Give the gift of inclusion and help me support the athletes of @specialolympicsvermont by making a donation my Penguin Plunge page! ##PlungeVT #FreezinForAReason <<Insert personal plunge page link>>

Tis’ the freezin' season'! I am ramping up my fundraising efforts for the 2025 Penguin Plunge for @specialolympicsvermont. You can help me reach my goal by donating to my Plunge page. Each donation supports over 2,000 athletes that compete in inclusive sports year-round, free of charge. #PlungeVT #FreezinForAReason

Use your personal plunge page link or team link to create a qr code that you can send to your network or share on printed flyers or other promotional items! Then people can scan directly to your page!

First, copy and paste your personal plunge page link or team link. Head over to qrcode-monkey.com and insert your plunge page link into the bar that says "Your URL". Click "Create QR Code", when it is complete download your QR code as a .png. Now you can pull up your QR code on your phone or add it to any flyer or printout!

HOW TO find your plunge page link

The easiest method is to visit the Penguin Plunge Event Page and click 'sign in' in the top right hand corner. Once you have signed in you can share your link, customize your page, and track your fundraising status. COMMUNITY PLUNGE SIGN IN COOL SCHOOLS SIGN IN Another easy method is to scroll to the bottom of the Penguin Plunge Event Page find "Plunge Leaderboard" and in the search bar search your name or the plunger you are looking for!