A-Thon FAQs
What is the purpose of the fundraiser code?
The fundraiser code allows invited participants to enter the fundraiser, to create a personal fundraiser page and
to share the fundraiser while the fundraiser is active. Once the fundraiser is closed, the codes will no longer be
valid.
Why is it important for participants to set a-thon activity goals that will be reached?
When a Donor chooses to pledge support to a goal, they are aware that their card will be charged for the goal
if it is reached. If the goal is not achieved, the Donor will be charged less than what they were willing to donate.
This of course decreases the funds the program would have received. For this reason, participants should only
set goals they know they will achieve. Leaders should review the goals and make changes if necessary.
What are link clicks and who can share links?
Each participant will receive a specific link to their personal fundraiser page. When links are shared through the
system, data becomes available to the participant when a person receiving the link clicks the link to view the
fundraiser being offered. This link can also be shared on behalf of the participant by any third party. Potential
donors may then pledge donations based on the participant’s goals as shown on their personal fundraiser
page.
Why is it important to upload contacts?
By uploading contacts, the fundraising system is able to track receiver interactions with the emails and to some
degree with the texts. This information will help the participants to know if their shares were successfully
received. Links not shared through the system have no tracking information available.
How are uploaded Contacts used?
Contacts uploaded by the participants are solely for the use of the participants and will not be used by
Fundraiser Assist for any other marketing purposes. See our privacy policy here:
https://www.fundraiserassist.com/privacy-policy/
Can links be shared without loading contacts?
Yes, links can be shared without loading contacts. However, the system will not be able to track emails, texts
and related link clicks if links are shared outside of the system contact list and if the participant does not use
the tracked email and text options.
Why is email tracking more accurate than text tracking?
Links sent through “tracked emails” are controlled by the system and the participant may see if their emails
were opened and the links clicked. Texts are not controlled by the system and use the participants’ normal
phone texting options. While links sent through this method can be measured for activity, some false reads
may also occur due to auto opens through the receivers’ devices.
Why can’t goals be changed after sharing links?
In order to protect the Donors, goals may not be changed once the links have been shared and donations
pledged.
How do I close the fundraiser?
You close the fundraiser by clicking the “close fundraiser” tab. In order to close the fundraiser, all of the results
from the activity must be recorded. It is important that the information is correct as the Donors will be charged
accordingly. Fundraiser participants can enter their own results. Leaders/admins should review the results and
adjust the results as necessary.
How are Donors contacted and how are their cards charged?
When you close the fundraiser each Donor will receive an auto email from the student thanking them for their
support, letting them know the results of their activity and the amount their cards will be charged. Their cards
will then be charged accordingly by the system.
Why might actual income be less than pledge amounts?
Actual donations may be less than pledge amounts for several reasons. First, if the recorded activity results
are less than the share activity goals, the actual amount charged for the results will be less than the projected
amount based on the goals. This is why participants should set goals they know they can reach. Also, some
cards provided by the Donors may be declined. In this case, the Donors are given the opportunity to update the
payment methods, but there are no guarantees they will do so.
How do I get paid?
Once the fundraiser is closed, a few days are given to ensure that all of the pledges are received and any
declined charges may be rectified. All of the collected funds, less any noncovered transaction fees, will then be
sent to the fundraising organization via the fundraiser admin instructions. This may either be by bank transfer
or by check. Checks and transfers must be made to the organization and not to any individual.
