Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism is dedicated to the education and treatment of individuals with autism. Our mission is to ensure lives filled with dignity and purpose for the children and adults that we serve and to provide hope and support for their families.
April is Autism Awareness Month. It is a time to further educate our communities about autism and those individuals affected by the disorder. Walks and runs are often held during April as a way for the public to show their support, raise money, and increase awareness.
We invite you to join our virtual campaign, Step Up For Autism Awareness. You can take part no matter where you are in the world. Every footprint counts in the race toward understanding and acceptance!
Here’s how it works:
Step One: Step up and register to participate! With your $25.00 registration fee, you are on your way to making a huge difference!
Step Two: Set a fundraising goal and a fitness goal that you hope to achieve over the four week campaign.
Step Three: Get moving and track your workouts. You are welcome to walk, run, or bike! Sync your fitness device (Fitbit, Apple Watch, Garmin, Google Fit, or Misfit), use the Strava app, or download the free Charity Footprints app to track your progress. You have the entire month of April to rack up those miles!
Step Four: Share your personal fundraising page with everyone you know and ask them to support NSSA and your personal goals by making a contribution!
Now, on to the PRIZES!
All participants who raise $250 or more will receive a FREE Step Up for Autism Awareness t-shirt!
Best Overall Fundraiser:
The participant who raises the most money for NSSA through their personal Step Up For Autism fundraising page will receive a pair of Apple AirPods!
Best Overall Distance:
The participant who completes the most miles, either walking, running, or biking will receive a $100 Visa Gift Card for their tremendous effort. Every step taken during this campaign is a step toward a more understanding and accepting world for those with autism.
Be sure to check for emails throughout the campaign for special weekly giveaways!
Track workouts anywhere & anytime and complete goal.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
NSSA
Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism (NSSA) offers hope to people with autism and their families by providing high quality life-long support through services which enable people with autism to function better in everyday life.
NSSA offers the most advanced treatment and training programs for the benefit of people with autism, and will continue to pioneer, through research, comprehensive treatment models which can be adopted nationally.
The need for our quality programs and services has rapidly increased, but the resources needed to provide is insufficient.
Funds raised through this campaign will help us to sustain our existing programs including: The Martin C. Barell School, Adult Day Habilitation Program, Consultation Services provided to school districts throughout Long Island, Respite Services, Saturday Recreation, and Summer Camp.
A gift of $25 or more will provide material for our outreach programs, including our Saturday Recreation, Summer Camp, and Parent Training Programs.
A gift of $50 or more can help enrich the lives of our students and adults by providing additional leisure and recreational activities for them.
A gift of $100 or more can help provide a voice for someone through instruction in verbal communication and/or the purchase of assistive technology.
A gift of $500 or more helps provide opportunities to learn critical life and career skills through educational and vocational training programs.
It is our hope that with your generous support, we will also be able to spread our reach further and continue the development of NSSA’s outreach services, which allow us to offer crucial support to the growing autism community.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Charity Footprints?
Charity Footprints is a social enterprise that connects fitness and charitable giving. We empower people just like you, to get fit & give back.
Our Virtual Races allow non-profits to challenge their patrons to run, walk or ride and raise funds just as they would in a fundraising walkathon. The best part - charities save over 45% in event and logistical costs. So, the dollars that you pay to register or fundraise, go farther.
What is the campaign registration fee?
Campaign registration fee is the amount that you'll need to pay to enroll in this virtual race. This fee (less transaction charges) will go to the non-profit running this campaign as a donation.
The registration fee along with the funds raised through your individual fundraising page will enable the non-profit to fund various programs and pursue their organization's mission.
How can I create my fundraising page?
Well, you wouldn't have to create a separate fundraising page. Once you register for this campaign, we'll give you the link to your fundraising page.
If you workout indoors (treadmill, elliptical, stationary bike etc.), you can upload your workouts here.
How do I join a team on this campaign?
While registering for the campaign, select the team you'd like to join or create a new team and invite others to #GetFitGiveBack with you. If you want to join a team (or create your team) after registration, login to the campaign site and you would find a link to edit "My Team" in the menu under your profile in the header.
I am an international donor (non-US), what are my donation charges and tax-deductibility?
All donations are made in US dollars, so the donations may be levied an exchange rate fee via your bank. Donors will want to connect with their bank to determine exactly what that fee may be. Additionally, international donors will need to reach out to a tax professional to discuss if and how tax deductibility will apply to their donation.
Who can sponsor my fundraising efforts?
The short answer is - everyone. The fundraising research shows that the number one reason for people not donating is that they weren't asked to.
That said, there are things you can do to attract people to sponsor you. Adding a picture to your fundraising page, telling potential donors why this cause is so personal to you, sharing your fundraising page on social media, email, and chat groups.
Last, if your employer has a gift matching program, check with the human resources department to support your favorite cause as well.
Who can I contact if I need help?
You can contact us any time if you need help. We love hearing from our users so please don't hesitate to write to us about issues, suggestions, or to just say hi. You can also contact the non-profit administrator directly if you would like.
How do I change or switch my team?
If you want to join a team (or create your team) after registration, login to the campaign site and you would find a link to edit "My Team" in the menu under your profile in the header.
CAMPAIGN CHAT
Please register for the campaign to see the chat activity. If you're already registered, login here.