Fundraising FAQ’s

Why should I fundraise?

The funds raised at Optimism Walks support APDA’s mission of bringing support groups and service programs for people with Parkinson’s and their families. Those funds also help researchers continue their critical work towards a cure for Parkinson’s disease. The more funds we raise, the more people we can help

How do I start my fundraising journey?

Fundraising can seem daunting, but APDA has some great tools to make it easy and fun! Make sure to visit our Participant Materials page for Fundraising Tips, Email templates, Social Media Templates, and more!

How does team fundraising work? What’s the difference between my fundraising goal and the team goal?

Every participant, whether on a team or not, gets a personal fundraising page and sets a personal fundraising goal. This is YOUR individual goal that you’re hoping to raise through donations you receive from your friends, family, etc. If you are on a team, the Team Captain will set an overall TEAM fundraising goal – the amount he/she hopes the team will collectively raise together. If you are on a team, your individual fundraising will be added to the team’s fundraising total. People can also make a general donation to your team, which will add to the team's fundraising total.

How can I start fundraising with Text Giving?

Participants can set up their own text giving with a personal keyword. When a text donation is made to their keyword, it will be applied to their individual fundraising goal.  Similarly, team and classification captains can set keywords for their teams and classifications. You can set your own keyword by clicking Get Started with Text Giving on your personal fundraising dashboard. 

What is a matching gift, and how does it make a difference?

A matching gift is when an employer will match an employee’s charitable contribution. For example, if your friend donates $50 to your Optimism Walk, if her employer has a matching gift program, they will also donate $50 to your Optimism Walk. In some cases, they might even double or triple the donation! (Details vary by company.) Remind your donors to check with their company’s Finance or Human Resources department to see if they have a matching gifts program, and help increase your fundraising.                                                       

How do I send out emails, and where do I go to see sent, drafts, recipients, etc? 

To send out an email through your Dashboard, you can either click “Send a Fundraising Email” under Quick Start or through the “Share Event” tab on the sidebar.

To locate your scheduled/sent/draft emails, mailing lists, or create a new email template, go to “Share Event” on the sidebar and then to “Email Management”. 

Registration FAQ’s

If I have registered for the Walk in the past, do I have to register again?

Yes, you must register for the Walk every year you participate. This helps us keep an accurate record of who will be attending the walk, and all participants must agree to a waiver to participate.

What if I can’t remember my password?

When logging in, click “I need help with my password or Forgot Password,”  and you will be sent an email with a link to reset your password.              

Can I register additional people without an email address?

You can add family members to your account if you do not have their email addresses.  However, keep in mind that they will not have their own Dashboard. 

During your registration, click on “Add Another Participant” at the bottom of the page. On the next page, check the box labeled “I’ll manage their fundraising,” and you won't need to add their email address.  If you have already registered, you can add additional participants through your Dashboard under Manage Registrations. **Please note: If they do not register with a unique email address, they will not receive any event communications.**

Donation FAQ’s

How do people receive receipts for their donations?

When an online donation is made, a thank-you/receipt email will automatically be sent to the email address they provided. They should print this to use for their charitable tax deduction.

I mailed in my donations, but they are not appearing on my personal/team page.

APDA works hard to make sure all your mailed donations are added to the website promptly. If you are concerned that a gift you sent in is not appearing on your page, please email apda@apdaparkinson.org with your name, the event you are participating in, and your contact info, and we’ll work to resolve any issue.

How can I send a thank-you email to my donors?

Thanking your donors is an essential part of fundraising! Log in and go to “Share Event” located on the left side menu options. Click Email My Donors to either customize an email or choose from an existing template.  These emails can also be scheduled for a later date, periodically, or immediately, and they can be scheduled to run when you reach your goal!

General Questions:

Can I form a team for the Optimism Walk?

Absolutely! When you register, you will have the ability to start your own team or join an existing team.

How do I navigate through My Fundraising Center after I register?

Your Fundraising Dashboard will be your hub for managing your fundraising journey.  Download or view our participant user guide to learn how to navigate all aspects of the site.  It is located in the “Participant Resources” tab in your fundraising dashboard, along with other helpful documents. 

General Questions:

Q:   Can I form a team for the Optimism Walk?

A:   Absolutely!  Forming a team is a great way to have fun and fundraise. When you register, you can start your own team or join an existing team.

Q.   How do I navigate through My Fundraising Center after I register?

A:   There are a variety of tools at your fingertips to help you reach your goals.  Your Fundraising Center will be your hub for managing your involvement and fundraising activities.  Download or view our participant user guide to learn how to navigate all aspects of the site.   It is located in the Resources tab on the left side, along with other helpful documents. 

Q:   Do I have to change my personal/team page?

A:   Once you register for the event, you will automatically have a personal page created for you.  This page will have suggested content and a photo that you are free to leave as is. However, we highly recommend personalizing your fundraising page to explain why you’re walking and why you are passionate about supporting APDA. Your personal story will inspire people to donate to help you.

To personalize your page after you log in, go to Edit My Page and/or Edit My Team Page (if you are a team captain) located on the left side menu bar. 

Q:   What happens if the weather is bad on the event day?

A:   Optimism Walks take place rain or shine! The only reason the Walk would be postponed is if the weather is dangerous (i.e., lightning), in which case event organizers would notify you as soon as possible. If inclement weather is predicted, be sure to dress accordingly (i.e., baseball cap, rain jacket, dry socks, and shoes for the ride home).

Q:   Is there someone I can talk to who can help me when I have a problem with my fundraising page or registration process?

A:   If you can’t find your answers in the FAQ, contact your local APDA Optimism Walk representative or send an email to apda@apdaparkinson.org, with your name, the event you are registered for, an explanation of your issue/question, and the best way to contact you. Every effort will be made to help you as soon as possible!

Thank you so very much for participating in the APDA Optimism Walk!

We’re here for you if you have any questions!