Start a Fundraiser | Foundation for Physical Therapy Research

Looking for a meaningful way to give forward to the profession? Whether you’re a student, clinician, or supporter, you can help support physical therapy research by starting a fundraiser on behalf of the Foundation.

Students across the country give forward through the Marquette Challenge, our long-standing student-led fundraiser. But you don’t have to be a student to make a difference. Physical therapists and supporters have created birthday fundraisers, hosted 5Ks, and run successful social media campaigns to fundraise for physical therapy research.

It’s easy to get started.

We partner with JustGiving, a global fundraising platform that makes it simple to create and share your own fundraiser. Through JustGiving, you can collect donations, tell your story, and engage your community with personalized pages and tools designed to help you succeed.

Why use JustGiving?

Easy setup for peer-to-peer fundraising
Seamless sharing on social media
Real-time tracking of your fundraising progress
Free tool for any fundraiser

Ready to launch your fundraiser?

Create Your Fundraising Page on JustGiving

Foundation Fundraising and Event Policies

Need help or have questions?

Event income

While the Foundation deeply appreciates being the beneficiary of donations raised through third-party fundraising events, it’s important to note that these events are not hosted or organized by the Foundation itself. As a result, unless a donor, individual or corporate, makes a contribution directly payable to the Foundation, we are unable to issue a tax-deductible receipt or permit use of our tax identification number to imply that the donation qualifies for tax-deductible status. We encourage all organizers to clearly communicate this distinction to donors to ensure transparency and compliance with federal tax regulations.

Any gift-in-kind (a kind of charitable giving in which, instead of giving money to buy needed goods or services, the good and services themselves are given) donations (such as food, products, or auction items) received to support fundraising events not hosted by the Foundation are not eligible to receive tax-deductible receipts from the Foundation. By law, the Foundation, as a non-profit organization, cannot provide a donor with a tax-deductible receipt for in-kind gifts donated to groups hosting events on our behalf.

No general solicitations shall be undertaken by telephone, door-to-door, via mail or through the use of professional fundraisers.

If you or your program don’t already have a dedicated bank account for fundraising, it’s best to set one up specifically for the event. This helps you keep clear records of any donations received and makes it easier to report expenses and balances to your faculty advisor, donors, or the Foundation. Using a personal bank account is not recommended as it can cause confusion and make it harder to track funds accurately.

Event Expenses

The individual or organization coordinating a third-party fundraising event is responsible for all associated costs, unless a separate written agreement is established with the Foundation.

Please be aware that the Foundation does not assume liability for any expenses incurred and is unable to reimburse organizers for purchases of goods or services. Additionally, federal tax regulations prohibit third-party events from using the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research’s tax-exempt status or Federal Employer Identification Number when procuring goods or services through vendors.

Event Insurance and Liability

Event organizers are responsible for securing all necessary permits, licenses, and insurance required to conduct their fundraising event. All activities must comply with applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Please note that the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research does not oversee or manage third-party events. As such, it is not liable for any injuries, accidents, or damages involving event volunteers or participants. The Foundation cannot assume any financial, legal, or operational responsibility for any third-party fundraising efforts conducted on its behalf.

Event Endorsement/Sponsorship

In naming your event or promotion, the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research should be listed as a beneficiary of the event. For example, organizers may NOT refer to the event as the “Foundation for Physical Therapy Research Bowl-a-Thon”; instead, it could be promoted as a “Bowl-a-Thon to benefit the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research.”

An event organizer may use the Foundation’s 501(c)(3) tax exempt status when soliciting financial support from a vendor if the contribution is made to the Foundation.

An event organizer may not use the Foundation’s 501(c)(3) tax exempt status when soliciting gifts-in-kind from a vendor.

Use of Promotional Materials and Proceeds

If promotional materials indicate that an event is to benefit the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, then proceeds must be donated to the Foundation.

If only a portion of proceeds will be donated, materials must clearly disclose this. Suggested language: “Gross proceeds,” “Net proceeds,” or “[specific percentage]% of proceeds from this event will benefit the Foundation for Physical Therapy.”

Logo and Branding Guidelines

The official logo of the Foundation or Marquette Challenge must be used appropriately and may not be altered in any way. Promotional materials should reflect that the Foundation is the beneficiary, not the host or sponsor of the event.

Advertising and Fundraising Responsibilities

All advertising and promotional efforts are the sole responsibility of the event organizer. Promotional materials may not be funded or reimbursed by the Foundation. Due to other fundraising commitments, the Foundation does not typically assist in soliciting sponsorships for events.

Acting Ethically and in Good Faith

Third-party fundraising efforts to benefit the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research should focus on the mission of the Foundation and on raising funds to support that mission. Fundraising costs should be kept low to maximize the amount that goes to support the Foundation. Fundraising efforts should maintain the dignity of the Foundation for Physical Therapy.