Thank you for your interest in supporting those impacted by OCD and related disorders! When you fundraise for the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), you are ensuring nobody has to face these conditions alone. We know fundraising can be intimidating, which is why we created this fundraising toolkit to help make this process as easy and impactful as possible.

Have any questions or feedback for us? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at walk@iocdf.org!

Building your Fundraising Page

How to Set Up Your OCD Walk Fundraising Page

1. Register for your OCD Walk

Make sure you are registered for the Walk. After you register, you will receive an email with instructions for claiming your fundraising page.

2. Create and customize your fundraising page

Once you have claimed your page, you can personalize it with your story, fundraising goal, photos, and other details that help explain why you are walking.

Learn how to create and customize your GoFundMe Pro fundraising page
.

3. Review an example fundraising page

Use the example below for inspiration as you customize your own OCD Walk fundraising page.

Example of a customized OCD Walk fundraising page.

Getting Started

Fundraising Tips for Success

Whether this is your first OCD Walk or you're a returning participant, these simple steps can help you reach your fundraising goal and make an even greater impact.

1. Make the First Donation

Start your fundraising by making a donation to your own page. Leading by example shows your commitment and encourages others to support your efforts.

Your donation is automatically added to your individual and team fundraising totals.
Participants who raise $75 or more at least three weeks before their Walk will receive a commemorative OCD Walk T-shirt.

2. Personalize Your Fundraising Page

Your story is one of the most powerful fundraising tools you have. After registering for the Walk, you'll receive an email with instructions for claiming your fundraising page.

Tell people why you're walking and why the cause matters to you.
Add photos or videos to make your page more personal.
Set a fundraising goal that motivates both you and your supporters.
Each page includes a fundraising progress bar. The default goal is $200, but you can increase it at any time—even after you've reached it—to keep your momentum going.

3. Join (or Create) a Fundraising Team

Fundraising is even more fun when you do it together. Join an existing team or start your own to expand your reach and motivate one another.

Introduce yourself to your teammates.
Share your story and fundraising goals.
Collaborate on ideas for reaching more supporters.

4. Identify Your Top Supporters

Start by making a list of the people most likely to support your fundraiser.

Think about friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, classmates, and anyone who has supported a cause in the past.
Use our sample fundraising email and "Know Your Networks" resources to help plan your outreach.
Prioritize sending personalized messages to your closest supporters.

5. Keep Asking—and Keep Thanking

Fundraising is most successful when you communicate consistently before the Walk.

Share your fundraising page through email, social media, text messages, and in-person conversations.
Post updates as you get closer to your goal.
Thank every donor promptly and personally whenever possible.
Celebrate milestones and let supporters know the impact they're making.

How to share your fundraising page

How to Share Your OCD Walk Fundraising Page

Once you create your GoFundMe Pro Walk Fundraising Page, you can share it on social media, by email, or through text message.

1. Open your fundraising page and click “Share”

Use the Share button on your fundraising page to access your sharing options.

Screenshot showing the Share button on an OCD Walk fundraising page — Click the Share button on your fundraising page.

2. Choose how you want to share your page

After clicking the Share button, a menu will appear with options for sharing your fundraising page.

Screenshot showing sharing options for an OCD Walk fundraising page — Use the sharing menu to copy your fundraising link or share it directly.

Share on Instagram

Click Copy Link to copy your fundraising page URL.
Open Instagram and create a Story.
Add one of our shareable graphics or a photo of your choice, such as a photo of yourself or the person you are walking for.
Add a link sticker or button and paste your fundraising page link.
Tag @iocdf when you share your Story for a chance to be reposted.

Share by Text Message

Copy your fundraising page link and send it directly to friends, family, coworkers, and other members of your network. Include a short personal message explaining why you are walking and asking them to support your fundraiser.

How to Find Your Fundraising Page

Check your email

After creating your fundraising page, you should receive an email containing a direct link to your page.

Example email containing a link to an OCD Walk fundraising page — Look for the email containing the link to your fundraising page.

Find your page through the IOCDF website

Go to the OCD Walk page.
Click Find an OCD Walk.
Select your city’s Walk.
Click Register or Donate.
Scroll to the Top Individuals or Top Teams section.
Click View All, then Search Here.
Enter your name to locate your fundraising page.

Sign in to GoFundMe Pro

You can also access your fundraising page by signing in to your
GoFundMe Pro account.

Help with Outreach

Email Templates & Outreach Resources

One of the most effective ways to raise funds is simply by asking. Use the sample emails below as a starting point, then personalize them with your own story about why you're participating in the One Million Steps for OCD Walk.

Sample Email to Friends & Family

Subject: Support My OCD Walk Fundraiser

Dear [Name],

I am writing to ask for your help with a cause I care deeply about. The One Million Steps for OCD Walk is coming up on [Date], and I will be participating to help raise funds for the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF).

The IOCDF is a nonprofit that works to increase access to effective treatment for OCD and related disorders, end the stigma associated with mental health conditions, and foster a supportive community for individuals and families affected by OCD.

The OCD Walk supports these important initiatives while raising awareness and bringing communities together in support of everyone affected by OCD and related disorders.

Read about why I'm walking and make a donation on my fundraising page:
[Fundraising Page Link]

I hope I can count on your support!

Thank you,
[Your Name]

Know Your Networks

Not sure who to ask? Start with the people who already know and care about you, then expand your outreach to your broader community.

Family

Reach out to immediate and extended family members.

Friends

Think about friends from every stage of your life, including classmates, teammates, former coworkers, parenting groups, neighbors, and social clubs.

Community

Consider local organizations you're involved with, such as places of worship, therapists or clinics, volunteer groups, Facebook groups, alumni organizations, or civic organizations.

Workplace Giving & Matching Gifts

Many employers support charitable giving through matching gift programs, volunteer initiatives, or corporate sponsorships. If your company participates, your impact could be doubled—or even tripled.

Check whether your employer offers matching gifts or workplace giving:

Workplace Giving & Matching Gifts

Sample Corporate Outreach Email

Subject: Support My OCD Walk Fundraiser

Dear [Name],

I am writing to ask for your help with a cause I care deeply about. The One Million Steps for OCD Walk is coming up on [Date], and I will be participating to raise funds for the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF).

The IOCDF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access to effective treatment for OCD and related disorders, ending stigma surrounding mental health, and building a supportive community for those affected.

There are several ways [Company Name] can support this important cause:

Match my individual or team fundraising donations.

Encourage employees to join my team or start a team of their own.

Become an official OCD Walk sponsor.

You can learn more about sponsorship opportunities by downloading the
OCD Walk Sponsorship Prospectus.

Read more about why I'm walking and visit my fundraising page:
[Fundraising Page Link]

I hope I can count on your support!

Thank you,
[Your Name]

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my donors give by check?

Yes! Donors can support your fundraiser by mailing a check.
Download the Offline Walk Donation Form, have your donor complete it, and include it with their check. Once processed, the donation will be credited to your fundraising page and count toward your fundraising goal.

Can my donors give through stock transfers or a donor-advised fund (DAF)?

Yes! We gladly accept donations through both donor-advised funds (DAFs) and stock transfers.

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): Please use the IOCDF Tax ID (EIN): 22-2894564.
Stock Transfers: Please email klynch@iocdf.org for transfer instructions.

Should I create a fundraising team or register as an individual?

The choice is yours! If you're attending the Walk with friends, family, coworkers, or other supporters, we encourage you to create or join a fundraising team.

Fundraising as a team makes the experience even more fun, encourages friendly competition, and helps you reach a larger network of potential supporters. Plus, we always enjoy seeing the creative team names our participants come up with each year!

Things your donors should know about OCD and the IOCDF

Learn About the International OCD Foundation

Whether you're fundraising for the first time or sharing the mission with friends and family, these key facts can help you explain why the IOCDF's work matters.

The OCD Care Crisis

Newly released white paper research from the IOCDF highlights the urgent need to improve access to effective OCD care. Read the full report at
iocdf.org/ocdcarecrisis.

Key Findings

Up to 10 million Americans are likely living with OCD, yet only 1 in 6 receive a diagnosis.
95% of people with OCD in the United States do not receive the most effective treatment.
Effective treatment exists—but millions of people are still suffering because they cannot access it.
People with OCD are being failed at every stage of care, including screening, diagnosis, referral, and treatment.

How the IOCDF Is Addressing the Crisis

Implement routine OCD screening in healthcare and mental health settings.
Expand clinician training in OCD diagnosis and treatment.
Strengthen adherence to professional treatment guidelines.
Increase affordable access to evidence-based therapy.
Raise public awareness about what OCD really is—and that it is treatable.

About the IOCDF

Learn more about the International OCD Foundation at
iocdf.org/about.

Our Mission: To ensure that no one affected by OCD and related disorders suffers alone by providing help, healing, and hope.
Our Vision: Everyone impacted by OCD and related disorders has immediate access to effective treatment and support.
What We Do: The IOCDF provides trusted education and resources, strengthens community engagement, delivers professional training, and advances groundbreaking research.

IOCDF Programs & Resources

Explore all IOCDF programs at
iocdf.org/programs.

Resource Directory

A comprehensive directory of treatment and support resources, including licensed therapists, support groups, specialty clinics, residential and intensive treatment programs, and research opportunities.

Educational Resources

Trusted, evidence-based information about OCD and related disorders for individuals, families, educators, and professionals.

Community Events & Programs

Year-round conferences, webinars, awareness campaigns, livestreams, support groups, and community events that bring together people affected by OCD and related disorders.

Training Institute

The IOCDF Training Institute provides a comprehensive curriculum of professional education ranging from introductory (100-level) courses through advanced (400-level) trainings. The internationally recognized Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) is offered as a 200-level program.

OCD & Related Disorders Research

The IOCDF funds research that advances understanding of the causes, nature, and treatment of OCD and related disorders through grants and scientific collaboration.

Policy Advocacy

The IOCDF serves as a national voice for the OCD and related disorders community by advocating for policies that improve access to care, increase funding for research, and strengthen mental health services.

Shareable Graphics

Help spread awareness while supporting your fundraising efforts. We've created a collection of ready-to-use social media graphics—including both feed posts and Instagram/Facebook Stories—to make sharing easy. Download your favorites, pair them with a link to your fundraising page, and let your friends and family know why you're participating in the One Million Steps for OCD Walk. Don't forget to tag @IOCDF for a chance to be featured on our social media channels!