FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I register for a One Dollar Difference event?

To plan your own third-party event, go to the “Start an Event” button and complete the form. You will be guided through the registration process. Once your transaction is complete, you will receive a confirmation email receipt.

Is there a registration fee for setting up an event?

No. If you choose to plan a third-party event, there is no required registration fee.

What does the fundraising online application allow me to do?

This website is so unique because it offers the capability for individuals to not only register for the event, but also to collect donations from their friends and family through a much more efficient mechanism. This tool allows you to reach your entire social network more quickly than other forms of communication. The Dollar Difference event coordinator and participants can track the progress of donation collections through viewing secured online reports.

How do I know if my information is secure?

Convio is a cutting-edge fundraising application that has made every effort to protect your information, and never stores donors' credit card or bank account information. We use industry-standard 256-bit AES encryption to make sure that your credit card information, passwords, and personal information travel securely over the Internet.

How do my friends and family make a donation to my event?

On the home page of the website, friends and family can locate an event by clicking on the "Find an Event" button. By typing in the name of the event, they will be directed to the event's participant center where they may make a donation, and view current funds raised. You may also invite friends and family to make an online contribution to your event by selecting “Send an email” while logged into your participant center. This email includes a template message, containing the link where donors may go to contribute online.

How does The ALS Association utilize contributions?

This money funds cutting-edge research, enables advocacy on the political front, and provides service in the form of community support and financial accommodation to those living with ALS.

To get more information on how The ALS Association uses contributions, please visit our website at http://www.alsa.org/about-us/annual-report.html or call us at 603-226-8855 for more information.

How can I see who has donated to my event?

First, log in to your event participation center. You can then view your Donor list and the amounts that have been donated by clicking on “View my Progress” on the right-hand tab.

How do I edit my fundraising web page?

If you want to edit your event landing page (the webpage everyone sees when they want to donate or participate in your event. In that case, follow this link: enter your email address you provided when registering and password. You can then go in, select events from up top, and then your event will appear. If you click “Edit” off on the right-hand side, you will then be able to edit the content of your page, add images, add videos, and participate in your blog, etc.

Who acknowledges my contributors?

Every online donation will receive an automated email acknowledgment that can be used for tax purposes. It is also a good idea to send your own personal thank-you to anyone who responds to your request for support. Share photos or updates on your progress to make contributors feel part of your efforts. When you log on to your Dollar Difference event account, you will be able to see a list of donors who have contributed to your efforts.

Where do I send my donations?

Checks should be made payable to The ALS Association. All offline donations should be turned in at your local event to your local ALS Chapter.

What if a check is made out to me, not to The ALS Association?

If a supporter makes the check payable to you, simply endorse the check with your signature and "Payable to The ALS Association," or the name of your ALS Chapter.

What should I do with cash donations?

It's never safe to mail cash. Have cash donors transfer the cash into a cashier's check or personal check.

What is a matching gift, and how can it help my fundraising efforts?

Many companies offer employees a matching gift benefit that doubles (or in some cases, triples) your gift. By participating in these programs, you and your supporters can significantly increase the impact of their donation.

Search our website to see if your employer has a matching gift program or contact your human resources or finance department. Fill out the proper forms, and then send your paperwork with donations to your local chapter, noting your event name and One Dollar Difference. Remind your donors that their companies may have matching gift programs too.

Can I be reimbursed for my fundraising expenses?

The ALS Association cannot reimburse you for your fundraising expenses. To keep your expenses down, consider asking local businesses for in-kind donations in exchange for advertising on your flyers, brochures, letters, t-shirts and other event materials.

Can I use the ALS Association logo on my fundraising materials?

One Dollar Difference logo was specifically designed to brand the unique third-party events planned by individual fundraisers. This brand enables event hosts to communicate the mission of the One Dollar Difference campaign, and combine it with their own unique passion. Because it is a separate entity, participants and hosts of One Dollar Difference events may not use the logo of The ALS Association.

I'm going to run/walk a 5k/marathon in my hometown and it is not affiliated with The ALS Association. Can I still fundraise on behalf of the Dollar Difference?

Yes, the Dollar Difference event site is perfect for gaining sponsors in participation of other events. We have had riders, runners, and walkers attach the events to fundraising efforts for The ALS Association. Just complete the “Choose your own A-thon” event summary form with the date and time of the race you are entering, and we will set up your fundraising page.

Who can I contact for help if I have any further questions regarding my fundraising web page?

Please contact Amy Coyne at acoyne@alsanne.org for further assistance.