Why Financial Literacy?
Research shows that homeownership has a multitude of benefits; personal stability that can lead to higher rates of education for families and better overall health to economic vitality of our communities. Knowledge and understanding of financial literacy, however, is crucial to owning and maintaining a home. Lack of savings, poor credit and student debt are some of the largest barriers to homeownership today. In fact, the average student is graduating with over $35,000 in debt and according to the University of Illinois, only 22% of young adults are considered to be financially stable. Union Home is doing what we can to combat this by supporting programs that teach individuals of all ages about everything from basic budgeting to credit and investing to homeownership 101.
Can I send in a donation check? Where do I send it?
Yes! Please mail your check to the address below, payable to Union Home Foundation. If you are donating in support of a Hustle for Homeownerships participant, please include the participant’s name in the “memo” line.
Union Home Foundation
8241 Dow Circle West
Strongsville, OH 44136
Are donations to the Union Home Foundation tax deductible, and if so, will I receive a tax receipt?
Yes, the Union Home Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private non-operating foundation, so all donations made to us are tax deductible. Our tax ID number is 46-3696382. Online donations are acknowledged immediately via email. Check or cash donations will be acknowledged by mail within 6 weeks of the events. Please keep receipts for your tax purposes.
Is there a template or form fundraising letter I can use for donations?
Yes, we have made it easy for you to communicate your participation and gain support for the Hustle for Homeownership 5K! Please download our 5K Personal Fundraising Letter (form found in Resources in your personal fundraising page dashboard) or utilize one of our email templates to send out to your contacts to have them join you in raising money for financial literacy. There are several options on your personal fundraising page to also customize and tell your story.
Is my registration fee tax deductible?
While your registration fee is supporting the Union Home Foundation, because you are receiving event participation in exchange, the fee is not tax deductible. All donations, outside of registration, are 100% tax deductible.
Are participants required to fundraise?
No, but it is highly encouraged. The Union Home Foundation is still in its infancy, so all support helps us grow in our communities. In 2018 alone, we awarded more than $300,000 to nonprofits with programs focused on financial literacy, education, career readiness and transitional resources. Your donations help families in our communities in these areas, building their toolbox to achieve economic self-sufficiency and in turn improving communities for the long term.
Can I change from an individual participant to a team?
Yes. In the bottom left of the control panel on your personal fundraising page, you will see an option to join or create a team if you have already signed up as an individual.
Is there a limit on the size of my team?
There are no limits to team size, but we ask that teams have a minimum of four participants or more.
Is there a minimum age to run in the race?
There is no minimum, in fact children under the age of ten can register at a reduced rate!
Can I cancel a registration?
No, but if you cannot join us on race day, we thank you for your support and contribution!
How do I customize my personal page?
First login in the upper right hand corner, from there your dashboard will appear with options to customize your page including profile pic, goals and customize letters for donors and to request your contacts to join your team. There are currently default template letters that can be used and pictures that are already set if you just want to share.
How do I set up my team page?
Set up a team page by going to Register and then choosing CREATE A TEAM. Here, you can create your team page and your individual fundraising page.
How do I add team members to my team?
People can join your team by going to Register and then choosing JOIN A TEAM or by visiting your team page and clicking the JOIN TEAM button. If you have all of their information you can log in to your dashboard and go to MANAGE ACCOUNT. Click the ADD ADDITIONAL REGISTRANT button to add and pay for someone.
Is there a link to share with my family and friends once registered?
When you log in to your dashboard, the link it is displayed. You will also receive a welcome email that includes the link. If you choose to send emails through the system, the default templates also include your team or personal URL depending on if you are sending them from a team or personal page.
Can I pick up my packet on the day of race?
Yes, but we highly recommend early packet pick-up to save time waiting in line.
May I bring my dog?
Yes, you may bring your furry family member to participate, we just ask that you start at the back of the crowd to allow chip-timed runners clearance to race.
Is the race timed?
All participants that elect to “run” on their registration page will have a timing chip. For walkers, there will be a running clock to see their finishing time.
Do I have to run all the way?
Absolutely not! You can walk, run, or do a mixture of both. The key here is to have fun!
Is the course hilly?
This course is relatively flat, making it a great course for beginners to participate too!
Can I volunteer for the Hustle for Homeownership?
Yes, we would love your participation as a volunteer. To sign up, please contact Ashley Rivera at ashleyrivera@unionhomemortgage.com.