Charity Walks Blog

I have recently read several blog posts and newsletters from fundraising consultants who encourage nonprofits to run away from charity walks when they should be embracing special events.

Many of these consultants are friends of mine. I have a significant amount of respect for them and their abilities. So why am I concerned with this particular advice?

Get Rid of Charity Walks

There is some basis for these fundraising consultants to recommend that nonprofits stay away from special events, including charity walks. Planning, organizing and executing a successful charity walk takes a significant amount of time and effort from staff and volunteers. There are other much more efficient methods to raise money to support an important cause. There is also some level of risk being accepted when holding a special event.

Horror stories of failed attempts at raising funds have been used to reinforce the risks being taken when embarking on special events. Some of these stories were first-hand experiences of the fundraising consultant.

If the only need of the nonprofit organization is to raise money, the advice being given is right on target. Finding ways to be more effective and efficient at rising funds is why the fundraising consultant was hired, right?

The Flaw

Most nonprofit organizations don’t have a purpose and mission to raise money. Typically, an organization needs to do things like institute programs and lead advocacy efforts to fulfill their purpose. The funds raised are just one of the important tools needed to allow the organization to make a positive difference. There are other important tools that the organization needs in addition to money.

When decisions about special events are made from the limited perspective of fundraising alone, it can cause problems in the organization. I was intrigued by the blog post Fundraisers and Program Professionals: Can’t Everyone Just Get Along?. It discusses the friction that can occur between program professionals and fundraisers when each are not working together from a “corporate” perspective.

Consider Charity Walks for All They Can Provide

Charity walks can be powerful. There are many benefits this type of special event can provide to the nonprofit organization. Some of these benefits include:

• Raising money
• Recruiting and developing volunteers
• Raising awareness for the cause and the organization
• Identifying and engaging company partnerships in the community
• Supporting advocacy efforts

These are all positive things from the program professional perspective. But unless the fundraisers and program professionals start viewing their efforts from an organization perspective, there will be unhealthy conflict and the nonprofit will not be as effective as it could be.

Before eliminating charity walks, the total return on investment needs to be considered and compared to the overall needs of the organization. Only then can an informed decision be made. Who knows, maybe a bonus benefit will be the program professionals and fundraisers will start getting along.

By the way, most of the special event horror stories I read had little or no volunteer involvement. In my opinion, this is not advised and would put the event at significant risk. If you are considering a charity walk in the future, take advantage of others who have successfully put on these charity events. Get your personal  copy of The Walkathon Guide at http://www.TheWalkathonGuide.com.

Thanks,

Photo credit: Thiago Felipe Festa

Technorati Tags: Advocacy Efforts, charity fundraising, charity walk, charity walks, Fundraising, Fundraising Consultant, Fundraising Consultants, Nonprofit Organization, Nonprofit Organizations, Volunteers

Blue skies greeted walkers as they parked their cars and exited the subway station onto the National Mall in Washington, DC. Finding the walk location was easy. Head to the tallest structure in the District of Columbia, the Washington Monument. It was the morning of May 15, 2010. The day of the 2010 DC Arthritis Walk.

The charity walk started at the National Sylvan Theater, right next to the Washington Monument. I can’t imagine a better setting for charity walks.

My son and I arrived while volunteers were in the middle of setting up for the event. There were multiple tents set up for volunteers, registration and refreshments. There were fun activities including a basketball game and pitching game. Face painting was also a hit. The location was spacious enough that some even played catch with a frisbee.

The stage at the National Sylvan Theater allowed everyone in attendance to see and hear the opening ceremonies. Two MCs kept the opening portion running smoothly. Of special interest was a proclamation from the Mayor of Washington, DC in support of the event that was read to the participants and the attendance of both the reining Mrs. Virginia and Mrs. Maryland (they helped lead exercises before the walk).

The charity walk route took walkers around the Washington Monument and past the National World War II Memorial and Lincoln Memorial. People travel from all over the world to visit these sites!

The DC Arthritis Walk raises money and awareness to support the Arthritis Foundation in the fight against arthritis. A disease that affects 46 million people and 300,000 children in the U.S. This year, the DC Arthritis Walk has already raised more than $105,000 for this important purpose.

To learn more about how you can get involved in an Arthritis Walk in your area, go to http://www.LetsMoveTogether.org.

Thanks,

Technorati Tags: arthritis foundation, arthritis walk, charity walk, charity walks, District Of Columbia, Lincoln Memorial, Mayor Of Washington Dc, National Mall, National World War Ii Memorial, Sylvan Theater, walk events, Washington Monument

There have been several articles and blog posts written lately suggesting that there are too many charity runs and walks. One of these posts is at http://rwdaily.runnersworld.com/2010/05/running-toward-an-awareness-overload.html.

I decided to examine the online community calendar of my local newspaper in Fredericksburg, Virginia. For today, the events listed include:

• 17 music events
• 4 art exhibits
• 3 theater events
• 2 book signings

Is it likely that people will complain about the promotion of too many music events? Art exhibits? I doubt it.

It is recognized that people have different tastes in types of music and art so multiple events on a given day are expected. So why isn’t it recognized that people have different passions regarding causes? Why isn’t it recognized that these charity events help provide nonprofit organizations with money, volunteers, public awareness, advocacy and partnerships with community businesses that are needed to make a difference?

What isn’t discussed is how many people are participating in these events. What isn’t discussed is how successful they are.

If there was true awareness overload, participation would dwindle, donations would evaporate, and sponsors would disappear. But that isn’t the case for most of these events. These events require hard work by many nonprofit staff and volunteers. They would be canceled if there wasn’t a good return on investment.

What do you think? Leave a comment below.

Thanks,

Photo credit: ramzi hashisho

Technorati Tags: Advocacy, charity events, charity walks, Community Calendar, Fredericksburg Virginia, Music Events, Nonprofit Organizations, Nonprofit Staff, Partnerships, Passions, Public Awareness, Return On Investment, Volunteers

Most people in the UK know at least one person whose life has been seriously affected by cancer, and as a result, many people are very keen to do something – anything – to help improve the lives of people living with cancer.

At first you may think that the battle against cancer is only fought in hospitals and laboratories, where scientists conduct research in an effort to develop new cures; but in fact, every single one of us can help by raising money for cancer charities, which helps support those affected by cancer and funds new research into new treatments.

Over the years, more and more extravagant ways of raising money through sponsorship have been dreamed up; cycling through the Sahara desert on a monocycle, running the London marathon – in a diving suit; jumping out of a plane – naked. The imagination and determination of fundraisers is the only limit to the world of wacky charity trips.

However, one of the most popular ways to raise money is still the tried-and-tested charity walk. The beauty of this form of fundraising is that everyone can join in, from toddlers to teenagers and OAPs, and it can be done anywhere, from capital cities to rural regions.

Walking events, such as Walk Wonders which raises funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, also have the bonus of bringing together a group a people for a communal cause. In addition, unlike more extravagant fundraising activities, there’s no expensive set up costs involved. There are a selection of organised walks that take place across the UK all year round, which range from short family fun walks, to much longer hikes and even multi-day adventures.

Most ask for no minimum amount of funds to be raised – every little helps. But, if you find that there is no organised cancer charity walk or other fundraising event in your area, why not hold your own? Many cancer charities offer assistance to those looking to set up their own event, and offer support and exposure through their organisations.

People take part in cancer charity walks for different reasons. Some are former sufferers who have recovered and want to give something back; some have a friend or family member who are currently undergoing treatment or want to honour a loved one who has passed away, and many just want to do something positive for those less fortunate than themselves.

Whatever your reason for wanting to take part, walking to raise funds for cancer is a meaningful way for people to contribute to a great cause, enjoy a healthy activity and participate in a collective family outing.

About the Author

Adam Singleton is an online, freelance journalist and keen gardener. He lives in Scotland with his two dogs.

(ArticlesBase SC #332189)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Step by Step: Walking for the Cancer Cause

Photo credit: Karina Faiani

Technorati Tags: Cancer Cause, Cancer Charities, Cancer Charity, Cancer Charity Walk, Fundraising, Fundraising Activities, Fundraising Event, London Marathon, Macmillan Cancer Support, Raising Money, Running Marathon, Sponsored Walks, Walk For Cancer, Ways To Raise Money

We invite you to join us at The JAG Physical Therapy & WCBS-TV Valerie Fund Walk and 5K Run on Saturday, June 12th, 2010, Verona Park, Verona, NJ. (Bloomfield Ave. & Lakeside Ave.)

Come early and receive a T-Shirt, have a Team Photo taken, have your child’s face painted, enjoy a snack and listen to the band.

Check-In –> Race Registration at 7 a.m. beginning at 8:30 a.m. and Walk Registration at 8:30 a.m. beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Awards and prizes given!

The Valerie Fund’s is a non-for-profit organization with a mission to provide support for the comprehensive health care of children with cancer and blood disorders.  We have 8 locations and treat approximately 5,000 children and families each year, translating to over 35,000 patient visits.

Thank you for your support.

Contact Name: Leigh Ann Tulleson
Email: Ltulleson@thevaleriefund.org
Website: http://www.thevaleriefund.org

p.s. If you would like your charity walk mentioned on the Charity Walks Blog, please send your proposed blog post to roger@charitywalksblog.com.

Technorati Tags: Blood Disorders, charity walks, Children With Cancer, Comprehensive Health Care, the valerie fund, Valerie Fund, Verona Nj, Verona Park, walk events, Wcbs Tv