The urgent mission of the Foundation Fighting Blindness is to drive the research that will provide preventions, treatments and cures for people affected by retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, Usher syndrome and the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases. The Foundation is a beacon of hope for those affected by these blinding diseases. Join the fight and help us accelerate our mission.
What is a Raising Our Sights Do It Yourself (DIY) event?
Do-it-yourself fundraising is an opportunity to combine your commitment with the Foundation Fighting Blindness while creating a positive change in the world. We are here to support you through the Raising Our Sights DIY fundraising program, but you can create your own path and bring your fundraising vision to life. You decide how you will mobilize your friends, family members, and those around you to make an impact for those affected by an inherited retinal disease.
Getting Started
Many different activities can be fundraisers. Some events are large-scale and require lots of planning and support, while others can be carried out individually. Choose something you love! What do you and your friends like to do? Is there a special day you would like to dedicate to the Foundation Fighting Blindness?
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Garage sale
- Bake sale/bake off
- Fashion Show
- Car wash
- Benefit Concert
- Bingo night
- Sports tournament (football, softball, dodgeball, ping pong, beep ball)
- House party
- Birthday Party
- Bowling
- Pub Crawl
Online Fundraising
Foundation Fighting Blindness offers its own online Raising Our Sights DIY fundraising platform. Users can customize a page with a photo, all the details about your event and share with your family and friends.
Establishing Goals
What is your fundraising goal? Setting one will help to motivate you. Think about how your event will raise awareness for inherited retinal diseases and how you can motivate people to participate.
Raising Our Sights DIY FAQ
I am interested in starting an event in my community. Where do I begin?
With Raising Our Sights DIY fundraising, the possibilities are endless. If you have an idea and are ready to get started, register your activity on the website.
Is there a fee for registering my DIY event?
No. You can register your event for free.
Are donations to my fundraiser tax-deductible?
Yes. Funds donated to the Foundation Fighting Blindness are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Foundation Fighting Blindness is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations made directly to the Foundation will receive an acknowledgement from the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
What do I do with cash and checks I receive?
Requesting your supporters to donate online is the easiest way to ensure your fundraiser is credited appropriately and that donors receive an acknowledgement. However, should you receive cash they can be submitted and credited to your fundraiser in a few easy steps:
Consolidate any cash into a check or money order made payable to the Foundation Fighting Blindness
Please send the proceeds from your event to Foundation Fighting Blindness within 30 days after your event. Please mail all checks to:
Foundation Fighting Blindness
6925 Oakland Mills Road, #701
Columbia, MD 21045
(include the name of your event and phone number in the memo section on the check)
Can I use the donate button on Facebook to collect donations for my fundraiser?
No. You can promote your event on Facebook with a link to your personal page. This will ensure donations are credited to your fundraiser.
Are there any restrictions for using donor adviced funds?
- Donors may not receive personal benefit (including goods and services) from grants. For example, donors cannot recommend a grant to an organization’s gala event, and then receive tickets to attend. Those tickets are a benefit, and therefore, are against the rules. Donors also cannot recommend grants from DAFs for membership fees.
- Donors may not use DAF funds to fulfill a personal pledge. No payments from a donor advised fund can be used to satisfy a legally binding pledge. DAF sponsors can, however, help donors make multi-year commitments that are not treated as a legally-binding pledge, i.e. letters of intent.
Can I use the Foundation’s tax-exempt status to purchase items for my event?
Yes. The Foundation Fighting Blindness staff can provide a letter verifying that you are collecting funds on behalf of the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
Will the Foundation Fighting Blindness Pay for Any Part of Our Event?
The Foundation Fighting Blindness does not reimburse individuals for any expenses related to your DIY event. To keep expenses to a minimum, consider asking local businesses for in-kind donations.
Do I need to secure insurance for my event?
Every venue has different requirements, and every fundraiser carries a different level of risk, so it depends on the activity and venue requirements. If you are renting a venue, check with your contact to obtain insurance requirements.
What support can Foundation Fighting Blindness staff offer for fundraisers?
Although staff members are unable to attend your event, we’re here to support you along the way. If you would like some specific advice on a challenge you are having, please reach out to your local Foundation office.
Can I have money I raised credited to a different Foundation Fighting Blindness event?
No. DIY fundraising dollars will not appear on VisionWalk fundraising pages or credited to walk teams.
What Foundation logo may I use to advertise that Foundation Fighting Blindness is a beneficiary of my fundraiser?
Can I serve alcohol at my event?
The Foundation Fighting Blindness is not responsible for alcohol served at an event. The DIY organizer must adhere to all federal, state and local laws and regulations in the serving or selling of alcohol at events.
Can I host a raffle at my event?
The DIY fundraiser must adhere to all state and local raffle or gaming laws and regulations. Raffle permits may not be taken out in the Foundation Fighting Blindness name.
Who do I contact at the Foundation for literature for my event.
Michele DiVincenzo mdivincenzo@fightingblindness.org
Where do I find information on how the donations I receive help change the lives of people living with inherited retinal diseases.
See the links below.
