Walker and Team Tools

Offline Donation Record

• Click Here to print/download the Offline Donation Record

Team Kit

• Click Here to print/download the 2012 Team Kit
• Click Here to print/download the Mail-In Registration Form
• Click Here to print/download the Course Marker Sign Request Form
• Click Here to print/download the 2012 Walk for Lupus Now poster

  

Online Fundraising Tools

First and foremost, Walk for Lupus Now® is a fundraising event created to support research, programs, and services for people affected by lupus through the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA). In order to help you reach your personal and team fundraising goals, the LFA provides participants with a number of helpful online fundraising tools. When you register online for the 2012 Walk for Lupus Now®, you can create your own personal webpage, which is designed to facilitate every aspect of your fundraising. We have a variety of features to help you fundraise for the Walk for Lupus Now.

• Your Personal Page will assist you in asking others to make a donation or to walk with you. While default settings can be used, you can also personalize this page with your fundraising goal, pictures, and a story of why you walk.
• Online donating makes fundraising easy! This tool allows individuals to assist in your fundraising efforts by donating online with a credit card or check. Direct potential donors to donate online through your Personal Page.
• Customized email messages automatically include a link to your Personal Page, making it easier for friends and family to donate to you, or to join you by registering to walk or volunteer. This also allows you to easily thank donors or to remind those who have not responded yet.
• Your Participant Center section allows you to keep up your fundraising efforts and see how far you've come!

Here are some basic fundraising guidelines and tips to get you started, but don't limit yourself — be creative! Ask friends and family face-to-face. Asking individuals face-to-face is the most effective way to raise money. While you may fear rejection or feel embarrassed, often all you need is the confidence to ask potential donors for support. Be fully informed, and the request will be a breeze. Don't apologize for asking. Remember, you are not asking for the contribution for yourself, you are asking on behalf of the Lupus Foundation of America and people with lupus. Educate your potential donors. Often people will feel more comfortable about making a contribution if they understand what they are contributing too, and how the money will be used. You will find helpful information to educate donors in FAQs on the home page of this website. Personalize it. Share your story, and let people know why you are asking them to support them. For example, if you are walking for a loved one with lupus, include a picture, explain how lupus has affected your loved one, and that the money raised will fund important research, education, and support services for people with lupus. Use the email and Internet. Email friends, family members, and co-workers so they are aware you raising money and can visit your Personal Page to make a donation.

Speak up. Make a short presentation at your place of worship, job, local community or civic organizations, or any group you volunteer with or have a connection to. Check to see your employer or any potential donors have a matching gift program. Many companies sponsor matching gift programs to encourage employees to support numerous charities and non-profit organizations. Checking if your donors have matching gift programs is an easy way to raise additional money. Be sure donors provide you with the matching gift form used by their company. The earlier you ask the better. The sooner you start reaching out to people to raise money the sooner you'll see your pledges start to climb.

Don't forget about the telephone. Many of us use email so much that we may forget that the telephone is another easy way to reach out to people, and it's more personal than sending an email. You should make a phone list of who you want to call, and know what you want to ask before you call. Remember to say "Thank You." Regardless of the outcome you should thank people for their time, consideration, and support. You should also always send a thank you note when you do receive a pledge. Using the Internet to Raise Funds Today, more than ever people are staying connected with others through the use of the Internet. Email is one of the easiest forms of communication that we now have. Here are a few ways to make the most of this method:

• Make a contact list from your email address book and blanket all your contacts with your request. For those that respond, send out a thank you letter with a reply envelope.
• Utilize the Lupus Foundations of America's online fundraising tools. You can create a Personal Page, receive donations through e-pledge, and keep up with your fundraising.
• Inform potential donors during face-to-face, telephone conversations, and in letter requests that they can also donate securely to you online.