No! Creating a fundraising campaign is free and open to anyone, anywhere. Just by setting up a page and sharing it with your community, you are sharing that mental health matters! Our fundraisers set goals that feel meaningful to them, and they can always be adjusted after you get started.

Active Minds do it your way (DIY) fundraising means you get to show your community that mental health matters with your own unique event. From charity dinners and endurance challenges to livestreams and social media efforts — however you get creative, together we will make a difference! Our fundraising page includes occasions you may want to fundraise around (like your birthday or a special date, and our Team Active Minds program encourages you to get active and make your miles matter. You can also find examples of our fundraisers to inspire your own efforts.

Yes! Beyond the tools and resources on this page, we have a dedicated community fundraising team that can consult and assist you. If you’d like to reach out to our team before starting your fundraiser, you can find our contact information below, or just email fundraise@activeminds.org. Someone from Active Minds will also reach out once you’ve created your page on our website!

To best support your fundraising efforts, Active Minds provides an online fundraising platform and portal that will allow donations to be made electronically using a major credit or debit card, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, Google Pay or an ACH Bank Transfer. You can create and customize your own page at activeminds.org/fundraise. If your event may need to withhold funds for expenses, please see the section below on collecting funds.

We want you to get out into your community and network! To help, we provide graphics and resources to share widely. Events that utilize our Active Minds fundraising pages, and those that are in contact with our team, may be featured on our pages and social media channels.

While we are unable to guarantee publicity, we will help you as best we can get your event out there! You are the strongest network — and just by sharing your efforts, you are growing the mental health movement.

While we would love to attend all events, we cannot guarantee that staff members will be available due to other commitments and the important mental health work we are doing nationwide. If you’d like to request attendance, please do ask, but we like to be upfront that it is unlikely that we can attend.

Make sure you edit these drafts to make your posts personal to you and your efforts!

Example 1
your mental health matters 💙💚
I’m fundraising for Active Minds to help give more youth and young adults the tools and confidence to talk about their mental health. Life-changing conversations around mental health happen every day. support me in making a difference today

Example 2
i’m fundraising for Active Minds 💙💚
We can all play a part in changing the conversation around mental health. Being more open about my mental health allowed me to see that support is available and I don’t have to struggle alone. Join me in supporting young adult mental health.

Example 3
This _______ I am fundraising for Active Minds because I believe we can all help change the culture around mental health. Active Minds helps to give youth and young adults the resources and confidence to speak up, as well as support their peers. Donate today! 💙💚

Make sure you edit these drafts to make your posts personal to you and your efforts!

Example 1
I’m fundraising for Active Minds in support of young adult mental health because you deserve support! [Check out my fundraising page here]*
* Use Instagram Story Link Sticker tool * 

Example 2
Join me in supporting young adult mental health through Active Minds, because everyone deserves support! [Check out my fundraising page here]*
* Use Instagram Story Link Sticker tool *

Make sure you edit these drafts to make your texts personal to you and your efforts!

EXAMPLE 1
Hey! I’m raising money for Active Minds and their mission to change the culture around mental health. I am joining the movement to give youth and young adults the tools to make real change, will you join me? [LINK]

EXAMPLE 2
Hi! I’m fundraising for Active Minds, a nonprofit mobilizing youth and young adults to change the culture around mental health. A gift of any size will move their mission forward, can you support me and young adults in our lives? [LINK]

Make sure you edit these drafts to make your emails personal to you and your efforts!

EXAMPLE 1
Dear [friend/loved one/acquaintance],

I hope this email finds you well, [OPTIONAL – insert personal anecdote here]* I’m writing to tell you that I’ve joined a nationwide movement to change the culture around mental health by creating a fundraiser for Active Minds for [my birthday/this week/this month] and I could use your support!

Active Minds works to create resources and opportunities for youth and young adults to express themselves, their struggles, and seek support from their peers. It similarly gives peers the tools to respond effectively when their friend or loved one is struggling and refer them to support and care.

Please consider donating to my fundraiser [link here] and supporting young adult mental health nationwide. Every little bit matters and your support of this cause means the world to me. My fundraising goal is [$X] and I know that goal will make a lasting impact in the way we talk about, respond to, and care for our mental health.

I hope to see you soon and thank you for being someone in my life who I know is willing to step up and support this cause.

Best wishes,
[Me]

EXAMPLE 2

Dear [friend/loved one/acquaintance],

I’m writing you this email to let you know that I’m fundraising for Active Minds and could use your support. I am stepping up to be a mental health champion for the people in my life by sharing resources and tools so everyone can feel comfortable and confident speaking up about their mental health struggles.

Active Minds, now in its 20th year, leads a nationwide movement to change the culture around mental health. Through programs, resources, and conversation tools, Active Minds is asking everyone to join their movement to change the culture around mental health.

Will you support me and my fundraiser by donating today? My goal is to raise [$X] by [date]. Any little bit will mean the world to me.

Please consider sharing about my fundraiser and Active Minds work with others to make the most impact we can in letting everyone know their voice deserves to be heard.

Best wishes,
[Me]

Setting your goals

The Active Minds team is here to help you reach and beat your goals. Whether you’re new to fundraising or have done it before, the M.I.N.D.S. method can help:

M – Make a personalized fundraising page

I – Implement a timeline

N – Network and encourage support

D – Decide on some measurable goals

S – Share the impact of Active Minds

What Should Your Goal Be?
Don’t be afraid to be ambitious. While the average individual fundraiser nets $568, many people have raised tens of thousands of dollars. You can always change and update your goal if you need to.

Use your page to explain the significance of your fundraising efforts and your goal and/or ask people to give a specific amount.

Personal touches help your potential supporters feel more connected to you and the cause you’re supporting.

• If you’re fundraising to celebrate your 25th birthday, you might ask your friends and family to donate $25 each
• Ask for $50 for the 50% of individuals who will struggle with their mental health in their lifetime.
• Let your network know that $20 could mean 20 more years of Active Minds and effective change in the way we talk about, support, and respond to mental health
• Share that $39 can support the 39% of college students who experience a significant mental health issue

Your network is bigger than you might think.

The power of fundraising is in mobilizing your own personal network of family and friends. Rather than making one gift by yourself, you can get all the people you love involved. Even if you’re not a “social butterfly”, odds are, you have dozens if not hundreds of contacts who are willing to help. Some of these friends are closer than others, but you never know who might be moved by your story or feel compelled to support your cause.

• Start with the people closest to you. Your inner circle is made up of the people you know will be happy to hear from you and want to support you. People like your family and close friends.
• Engage your social circle. We’re connected to hundreds of people through social media. Half of all adults using Facebook have more than 200 friends on the platform. Add X, Instagram, and LinkedIn and you’ve got a huge audience for your fundraising campaign.
• The third tier of connections is with groups or organizations that you belong to. Are you on a recreational sports team or do you attend a social group regularly? If you’re hesitant to ask all these people for help, remember that you share things in conversation and on social media all the time. This time, you’re doing it for a good cause. You’re showing people your passions and giving them the opportunity to make a difference.
• You also never know which of your friends or acquaintances have a personal connection to the cause you’re fundraising for. This is why it’s worth promoting your fundraising page and appealing to all of your various networks, on- and offline.

Ask!
Many people are afraid to ask others for help, but research shows that people are more willing to lend a hand than you might expect. We can help you approach the people in your network through email, social media, and more.

Remember that it’s not a selfish ask—you’re trying to help a good cause. The worst they can do is say “no.”

Above we provide examples and drafts for email, text, and social media for you to personalize! Here’s a few more tips:

• Email: When it comes to asking people for help, the more personal you can get, the better. If you ask a big disconnected group of people all at once, you can fall victim to the bystander effect. When you make a very general ask, people are less likely to act because they assume someone else will take care of it.
• Social Media: Posting to your social media profiles is an important step to reaching as many people as possible. Announce that you’re fundraising by posting links to your campaign page. While most people use social media regularly, they don’t all check the same platforms. This is why you should post to X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and any other networks you have

If you really want to make a difference, here are some guidelines for how often to post:

• Facebook: At least once every two or three days
• LinkedIn: Twice per week
• Instagram: Twice per week
• X: Once or twice per day

Set achievable goals and keep going!
After the initial interest and excitement, you may find that your campaign slows down. Fortunately, there are some ways to keep people engaged and motivated to help throughout your campaign.

To reach your overall fundraising goal, it helps to break up the amount over however many days or weeks you’re fundraising. For example, if your goal was to raise $1,000 in four weeks, you could try to raise $250 each week. This means there’s always an upcoming goal that your friends and family can help you reach.

Which of these appeals sounds more compelling?

• Please help me reach my goal of $1,000 by the end of the month!
• I’m only $35 away from reaching my goal of raising $250 this week. Who wants to put me over the top?

The first appeal has a big goal and a far-off deadline. Someone reading might think, “I’ve got plenty of time. I’ll do it later” or “My small donation wouldn’t make a difference.” In the second appeal, there’s a sense of urgency and the goal is within reach. Breaking up your fundraising goal can help encourage people to take the plunge and make a donation to your page

We know that many people need as many as 4 to 7 encouragements to donate before they actually do. Keep this in mind when you are planning your timeline so that you can make the most out of your fundraiser.

Say “Thank You” to Your Supporters!
Your donors will be receiving thank you messages and a donation receipt, but take the time to tell them that you appreciate their help in reaching your goals

Whether it’s through social media, email, a phone call, or in person, anyone who donated to your fundraising campaign will be happy to hear from you. When the campaign is over, email your donors to update them on the final results. Showing them how their gift contributed to a larger purpose will strengthen the connection to your cause. Add a link to our website or blog so they can learn more on their own.

1. Go to www.facebook.com/fund/activemindsinc
2. Set your goal, fundraising deadline, and personalize why you are supporting Active Minds and mental health
3. We’ve provided some sample text and a graphic, but you can update so it fits your style
4. When you’re ready, click “Create” and launch your fundraiser
5. Make sure you are sharing your fundraiser, inviting friends and family to donate, and sharing updates. We encourage you to share your fundraiser a few times during your efforts.

Shortly before your birthday arrives, you may also receive a notification at the top of your newsfeed saying, “[Your Name], it’s almost your birthday! Create a fundraiser to support a cause you care about!”. You can search for Active Minds, share your story, and get started. If you need more help, check out this Facebook Help Article.

Fundraisers created directly on Facebook or existing Facebook Fundraisers cannot be linked to an Active Minds Fundraising Page. Native Facebook Fundraisers will not sync to a personal fundraising page or your thermometer or fundraising account. If you have additional questions, please contact fundraise@activeminds.org.

To keep your Facebook Fundraiser synced with your Active Minds fundraising page, we recommend you start your Active Minds page first. From your portal you can then create a Facebook Fundraiser and your personal story, customizations, and fundraising goal will be populated on Facebook. A cover photo and fundraiser name are also provided automatically. By creating your Facebook Fundraiser through your Active Minds portal, all donations will sync, meaning all donations received either on Facebook or through your personal page will be included in your progress thermometer in both places.

To create your Facebook fundraiser from your fundraising page, log in to your fundraising portal and click manage.

When people donate to Active Minds through Facebook, the money goes directly to the PayPal Giving Fund. PayPal Giving Fund distributes donated funds to benefit nonprofits.

Only eligible Facebook users may make a donation through your fundraiser, using a valid debit/credit card or a PayPal account.

Go to https://www.facebook.com/fundraisers/manage to see your fundraisers created directly on Facebook.

The donate sticker allows your story viewers to easily tap “donate” and directly support Active Minds. To add a donation sticker to your story:

1. From your Instagram Story, tap the square face sticker icon
2. Choose the ‘Donation’ sticker
3. Search for and select Active Minds (we appear as @active_minds on Instagram and our logo is green with white and blue text that reads active minds)
4. Tap the sticker to edit your goal and the name of your fundraiser
5. Finish editing your story and share!

You can swipe up on your story at any time to see the total amount raised and donations by username.

For best results, post the donate sticker in multiple stories to raise awareness. Remember that a story will only be visible to your followers for 24 hours unless you add it to your profile as a Highlight.

You can support Active Minds by starting a live fundraiser right in the Instagram app. To start, here are some simple steps:

1. Tap at the bottom or swipe right anywhere in Feed
2. Swipe or select Live at the bottom of the screen
3. Tap on the left to setup your fundraiser
4. Search for and select Active Minds (we appear as active_minds on Instagram and our logo is green with white and blue text that reads active minds)
5. When you’re ready to go live, tap the circular button to start your Live video fundraiser

Tips:

• Tap Wave next to a donor’s name to thank them
• You can go live with someone else, but they won’t be able to select a different nonprofit to fundraise for
• You’ll be able to use the Q&A sticker during your live video, but your viewers won’t be able to see the questions
• Once your live video ends, you can choose to share your live video to your IGTV, download it to your device, or delete it
• For more information, see Instagram’s FAQ page

Active Minds cannot provide direct funding or reimbursement for expenses related to community fundraising events. Event organizers are responsible for the organization, operation, and control of the event, including all costs incurred. As you plan your event, you may want to develop a budget that accounts for these costs and collect some funds that help pay for these expenses. There are also many ways to limit event-related costs, such as securing in-kind donations or support from local businesses. The Active Minds team would be happy to discuss this further.

Under no circumstances can a fundraiser’s expenses flow through or be reimbursed by Active Minds. Only net revenue (revenue less expenses) should be sent to Active Minds. If you plan to deduct expenses before sending the total funds raised to Active Minds, guests should send funds or make checks out directly to you/your organization, not Active Minds. You will then convert those funds, withholding your expenses, into one check made out to Active Minds at the conclusion of your fundraising. If your event meets these criteria, we encourage you to contact our team at fundraise@activeminds.org before starting so we can share best practices and additional resources.

As a 501(c)(3) organization, we are unable to offer individuals or independent organizations our Tax ID for the purpose of sales tax exemption or providing acknowledgment letters.

Our team can assist and provide you with a Fundraising Authorization Letter to confirm you are raising funds on behalf of Active Minds and a nonprofit organization.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, all donations made directly to Active Minds are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Funds submitted through an Active Minds online fundraising page or made out directly to Active Minds will be acknowledged with a tax-deductible receipt, assuming donor information is supplied. Only donations made payable to Active Minds and cash donations clearly labeled with the donor’s contact information will be provided with a tax-deductible acknowledgment letter.

If payments are made to an individual or an independent organization that is later sent to Active Minds, only that individual or organization may be acknowledged as the donor. As a reminder, payments made to Active Minds cannot be used for event expenses and we cannot reimburse or redirect funds for this purpose.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization subject to strict IRS regulations, there are some services we are unable to provide our fundraisers, including:

• Our sales tax exemption number
• Insurance or liability coverage
• Mailing lists of donors and/or vendors
• Donor contact information
• Funding or reimbursement of your expenses
• Solicit sponsorship revenue for your fundraiser

For-profit organizations or individuals that wish to fundraise for Active Minds through their business, by offering a percentage of sales or revenue derived from the sale of products or services must first contact Active Minds and receive approval before starting their efforts.

If your campaign or fundraising effort may fall into one of these categories, we ask that you please contact our team at fundraise@activeminds.org before proceeding.

Active Minds is committed to following the BBB Wise Giving Alliance Standards (specifically Standard Number 19, “Cause Marketing Disclosures”) related to these types of campaigns. We must also adhere to strict regulatory and transparency standards around commercial co-ventures (CCVs). There may also be state and local regulations related to CCV campaigns that may impact your work and could require varying forms of registration, disclosure, and reporting. IRS and other tax regulations will also prevent us from engaging in advertising/promotional activity for a partner.

For these reasons, Active Minds tends to avoid percentage-based CCV campaigns (e.g. X% of this product OR Y% of our sales this month to be donated directly to our organization). However, we have identified a number of alternatives that may still meet your goals and bring support to Active Minds. These may include certain “round-up” campaigns, a “flat” donation campaign, product donations, and additional ways to fundraise for the mental health movement.

For more information, please see our workplace and employee giving page or contact fundraise@activeminds.org with questions.

Active Minds is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization promoting mental health awareness and education for young adults. Active Minds is present in more than 1,000 campuses and communities nationwide. Through award-winning programs and services, Active Minds is empowering a new generation to speak openly, act courageously, and change the conversation about mental health for everyone.

Read our Story

Active Minds was founded in 2003 by Alison Malmon when she was a junior at the University of Pennsylvania following the suicide of her older brother, and only sibling, Brian. Now in its twenty-first year, Active Minds is present in more than 1,000 schools, communities, and workplaces nationwide, including more than 500 student-led chapters. Our programs and services empower young adults to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, create communities of support, and ultimately save lives.

Read our Story

Yes! Since Active Minds is a registered 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, all donations made directly to Active Minds are tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Funds submitted through an Active Minds online fundraising page or made out directly to Active Minds will be acknowledged with a tax-deductible receipt, assuming donor information is supplied. Only donations made payable to Active Minds and cash donations clearly labeled with the donor’s contact information will be provided with a tax-deductible acknowledgment letter.

Just like everyone has physical health, we ALL have mental health. Mental illness is treatable and suicide is preventable. Even so, many suffer in silence. We’re on a mission to make mental health a comfortable, everyday conversation. Active Minds continually updates our statistics and sources using the latest peer-reviewed public health data.

Key statistics:

• 50% OF US will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime
• 1 IN 5 ADULTS have a diagnosable mental illness
• Only 44% of adults receive the treatment they need

In the youth and young adult population:

• Half of mental health issues begin by age 14; 75% begin by age 24
• Suicide is the #2 LEADING CAUSE of death among young adults
• 67% of people 18-24 with anxiety or depression don’t seek treatment
• 39% of students in college experience a significant mental health issue
• Two-thirds of young adults tell a friend they are struggling before telling anyone else
• Less than 20% of children and adolescents with diagnosable mental health problems receive the treatment they need

We are dedicated to saving lives and to building stronger families and communities. Through education, research, advocacy, and a focus on mobilization and equity with youth and young adults ages 14-25, Active Minds has been opening up the conversation about mental health and creating lasting change in the way mental health is talked about, cared for, and valued in the United States.

Since 2003, what has guided and distinguished us from the start is a belief that young people will be the drivers of change.

• Our peer-to-peer approach to mental health through our chapters. The mere presence of Active Minds at a school increases mental health knowledge, positive attitudes, and help-seeking (RAND, 2018).
• Mobilizing the next generation. Mental health issues among young adults are on the rise. Yet, young adults are not always consulted in decisions that impact them. When youth elevate the conversation about mental health, schools prioritize resources to ensure long-term care.
• Building a mental health movement. We partner with students, educators, administrators, and families to empower youth to advocate for mental health programs and policies, engage in peer-to-peer curricula, and connect with college/university Active Minds chapters for mentorship.

Where does the money go?
Your gift today empowers young adults to change the conversation about mental health in their communities – providing hope and saving lives. We are grateful for the support of individuals, families, foundations, and corporations. Active Minds’ programs and resources focus on mental health awareness and suicide prevention for young adults.

Active Minds is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, with primary offices in Washington, DC. All donations to Active Minds are tax deductible. We post our audited financial statements and summarize our accomplishments each year in our Impact Report.

Donations to Active Minds help us to improve, promote, and sustain our various programs and resources, expanding our reach to new schools and communities, connecting with mental health advocates and leaders, and sharing our knowledge and tools with young adults to mobilize their peers. Whether that’s by starting a chapter, holding an event, or downloading one of our curricula to activate more mental health advocates, our programs make a meaningful difference.

Yes! These are just three of our many objectives, and we encourage you to visit activeminds.org/programs to see how we are and can be involved in your community!

1. A.S.K. Acknowledge, Support, Keep-in-Touch
   Our conversation model individuals can utilize to speak up about their mental health struggles and respond effectively to a peer in need. This program has been revamped + relaunched in partnership with MTV and Paramount into a national campaign to reframe mental health support.
2. 1K-in-1K
   Our initiative to bring chapters to 1,000 Schools in 1,000 days. Active Minds is currently present in over 1,000 schools, workplaces, and communities nationwide – and it’s our goal, over the next two years, to bring chapters to even more communities (we’re currently about 300 new Chapters into this goal!)
3. Send Silence Packing®
   An award-winning traveling exhibit showcasing stories of hope and loss, that is brought to communities and campuses across the country. There is also a virtual “Behind the Backpacks” experience that is continuously being built out.

Please visit our Offering Help Page, which highlights ways to be there for a friend or loved one who may be struggling with their mental health. We also have Self Care Resources for when you need to take a step back and focus on yourself. Remember that you don’t have to be an expert to help… Just A.S.K. Acknowledge, Support, Keep-in-Touch.