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The 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walk is just two weeks away, and I am starting to get excited! Are you? I will be at the Walk in Boston this year, and I am really looking forward to seeing walkers I didn’t seen since last year and meeting new walkers who are just now becoming part of the #1Million4OCD movement.

If you haven’t registered yet for one of the four Walks in Boston, Oakland, Atlanta, or Houston — don’t worry it’s not too late! Just click here and select the Walk closest to you. If you don’t live near one of the official Walks, you can register to walk in your own community to raise awareness about OCD and related disorders, as well as important funds for IOCDF programs and services by joining our Virtual Walk here.

For many people, the thought of fundraising can be intimidating. But it’s donations and funds raised by people like you that support the important work of the Foundation and our affiliates.

Even if you’ve never raised money before, here are some easy tips that are sure to make your walk team a success! Whether you’re walking in Boston, Oakland, Atlanta, Houston, or in a Virtual Walk your own community, these tips can help you achieve your fundraising goal while also raising awareness about OCD!

Key Tips for Fundraising

Make your “ask” personal — why are you walking for OCD? Who are you walking for? Your friends and family are much more likely to support a cause if they know how important it is to you. The Walk is about so much more than fundraising — it’s an opportunity to spread awareness and understanding about OCD and related disorders as well.

Using social media is a great way to get others to support you in your efforts to raise money for the 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walk!

Here are a few Facebook & Twitter tips:

  • Change your profile picture to the IOCDF Walk Badge (download here).
  • Add a link to your Walk fundraising webpage in EVERY message you post about the Walk so your friends can easily access your page to donate or register to walk. Don’t forget to include the #1Million4OCD hashtag in your posts.
  • When somebody sponsors you, thank him or her publicly by writing on their Facebook wall and/or “tagging” them in a thank-you message posted on your own wall. This not only lets that donor know how grateful you are, but also inspires others to donate!
  • Have fun and make it personal. Telling a story and posting pictures is a great way to get your friends to support your Walk.
  • If you have Walk teammates on Facebook or Twitter, post comments that help create some healthy competition. See who can be the top fundraiser on your Walk Team!
  • Remember to make your Walk experience fun! Others will pick up on your energy and want to be part of #1Million4OCD.

Ten quick ways to raise $100

  • Make the first pledge yourself. Consider donating $10, $20, $50, or more to get the ball rolling.
  • Ask your significant other for $10.
  • Ask your boss for $10.
  • Ask a friend for $10.
  • Ask a co-worker for $10.
  • Ask a neighbor for $10.
  • Ask a relative for $10.
  • Ask your fellow book club members, teammates, workout buddy, or other acquaintances for $10.
  • Double your donation! Ask your employer about a matching gift. It’s as simple as filling out a form from your employer and sending it to the IOCDF.
  • Ask someone who has previously requested support for their cause to consider donating $10 now to your Walk.

Offline Donations

Most fundraising for the 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walk is done online through Crowdrise in order to make it easier and more accessible for people to participate and donors to give. You can register, donate, solicit for donations, ask people to join your team, and more all online!

But, you can also accept “offline” donations in the form of checks made out to “IOCDF.” This allows everyone contribute — even if they are not comfortable using the online donation site. You can then mail these donations to the IOCDF office or bring them to the Walks in Boston, Atlanta, Houston, and Oakland.

Please click image to enlarge.
Please click image to enlarge.

Here are the super easy steps to entering these offline donations into Crowdrise:

1. Login to Crowdrise and access your fundraising page.

2. Select the MANAGE CAMPAIGNS tab at the top and scroll down to the DONATIONS TOOLKIT dropdown on the right side of your screen.

3. Click on OFFLINE DONATION MANAGER and enter the amount of any offline donations you have collected, and the names of your donors.

Please click image to enlarge.
Please click image to enlarge.

4. You’re done! Now you can mail your offline donation to the IOCDF office at:

International OCD Foundation
P.O. Box 961029
Boston, MA 02196

Please indicate that the donation is for your Walk Fundraiser by giving us your name or the name of your Walk Team.

However you chose to participate in the 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walks, we applaud you! Together we are making a difference. Together, we are #1Million4OCD.

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