PENCIL’s Executive Leadership Council (ELC) invites you to join PENCIL Steps to Success. This virtual challenge is for individuals or teams to raise support for PENCIL's mission to connect students to success by tracking steps (and other activities!) and fundraising. The six week challenge (July 7-August 18) is open to all fitness levels and interests.
We’ve set tiered registration fees to choose from, and there is no fundraising minimum to participate:
$25 Friend: Easy and fun! Keep up with PENCIL this summer!
$50 Partner: Step up and make this part of your PENCIL story!
$100 Leader: Strive for a big goal and drive your fundraising for PENCIL!
Are you a student, teacher, or principal in the New York City public school system who would like to challenge yourself this summer? Please email lcarll@pencil.org to register for $5.
The Charity Footprints App tracks workouts or links to your device of choice, or you can manually log your progress. If a traditional step challenge isn’t for you, we'll share a convenient chart that converts other activities—from workouts to errands to chores—into steps you can enter towards your goal. The overall challenge goal is five (5) million steps (representing the 5 NYC Boroughs served by PENCIL), and you’ll be able to set individual and team goals, too!
Join the challenge, set your goals, and raise support for NYC students!
Here are some goals that connect directly to the work and mission of PENCIL:
• 50,000 Steps a Week for 50,000 Futures
• PENCIL was founded in 1995—how many days a week can you log 1,995 steps before noon?
• PENCIL serves students in all 5 NYC Boroughs. Pledge to complete workouts throughout the boroughs!
• Working from home this summer? Pledge your “commute” time to this challenge!
• $382 connects one student to success—challenge coworkers to log 382 steps per hour during the workday.
PENCIL’s Executive Leadership Council is composed of emerging business leaders who bring together the next generation of PENCIL supporters, hosting networking and fundraising events throughout the year and engaging in PENCIL programs.
Your donation can help engage NYC students in programs that open eyes, open minds, and open doors. Once registered, PENCIL will send you a fundraising toolkit to support your efforts, including the activity conversion chart. Please e-mail Lauren at lcarll@pencil.org with questions or for help signing up!
E-mail lcarll@pencil.org to add Offline Donations to your fundraiser.
PENCIL's Tax ID Number is 22-3384302
PENCIL is a nonprofit that helps New York City public school students develop their career skills and achieve their goals by creating targeted opportunities to make a real difference in the classroom and beyond. PENCIL is working to connect 50,000 students to success by 2023.
In response to COVID-19, PENCIL pivoted to virtual programming at the end of March, delivering important content to NYC students via open source webinars and professional panels. This summer, PENCIL is launching the Career Explorers Program which will support a cohort of students engaged in paid work-based learning experiences designed to promote career awareness, exploration, and preparation. Funds raised in the Steps to Success challenge will support continued online programming as well as planning for Fall 2020.
Tag @pencilorg and share your #stepstosuccess !
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.
