2026 Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma

Thank you for joining us this Stepping Out season! You can play a critical role in raising the funds needed to support those living with scleroderma, raise awareness and ultimately find a cure. Thank you for being a part of this incredible community!

Use these tips to reach your fundraising goal!

TOOLS TO USE

Your Participant Dasboard
When you log in on your walk's website, you can access your fundraising dashboard. There you can customize your personal page, send emails to potential donors and see your progress.

Email/Social Media – Post a Facebook Fundraiser!
Sending emails and posting on social media are great ways to ask for support and start fundraising. Be sure to include your personal page link to donate in your message!

Matching Gifts
Many employers match employees' charitable donations. Ask your HR department if they have a matching gift program and ask your team to do the same.

FUN-draisers
From car washes to bake sales to garage sales, there are hundreds of creative ways to raise money!

10 for $10 Challenge
Reach out to 10 (or more) people and ask them to give at least $10 to your personal page. If all 10 people donate, that’s an easy $100 towards your goal!

Your Network
Make a list of people to reach out to, then craft your message. Utilize different ways to contact them like email, text, phone call, and social media message! People you may want to reach out to include:

Family and in-laws
Co-workers and classmates, clubs or church groups
Business associates, customers and vendors
Companies you patronize (e.g. your doctor, hair stylist, dry cleaner, local coffee shop, etc.)
Friends on social media

HOW TO RAISE MONEY

Every dollar raised adds up. If every participant nationwide raised at least $100, we'd raise more funds for scleroderma research and support! Here are a few tips to get your team started:

BECOME A TEAM CAPTAIN. Recruit team members to increase engagement and donations.

BE SPECIFIC. Asking for a specific amount - such as $10, $25 or $50 - can help people make up their mind to give.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE. Make a personal gift to start things off. That often sets the bar for future gifts.

KEEP IT PERSONAL. Remind people why you're invested in the cause and why their support is important to you. Update your personal page with a story, picture or video of why you’re fundraising!

GO ONLINE. Online donations are, on average, twice the size of those made by cash or check. Include a link to donate with every message to make giving easy.

SAY THANK YOU. There's a rule in the fundraising world - ask once, thank twice. Showing appreciation is key to keeping people involved.

Good luck with your fundraising and thank you again for your dedication to our mission. We can't wait to see what we can do together to help those affected by scleroderma!