FAQ
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| $50 | $250 | $500 | $1,000 | $2,500 | $3,000 | $5,000 | $7,500 | |
| Run/Walk Entry with T-shirt & Waterbottle | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Ride Entry with T-shirt & Waterbottle | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Challenge Cap | X | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| Challenge Bag | X | X | X | X | X | |||
| Challenge Jersey / Dri-Fit T-shirt | X | X | X | X | ||||
| Saturday Dinner Ticket (+ 1 guest ticket) | X | |||||||
| Saturday Dinner Ticket (+ 2 guest tickets) | X | |||||||
| Saturday Dinner Ticket (+ 2 guest tickets and reserved seating) | X |
The fundraising deadlines for these awards are:
- Portland - Thursday, June 26, 9 a.m. CST
- San Jose - Thursday, July 10, 9 a.m. CST
- Philadelphia -Thursday, August 21, 9 a.m. CST
- Austin - Thursday, October 23, 9 a.m. CST
9. Will reaching certain fundraising levels qualify me to reach specific jersey levels?
Yes. Ride for the Roses attendance and jersey award packages begin at the $10,000 fundraising level. The deadline to qualify for Ride for the Roses is Wednesday, October 1 at 9 a.m. CST.
White Jersey Green Jersey Polka Dot Jersey Yellow Jersey $10,000 $15,000 $20,000 $30,000 Saturday 5K Entry (participant only) X Sunday Ride Entry (participant only) X Lance Armstrong Signed Item X X X X Ride for the Roses Jacket X X X X Ride for the Roses Jersey or Dri-Fit T-shirt X X X X Transportation to all Weekend Events X X X X Friday Welcome Dinner (+1 guest) X X X X Saturday Awards Dinner (+1 guest) X X X X Sunday Hospitality Tent Entry (+1 guest) X X X X Saturday 5K Entry (participant + 1 guest entry) X X X Sunday Ride Entry (participant + 1 guest entry) X X X Participant Airfare* X X X 3 Night Hotel Stay (Oct. 24, 25 & 26) X X X Sunday Ride Front Starting Line Position X X Saturday Private Group Ride X Saturday Private Group Ride & Leadership Lunch X Guest Airfare* X Photo Line prior to Saturday Dinner X *Airfare is only to and from the continental United States. Individuals qualifying outside the continental U.S. will receive a $300 travel voucher.
10. Will LIVESTRONG Challenge participants and/or teams be eligible for fundraising awards?
Yes. At each LIVESTRONG Challenge the LAF will recognize outstanding fundraising efforts with special awards during the Saturday night Fundraising Appreciation Dinner:
Top fundraising individual (Champion Award)
Most individual donors (Messenger Award)
Top fundraising team (Team Champion Award)
Most team members (Team Messenger Award)
Award winners will be selected based upon the monies in their fundraising accounts on:
Portland - Thursday, June 26, 9 a.m. CST
San Jose - Thursday, July 10, 9 a.m. CST
Philadelphia -Thursday, August 21, 9 a.m. CST
Austin - Thursday, October 23, 9 a.m. CST
All award winners will be notified via email by 3 p.m. CST the day of the deadline.
11. I'm registered to participate in all four LIVESTRONG Challenges. If I raise at least $10,000 total, but I've used my separate HQ sites to do so, will I still be invited to Ride for the Roses?
Prior to your first event, please inform your coach that you plan to participate in multiple event cities and would like your donation totals added together prior to receiving fundraising incentives. While we won't transfer donations from one city to another, we will add up your totals and consider one grand total for you instead.
If the combined total of the donations you raise for all LIVESTRONG Challenges totals more than $10,000 as of 9 a.m. CST on October 1 you will be invited to Ride for the Roses. However, you must inform the Challenge staff that you want your donation totals added together before you participate in your first event.
12. I'm registered for all four LIVESTRONG Challenges and I've raised a minimum $10,000 total. Will I be invited to the Saturday night pasta dinners in all four cities?
You will receive two tickets to the pasta dinner in each city for which you raise at least $3,000. If you are planning to fundraise for all four cities using only one HQ site, please inform the Challenge staff of your plans.
13. Why is October 1st the fundraising deadline for the Ride for the Roses Weekend?
The deadline for Ride for the Roses Weekend is set four weeks prior so that we can tally final fundraising totals, order the appropriate amount of merchandise, and arrange for travel and accommodations for participants.
14. Do I have to claim awards received for my fundraising efforts on my tax return?
The IRS considers all prizes and awards associated with the LIVESTRONG Challenge as income. This income is calculated by taking the fair market value (FMV) of the awards you receive and subtracting any monies you personally donate to the LIVESTRONG Challenge. In keeping with IRS regulations, should the income be greater than $600, the LIVESTRONG Challenge will provide you with a Form 1099. Note that expenses you incur during your fundraising are tax deductible, however, they do not relate to the amount considered income.
15. Why is there a fundraising minimum?
The primary goal of the LIVESTRONG Challenge is to raise funds to support the more than 10 million Americans affected by cancer. Through the dollars and awareness that we raise, we can inspire and empower individuals, and we can make life better for the more than 10 million Americans affected by cancer.
- $10 provides information packets to 16 cancer survivors to offer support, inspiration and hope.
- $50 provides 36 people cancer survivorship information, worksheets to organize their fight against cancer and support, inspiration and hope from other cancer survivors.
- $155 provides a cancer survivor one-on-one direct support through the LIVESTRONG SurvivorCare program.
- $250 provides LIVESTRONG Survivorship Notebooks to 27 cancer survivors.
16. If someone is donating goods/services/space to me for my fundraising efforts, can they get some kind of tax receipt?
Unfortunately we cannot provide an in-kind gift receipt to someone who donates goods/services to a participant's fundraising efforts because the LIVESTRONG Challenge is not the direct recipient of the donated items.
We can provide to you a recognition letter of your LIVESTRONG Challenge participation which you can use in obtaining in-kind goods & services. Please email LIVESTRONGchallenge@laf.org for this documentation.
Some participants have found that a great way to acknowledge such gifts is to wear the company's name or logo on their shirt during the event. Others have mentioned the generosity of that person/company at their fundraising event or in a thank you letter to all of their supporters.
17. Can a walker/runner fundraise toward Ride for the Roses?
Absolutely! Not only can walkers and runners fundraise but they are also encouraged to do so. All participants have access to the same fundraising tools and support and we hope you'll use them.
18. Are the fundraising award levels for walkers/runners the same as the rider's levels?
Yes, fundraisings award levels are the same for all participants.
19. Why is there a $250 fundraising minimum for riders when runners/walkers don't have a minimum?
DonationsThe ride portion of the LIVESTRONG Challenge ride was the signature fundraising event for the Lance Armstrong Foundation for nearly eight years. The Challenge is modeled after the Foundation's long-time fundraising ride so it made sense to maintain the fundraising element for cyclists. While there is no fundraising minimum for walkers and runners, we encourage all participants to raise funds to support the fight against cancer.
1. When does the minimum fundraising of $250 need to be in the riders account so that they can participate in the event?
If you are trying to meet your fundraising of $250 for the Philly Challenge, the donations cut off is Thursday, August 21, 9:00 a.m. CST. If you are mailing checks to the Albert Lea, MN address, the checks should be postmarked by August 6th, so they can be properly credited to your account.
If you are trying to meet your fundraising of $250 for the Austin Challenge, the donations cut off is Thursday, October 23, 9:00 a.m. CST. If you are mailing checks to the Albert Lea, MN address, the checks should be postmarked by October 8th, so they can be properly credited to your account.
If you receive checks after the mail-in deadline, please bring these with you to the LIVESTRONG Village for Packet Pick-Up so they can be added to your fundraising total.
Donations can be sent in after the event and will be credited to your account, but these donations will not count towards Challenge incentives or your minimum fundraising total. These donations will still count towards qualification to Ride for the Roses Weekend.
If you have additional questions, please send an email to phillychallenge@livestrong.org or austinchallenge@livestrong.org.
2. Will my 2007 matching gifts received after January 1, 2008 count towards 2008?
Yes, matching gifts received after January 1, 2008 which correspond to a 2007 LIVESTRONG Challenge donation will be credited towards 2008 fundraising accounts. Please send an email to challengedonations@LIVESTRONG.org with specific information about these matching gifts, and they will be moved to your 2008 account.
3. I filled-out a W-9 form at Ride for the Roses Weekend 2007. Will I receive a 1099 in the mail?
Participants in Ride for the Roses Weekend who received goods and services over $600 less their personal contributions will receive a 1099. This will be mailed by January 31, 2008.
4. I am missing a donation that was mailed, what should I do?
Please allow 2-3 weeks for processing. If it has been 4 weeks and your donation has not posted to your account, please contact challengedonations@LIVESTRONG.org. Please include the information below in your email.
- Participant Name
- Participant ID #
- Check #
- Date the check was mailed
- Name printed on the check
- Amount of the check
- Where was it mailed?
- Was it attached to a donation form?
- Has the check been cashed?
5. I mailed in a package with multiple donations, but only some have posted on my personal HQ, what should I do?
Donations can take four weeks from the date you mailed them to post on your HQ. Each mailed donation is processed individually so even if some donations have posted in less than four weeks, please allow the full four weeks for the remaining donations to post. If your donation does not post within four weeks, please contact challengedonations@LIVESTRONG.org.
6. Is it necessary to send a separate donation form for each donation?
Yes. In order for a donation to be processed properly it is necessary to send a separate completed donation form for each donation. We will only process one check per donation form.
7. I am missing a donation that was made online, what should I do?
Any donation made online should post to your HQ (personal website) immediately. If your donation does not post immediately, please contact challengedonations@LIVESTRONG.org.
8. Why doesn't the full amount of a donation made over time show on my personal HQ?
The full amount of a donation made over time does not show on your website because we have not yet received all of the funds from the donor. As each monthly payment is collected, the amount of the donation reflected on your HQ will increase.
9. Can I send one check to be split amongst several participants?
If you need a donation check to be split, please send a separate donation form for each participant and indicate the amount to be credited to each participant. Once a donation is posted to an account, it cannot be split.
10. Can I mail in a cash donation with a donation form?
No, please do not mail in a cash donation with a donation form. We cannot accept cash donations. For any cash donation you receive, please convert the cash to a cashier's check and mail it in with a completed donation form. Please be sure to include the donor's personal information on the donation form so that an accurate receipt can be generated for tax purposes. Please do not deposit the cash into your own account and write a check for that amount; the IRS regards this as income and in addition, if a check is written from your account, you would then receive the tax receipt. There is not a way to have a check written from your personal account credited to another donor. However, if you have several cash donations from different donors and want to convert them to one check, you can accompany one cashier's check with multiple donation forms to indicate the amount that each donor contributed. Each donor will receive a tax receipt for the amount specified on their donation form.
11. Can the LIVESTRONG Challenge bill a donor for a donation?
No, the LIVESTRONG Challenge cannot bill a donor for a donation. Check or credit card information must be submitted online or sent in with a donation form in order to be processed.
12. If I can't participate in the event, what happens to the donations that I have raised?
All donations submitted to the LIVESTRONG Challenge are non-refundable. If you are unable to participate in the event, your donations cannot be refunded, but can be transferred to another participant. Through the funds you raise, you'll be supporting the Lance Armstrong Foundation and our mission to unite people to fight cancer.
15. A donor is requesting a tax ID number (or EIN number). What is that and how can I get it?
A tax ID number identifies Lance Armstrong Foundation Events and the LIVESTRONG Challenge as a tax-exempt entity. The Lance Armstrong Foundation Events Tax ID number is 20-4232365. Many donors will request this number to validate their donation as tax-deductible. Financial and other information about the beneficiary, the Lance Armstrong Foundation may be obtained by visiting www.LIVESTRONG.org, click on "About Us" and then "Financial Information".
16. A donor is requesting a 501(c)(3) letter. What is that and how can I get a copy?
The 501(c)(3) letter is proof LAF Events is recognized as a non-profit organization by the federal government. Contact challengedonations@LIVESTRONG.org to obtain a copy of this form.
17. A donor is requesting a W-9 form. What is that and how can I get a copy?
The W-9 form is proof that LAF Events is recognized as a non-profit organization by the federal government. To get a copy of this form, please contact challengedonations@LIVESTRONG.org.
18. Are donations tax deductible?
All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please work with your tax professional to determine what deductions you are eligible for.
19. Are registration fees tax deductible?
Registration fees are not tax deductible.
20. Who should I make my check out to?
Please make all checks payable to: Lance Armstrong Foundation Events.
21. Where do I mail donation checks?
All donations must have a donation form attached and should be mailed to the address on the donation form:
Lance Armstrong Foundation Events
National Mail Processing Center
P.O. Box 6002
Albert Lea, MN 56007-6602
22. What can I do if a check is written out to me personally?
If a donation check has been written out to you personally, you may endorse the back of the check and mail it with a completed donation form to the address on the donation form.
23. Can I send a money order or cashier's check for a donation or registration fee?
Yes, we accept money orders or cashier's checks for donations and registration fees. Please send this form in with a donation form.
24. Do all donors who contribute receive a receipt?
Yes, anyone who includes an email address will receive a receipt via email. Anyone who does not include an email address will receive a receipt via mail. Please check your spam folder for email receipts if you don't think you received a tax receipt. The email receipt is generated immediately after the on-line donation is made.
25. Can I create a receipt to give to my donors?
No, please do not create receipts to give to your donors. Only receipts issued by the Lance Armstrong Foundation will qualify the donor for a tax deduction.
26. Can team members share donations?
Team members cannot share donations. While we encourage teams to join forces in their fundraising efforts, each participant is responsible for making sure he or she has raised their individual fundraising minimum. We will not transfer donations from one participant's account to another participant's account.
27. Who can I contact if I need help with my personal HQ?
If you need assistance with your HQ (personal website), please email LIVESTRONGchallenge@laf.org.
28. Where can I find a list of the people who have donated to me?
Go to Log In, select your LIVESTRONG Challenge location, and log into your personal HQ. In the "reports" section, you can view a complete list of your donors.
29. Can I accept a bunch of donations and write out one check to the LIVESTRONG Challenge?
TeamsIf the check is written from your account and attached to a donation form that contains your information, only you will receive tax credit for this donation. We are not able to give tax credit to multiple people for one donation. To ensure that each donor gets credit for the donation that they make, it is important to submit each donation individually.
1. How do I send an e-mail out to the entire team that is already registered?
Login into your HQ, click send email to team, then click on your address book, then View by: all team members. Click on the boxes to send the email to your entire team.
2. Can I participate in the LIVESTRONG Challenge as a team with my family and/or friends?
Yes! Team registration for the LIVESTRONG Challenge is available. Each team member must pay the $50 registration fee and meet the fundraising minimum. There is no additional cost to create or join a team.
When you register, you will have the ability to start a team and serve as the team captain or join an existing team. If you opt to register as an individual, you may still create or join a team at any time before the event.
3. What is the advantage to creating/joining a team?
The main advantage of creating or joining a team is the camaraderie of having a group of people to train and fundraise with. While there are no specific financial advantages to creating/joining a team, many people find that their experiences with team members are very rewarding.
4. Can a team consist of both walkers/runners and riders?
Yes! Forming a team is a great way to involve your family, friends and coworkers. Each member of a team can participate in either the run/walk or the ride. Team members do not have to all do the same activity.
5. Can team members participate in different cities?
Unfortunately, no. One team can include walkers, runners and cyclists, but they do all need to participate in the same city. If you wish to have a team in each city, you must create a different team account in every city.
6. If we register as a team, can we fundraise together?
You are welcome to hold fundraising events with your team members. However, each member of your team is responsible for reaching the fundraising minimum.
7. Can someone donate to a team or do all donations have to go to an individual?
Back To TopAll donations do need to be credited to one person's account. Donors can visit an individual's account directly or take a look at the progress of all team members from the team webpage and decide to whom they would like to donate accordingly.
Ride for the Roses
1. What is Ride for the Roses Weekend?
Ride for the Roses Weekend is a celebration of the LAF's most enthusiastic supporters. LIVESTRONG Challenge participants who raise a minimum of $10,000 by October 1 at 9 a.m. CST will be invited to participate in Ride for the Roses Weekend (held in conjunction with LIVESTRONG Challenge Austin) October 24-26.
2. Can I participate in Ride for the Roses Weekend in Austin?
Yes! Any LIVESTRONG Challenge participant raising a minimum of $10,000 by October 1 at 9 a.m. CST will be invited to attend the 2008 Ride for the Roses Weekend.
3. What are the incentives for Ride for the Roses Weekend?
White Jersey Green Jersey Polka Dot Jersey Yellow Jersey $10,000 $15,000 $20,000 $30,000 Saturday 5K Entry (participant only) X Sunday Ride Entry (participant only) X Lance Armstrong Signed Item X X X X Ride for the Roses Jacket X X X X Ride for the Roses Jersey or Dri-Fit T-shirt X X X X Transportation to all Weekend Events X X X X Friday Welcome Dinner (+1 guest) X X X X Saturday Awards Dinner (+1 guest) X X X X Sunday Hospitality Tent Entry (+1 guest) X X X X Saturday 5K Entry (participant + 1 guest entry) X X X Sunday Ride Entry (participant + 1 guest entry) X X X Participant Airfare* X X X 3 Night Hotel Stay (Oct. 24, 25 & 26) X X X Sunday Ride Front Starting Line Position X X Saturday Private Group Ride X Saturday Private Group Ride & Leadership Lunch X Guest Airfare* X Photo Line prior to Saturday Dinner X *Airfare is only to and from the continental United States. Individuals qualifying outside the continental U.S. will receive a $300 travel voucher.
4. Are there top fundraising awards for Ride for the Roses Weekend?
Yes! At the Ride for the Roses Weekend awards dinner, the Lance Armstrong Foundation will present the following awards:
- Champion Award - Top Challenge Series fundraiser
- Messenger Award - Participant with the most individual donors in the Challenge Series
- Team Champion Award - Top Challenge Series fundraising team
- Team Messenger Award - Team with the most members in the Challenge Series
Award winners will be selected based upon the monies in their fundraising accounts on Wednesday, October 22 at 9 a.m. CST. All award winners will be notified via email by 3 p.m. CST the day of the deadline.
5. Will Lance Armstrong be at the Ride for the Roses?
Back To TopYes, as Ride for the Roses Weekend is held in conjunction with LIVESTRONG Challenge Austin, Lance will be there.
Mentors
1. I am interested in becoming a mentor. What are a mentor's responsibilities? How can I get involved?
LIVESTRONG Challenge mentors are dedicated volunteers with proven fundraising knowledge and success, who support and encourage Challenge participants with their personal fundraising projects and goals. View a complete list of your mentors for Challenge 2008.
2. How can I get a mentor?
Back To TopPlease select "I would like a mentor" on the Challenge registration form to take advantage of this program. If you have already registered for the Challenge and did not select this feature, please email LIVESTRONGchallenge@laf.org.
Minors (under 18)
1. My kids and I want to participate in the LIVESTRONG Challenge ride. Is this possible?
Absolutely! The LIVESTRONG Challenge weekend is an opportunity for families to come out and unite in the fight against cancer. Although there is no age minimum, we want to be clear that certain Challenge ride routes will be physically demanding. Please carefully take into consideration your child's abilities when registering them.
Every child under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is registered for the same distance as they are. Also, all participants must be registered and all cyclists will be required to meet the $250 fundraising minimum.
All child participants need to be pedaling a bike, either their own, or riding tandem with their parent/guardian. For safety reasons, we cannot allow buggies, sidecars or child seats on the event.
2. My husband and I are doing the ride. Can our kids do the ride, but not fundraise?
Each person participating in the event needs to register and complete the required fundraising. Please note that every child under 18 will need to have a parent or guardian with them.
3. Can our kids ride with us as unregistered riders?
Each person participating in the event needs to register and complete the required fundraising. Please note that every child under 18 will need to have a parent or guardian with them.
4. Is there a family minimum for the ride, or do we each have to raise at least $250 dollars?
At this time, each registered rider must raise a minimum of $250. We encourage you to start a team with your family and email LIVESTRONGchallenge@laf.org for information about fundraising and event ideas that you all can do together to raise funds.
5. I'm participating in the Run/Walk. Can I bring my child in a stroller or carry him/her on my back?
Yes! The LIVESTRONG Challenge is a family event and therefore baby strollers and baby carriers will be allowed on the run/walk course.
6. What isn't allowed on the Run/Walk course?
Back To TopFor safety purposes, rollerblades, skate boards, bicycles and pets will not be allowed on the run/walk course.
Volunteering
1. I am interested in volunteering for the LIVESTRONG Challenge. Are there volunteer opportunities in each Challenge city and if so, how do I apply?
Volunteers are crucial to the success of the LIVESTRONG Challenge. Volunteer opportunities and an online application will be available soon. For more information, email challengevolunteers@laf.org.
Matching Gifts
1. What is the "original donation"?
The "original donation" is defined as the donation contributed by the original donor (not the matching corporation).
2. Where should the original donation be mailed?
The original donation should be mailed with a donation form to:
Lance Armstrong Foundation
National Mail Processing Center
P.O. Box 6002
Albert Lea, MN 56007-6602
Please note that the matching gift form can be sent separately
3. Can the original dnation be made online?
Yes, the original donation can be made online at www.livestrongchallenge.org
4. Where should I mail the matching gift form?
Once you have made a copy of the matching gift form to retain for your own records, you should mail the original form to:
Lance Armstrong Foundation
Attn: Matching Gifts
National Mail Processing Center
P.O. Box 6002
Albert Lea, MN 56007-6602
5. Should I include any additional information with my matching gift form?
Yes. To ensure that the participant you are sponsoring will be credited when the gift is matched, please write the participant's name, event location and participant ID in the upper right hand corner of the matching gift form. If your company's matching gift form is completed online and a "notes" field is provided please include the participant's name, event city and participant ID. Also, please attach a copy of your donation receipt (if available) to the matching gift form. If your donation was made online or if a mailed donation has posted to the participant's account, you may obtain a copyof the receipt by calling 888.4.CHALLENGE (888.424.2553).
6. Can my donor mail the matching gift form?
We recommend that you, the participant, mail the matching gift form. By mailing the form yourself, youwill know exactly when it was mailed and can confirm that it was mailed to the correct address.
7. Can my donor complete a matching gift online (if the matching gift company has an online matching gifts process)?
For matching gift companies that have an online matching gifts process, the company will require that the donor, not the participant, submit the matching gift form online. To be sure that you are credited please ask your donor to put your name and participant ID in the "notes" field of the online form.
8. How long will it take for a matching gift form to be processed and mailed back to the matching gift company?
When we receive your matching gift form it will be verified and sent back to the company within two weeks to be matched.
9. How long will it take for the matching gift to show on my donation report?
This depends on the company's policy. Companies have varying policies on how often checks are distributed. Please contact the individual company to find out how often matching gifts are distributed. Please contact the individual company to find out how often matching gift checks are cut and mailed. Once we receive the matching gift check, it will be processed and added to your donation report within 2-3 weeks. Please note that on occasion, the matching gift companies do not note on the check that the funds were intended for your account. If you have confirmed that the matching gift company mailed the check to us, and three weeks has passed, please contact us at 888.4CHALLENGE (888.424.2553) so that we can be sure to credit the funds to your account.
10. What happens if the matching gift is not approved by the matching gift company?
If the matching gift company does not approve a matching gift, the company will contact either the donor or the LIVESTRONG Challenge with a denial notification. If the LIVESTRONG Challenge is contacted, we will pass the information on to the participant.
11. Will my matching gift count toward my minimum fundraising goal?
Back To TopIf you are under your fundraising minimum at the time of check in, and you are waiting for a company to send us a matching gift check to reach your minimum, you will be required to complete a delayed self donation.
In the 4 week period following the event, we will contact the matching gift company to confirm that they will match the gift. If the company can provide written confirmation to us, we will count the matching gift towards your total and you will not be charged for that part of the delayed self-donation. If the company denies the payment or cannot guarantee payment, you will be charged for that portion of the delayed self-donation.
