Frequently Asked Questions
What is Autism Speaks Fundraise Your Way program?
Fundraise Your Way is a “DIY” campaign to raise money for Autism Speaks. Fundraise Your Way is like other Autism Speaks fundraisers in that funds raised contribute to Autism Speaks mission to enhance the lives of people with autism today and accelerate a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow. The only difference, you decide what type of fundraiser you'd like to run such as a milestone celebration, community event or athletic/fitness event. The money raised will help fuel innovative research and make connections to critical lifelong supports and services. Start your fundraiser today.
What type of events can I start?
Choose something you love to do and turn it into a fundraiser. The ideas are endless, celebrate a life milestone, coordinate a fitness event, or invite friends to engage in a favorite hobby.
What are the costs associated with Fundraise Your Way?
Expenses associated with Fundraise Your Way are the responsibility of the organizer. Autism Speaks cannot provide funding or reimburse for expenses.
Does Autism Speaks provide insurance coverage for Fundraise Your Way?
It is the responsibility of the organizer to obtain appropriate insurance coverage for the fundraiser.
Can I start teams under Fundraise Your Way?
Your fundraiser is your team page. Your friends, family and colleagues can join your team and fundraise as well.
What is a Participant Center?
The Participant Center is your event dashboard provided by Autism Speaks. The page is automatically created for you when you register online and is where you can direct friends and family who want to join or donate to your fundraiser. You start building and customizing your team and personal pages right away. We encourage you to personalize your page with a photo and to share your inspiration for supporting Autism Speaks.
Donations
Where do the funds from the Fundraise Your Way go?
Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. Autism Speaks 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible.
How do I direct people to donate?
There are several easy ways to donate:
- Send friends, family and colleagues a link to your team or personal fundraising page.
- Cash, check and credit card donations are accepted
- Or mail checks payable to Autism Speaks to:
Autism Speaks Fundraise Your Way
P.O. Box 199
Rocky Hill, NJ 08553-0199
Please be sure to include the fundraiser name and organizer in the offline donation form. PLEASE DO NOT SEND CASH IN THE MAIL
What if my donors need a receipt?
When a donor gives online, they will receive an automatic thank you letter that can be used as a receipt. All other acknowledgment letters will be mailed after the event. If you donated to a fundraiser and you didn't receive a thank you letter, please contact us at fundraiseyourway@autismspeaks.org.
I mailed a donation, but it's not listed online?
Please allow 10-15 business days for processing. If the donation does not appear after 15 business days, please contact us at fundraiseyourway@autismspeaks.org.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Proceeds from Fundraise Your Way are not tax-deductible.
Participant Questions
I forgot my Username and Password.
Click LOGIN at the top of this page. You can then click on "Forgot User Name?" or Forgot Password? to request help.
How do I update the content on my fundraising page?
Access your Participant Center. Select Edit Personal Page and select Content. Customize your story under the Body. The font size, color, formatting, and font family can be customized. If you would like to see what your content looks like, click preview and a sample of your content will show up in a new window. The preview will not save your content. If you are satisfied return to your personal page and save.
I just finished personalizing my fundraising page. What now?
Tell your friends and family about your fundraiser. Send them an email with a link to your fundraising page and request their support.
How do I personalize my URL?
Access your Participant Center.. Select Edit Personal Page and select content. Select URL Settings, enter your preferred URL and Save.
How do I update my fundraising goal?
Access your Participant Center. Visit the home page under My Progress. Click Change under your goal. Edit your goal and submit.
How do I preview my personal page?
Access your Participant Center. Select Personal Page and select View Personal Page. A separate window will open allowing you to view what your page looks like to your friends and family.
How do I find out who donated to my fundraiser?
Access your Participant Center. Click View Progress. You will be able to view your personal donations, donations made by your friends and family, and who the top 10 donors are.
Need more help? Contact us at fundraiseyourway@autismspeaks.org or 845-245-5107.
