Fundraising
Fundraising is an important part of every Local Program. Funds are raised to cover costs associated with running a Local Program, including uniforms, practice equipment, food, transportation, and team celebrations. Funds are also raised to assist in the cost of conducting competitions. Local Programs are assessed for their participation in state events to share the costs associated with running those events – for more information on assessments, please visit our Finance Policy .
Fundraising may be completed in a variety of ways through either the local program, or through statewide fundraising opportunities. We recommend that Local Programs utilize the fundraising opportunities provided as part of our statewide fundraising opportunities. By participating in these events, Local Programs are able to focus solely on fundraising instead of also addressing the logistics that are required to conduct an event.
However you are fundraising, there are a couple of things to remember:
- Special Olympics New Hampshire is a designated 501c(3) non-profit. Local programs fall under Special Olympics, but are not themselves individual non-profits. All funds raised in the name of Special Olympics are the legal responsibility of Special Olympics New Hampshire and its Board of Directors. SONH allows Local Programs to raise and use funds for designated pre-approved expenses.
- A core component of Special Olympics is that athletes do not directly pay to participate; however there is an expectation to fundraise events to cover participation costs.
- All checks should be made out directly to Special Olympics New Hampshire, with either a specific person or local program notation made on the memo line. Funds will then be applied to local programs’ Net Funds or fundraising pages accordingly.
- Never mail cash. If you are fundraising for Winter Water Sports and receive cash, it can be brought to any TD Bank throughout New Hampshire, and deposited directly towards a flock or individual. Be sure to fill out a deposit slip and include your name!
A deposit form can be found here to assist in making sure all deposited funds are handled appropriately.
Statewide Fundraising Opportunities
Throughout the year, SONH hosts fundraising opportunities that local programs may participate in. More information on these opportunities is shared throughout the year through Programs communications and on our Calendar of Events. One annual example is participating in Winter Water Sports.
The Winter Water Sports events (Penguin Plunge and Winni Dip) are two of the greatest opportunities to raise funds for your program during the year. You can participate in our Winter Water Sports with your Local Program or Unified Champion School as a flock. Our 2025 Penguin Plunge will be held February 7th-9th at Hampton Beach and our 2025 Winni Dip will be held March 7th and 8th, with the option to participate DIY as well. Individual fundraisers may allocate to direct a portion of their funds to a local program of their choosing.
Please visit our Calendar of Events [SC3] for more information on upcoming state-wide fundraising events.
Local Program Fundraising Opportunities
Local Programs may fundraise outside of statewide fundraising events. If you’re planning to raise funds without using a Statewide Fundraising Event, please be sure to let us know. We will be able to offer support, such as creating flyers, loaning equipment, and confirm that your fundraising event follows proper guidelines and regulations. Please see below for examples of allowable and non-allowable fundraising examples.
Non-Allowable:
- Using outside fundraising platforms such as GoFundMe. Special Olympics New Hampshire can assist in creating an online-donation website for your local program or fundraising event through our own Funraisin’ platform.
- Raffles. Raffles are regulated by state and local governments and have complex rules and regulations surrounding them. Please reach out to the State Office if you are thinking about utilizing a raffle, but we generally do not suggest this method for fundraising.
- Alcohol at events. Special Olympics New Hampshire does not allow alcohol to be used at events, as prizes, or donations.
Allowable:
- 5K run and walk events
- Swim-A-Thon, Homerun Derby, Bowl-A-Thon, or other sport-specific fundraisers
- Rock or Dance-A-Thons
- Cornhole tournaments
- Tabling at town-specific events, such as Old Home Days, town functions, etc.
- Coin cannister collections throughout a local community or practice venues
- Car washes
Solicitation for Donations and Applying for Grants
You may apply for grants to benefit your Local Program. Prior to applying, you must submit a copy of the Grant Application to the SONH Office for review and approval.
You must submit via email a list of individuals, law enforcement, companies, and foundations that you plan to approach for a donation. We will run the list against our current donors and within five business days and send results to you. Generally, we will be able to provide information that may assist you in your solicitation (including previous giving history). In some cases, we may ask that you refrain from contacting a business or individual if, for example, they are already a major supporter of SONH.
Fundraising may seem intimidating at first, but we are here to help! If you have any questions about fundraising or need help with fundraising, please contact: