FAQS
DONATIONS / FUNDRAISING
Q: Who should checks be made out to?
A: Checks should be made out to Special Olympics New York.
Please include in the memo area of the check the Plunger's name that will receive the credit.
Q: I am trying to make an online donation but it doesn't seem to be going through. What can I do?
A: Call or email us and we can help!.
Q: I have received additional donations for the Truck Pull but the event is over. What should I do with them?
A: Donations to the Truck Pull are accepted at any time of the year, and simply need to be mailed or delivered to Chris Hughes at 94 New Karner Road, Suite 208, Albany NY 12203.
Q: I have registered online but I also have cash and checks that people have given me, what can I do with these?
A: All donations should be turned in at the event Registration, these additional funds will be added to your fundraising total. You can also drop your donations off at our Albany Office at 94 New Karner Road, Suite 208, Albany NY 12203.
Q: Does Special Olympics New York issue refunds?
A: Charitable contributions are non-refundable, and the minimum registration fee is considered a charitable contribution and is therefore also non-refundable.
Q: I have received some cash donations and I want to update the fundraising total on my webpage to include these. How can I do this?
A: Individual participants can enter donations in the system, but they must be confirmed by the staff at Special Olympics New York. All donations – cash, check, money order – received via mail or in person are entered by the administrative support staff for the event. Contributions in this form should be mailed to the Albany Office at Special Olympics NY, 94 New Karner Road, Suite 208, Albany NY 12203.
Q: How long does it take for checks that are mailed in on my behalf to show up in my fundraising total?
A: Generally speaking, contributions will be entered no more than 5-7 days after they are received by Special Olympics New York. When checking on a donation that has been mailed, please remember to allow 2-3 days for handling by the USPS.
Q: My company offers matching gifts. If I get my personal contribution to the Plunge matched, does that count towards my fundraising total and how do I go about getting credit for it?
A: Yes, that is an excellent way to raise additional funds on behalf of your event. All you need to do is complete a request with your employer. They will have us verify your donation and will send us the matching funds — usually within 6 weeks, sometimes longer.
Q: Can I get blank receipt forms to give to my donors?
A: Blank receipt forms are available for you to give back to donors upon receiving a contribution.
Team Information
Q: What is the minimum amount that my team needs to raise?
A: Teams are not required to raise any specific amount; however, every team member still must raise at least $100.
Q: Can general donations made to our team be split up amongst team members so each team member reaches the minimum?
A: All participants must fund-raise individually. However, we are aware that in some cases a family member or a company will issue one check that is intended to cover multiple team members, but will just use the team name. You can help us to avoid this by asking donors to indicate in advance exactly who they are sponsoring and in what amounts. If that information is not included ahead of time but the donor did intend for it be split among team members, please contact us at chughes@nyso.org. If you are bringing a bulk check or dollar amount with you to the event registration, PLEASE have exactly how you would like the funds split up between each team member written out or the donation will go to whichever team member is handing it in during registration.
Q: My team would like to put out some banners/posters/flyers/other promotional materials to promote a special fundraiser and/or our general participation in the event and help us raise money. How can we get these?
A: We are happy to work with teams to assist in promoting participation in this event. Send us the information and we will post it on our social media accounts.
