Frequently Asked Questions

Creating your own fundraiser for Joni and Friends is an exciting way for you to make an impact for people with disabilities around the world. Hosting a fundraiser can be as simple as donating your birthday, running a race, or holding a yard sale… or it can be as exciting as hosting a concert, golf tournament, or other big event! The options are endless. The key is to find an activity or event or that you are passionate about and that you think your friends, family, and colleagues will support.

1. What type of fundraiser can I create? The more unique, the better!  Try to find a fundraising event type that will not directly compete with other successful and long-standing benefit events in your area. Here’s some suggestions to get started:

• Sports – Participate in a 5k, 10k, or triathlon and fundraise on behalf of Joni and Friends 
• Birthdays – Donate your birthday to Joni and Friends and ask for donations instead of gifts
• Special Occasions – Collect donations in honor of a special occasion like a wedding or baby shower
• Holidays – Ask for donations in lieu of gifts
• Parties – Bring your friends and family together to support families impacted by disability. You can host a pancake breakfast, potluck dinner, or any type of party
• Be Creative – Fundraise while you engage in your favorite activity

Tips! Use your local community contacts to kick start your fundraiser, such as your office, church, gym, or school. Engage those that already share a common interest with you.

1. How do I get started?
   1. Click register to create your fundraiser. You will receive your own personal page and tools to help you maximize your success.


2. What steps should I take to maximize donations?
   1. Go first: Make a donation to your page. Others are more inclined to give when they see that you are supporting Joni and Friends.
   2. Get personal: Add a photo and share your story on why you are raising funds for Joni and Friends. By telling your story, your friends and family will feel more connected to the cause.
   3. Send emails: Use the tools to send emails to your network of contacts, telling them why you are raising funds and make the ask for donations.
   4. Get social: Did you know that fundraisers raise 40% more by using social media? Let all of your friends and followers know that you are raising money, and share why supporting Joni and Friends is important to you.
   5. Follow up: Did you know that it takes on average 3 asks to result in one gift? Once you have received a donation, don’t forget to thank your donor.


3. How do I spread the word about my fundraiser?
   1. There are tools within the participant center that will assist you in emailing your friends and family to announce your fundraiser and ask for donations.
   2. Consider sending a “Save the Date”for physical events.
   3. Use your social media networks to drive people to your fundraising page. Create an event on Facebook on invite all of your friends and Tweet about your campaign.


4. How do I send in the money collected at my event?
   1. Mail your donations within 30 days of your event to Joni and Friends at PO Box 3333, Agoura Hills, CA. 91376. Be sure to include your name and the name of your fundraising page.


5. Are donations tax-deductible?
   1. All gifts are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by federal law. Our policy is to apply donations designated to a specific ministry program/outreach. Donations exceeding the cost of an outreach or event will be directed to the general fund. 


6. Do you impose any guidelines for the fundraiser?
   1. We reserve the right to decline association with any activities or third-party fundraisers if we believe the activity may have a negative effect on our reputation.
   2. All events must comply with federal, state and local laws, including fundraising rules and regulations.
   3. The activity will be promoted and conducted in a manner to avoid the appearance of our organization endorsing any product, firm, organization, individual or service.
   4. Our official organization logo should be appropriately used in conjunction with such an activity, but may not be altered in any way.


7. Who should I contact if I need more information?
   1. If you need assistance with logos or have general questions about creating your own fundraiser, contact us today.