# 99Pledges Help Center

> Welcome to the official 99Pledges Help Center. You'll find step-by-step guides on pricing, security, and fundraising best practices below.

## General Help: Starting a Fundraiser \(Setup & Basics\)

- [What are the next steps?](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/808098-what-are-the-next-steps.md): I've received a sample campaign...now what?
- [Returning Customers: How to create a copy of a past fundraiser](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/5274541-returning-customers-how-to-create-a-copy-of-a-past-fundraiser.md): Fast & easy to get your next fundraiser started
- [How Much Does the 99Pledges Fundraising Platform Cost?](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/648874-how-much-does-the-99pledges-fundraising-platform-cost.md): 99Pledges is FREE! $0 startup costs & 0% platform fee
- [When will we get paid?](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/675806-when-will-we-get-paid.md): We process payments via direct deposit or paper check to be mailed within 1 business day of your request. In some cases, a minimal delay may occur to protect against fraud.
- [Are there fees on cash/checks entered online?](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/690255-are-there-fees-on-cash-checks-entered-online.md): No, there are no fees on cash/checks
- [How do donations work on 99Pledges?](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/4887247-how-do-donations-work-on-99pledges.md): We help make it easy for anyone to make an online donation
- [Can you add my participants for me?](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/652806-can-you-add-my-participants-for-me.md): Yes, we only need a few items in an Excel file
- [Do we need parent emails?](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/652530-do-we-need-parent-emails.md): No, but you'll raise a lot more money with them. Learn more about set up options.
- [Why is having a page per participant better?](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/690288-why-is-having-a-page-per-participant-better.md): Grandma is more likely to donate to Sally
- [Should I get parent permission?](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/690351-should-i-get-parent-permission.md): Some do using an "opt-out" approach
- [How do I upload participants?](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/12218693-how-do-i-upload-participants.md): You can easily add all of your participants in bulk by uploading a .csv \(spreadsheet\) file
- [99Pledges is COPPA compliant ✅](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/11024819-99pledges-is-coppa-compliant.md): Learn more here.
- [Are my emails safe?](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/690302-are-my-emails-safe.md): Yes, we do not market to nor sell your information
- [Is credit card information secure?](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/690289-is-credit-card-information-secure.md): Yes, we use a Level 1 PCI DSS compliant service provider

## FAQ: Navigating the Platform

- [How do you enter results?](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/690267-how-do-you-enter-results.md): Results can be entered from the Groups & Participants tab
- [Donations - How to Reassign / Change Region](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/5964130-donations-how-to-reassign-change-region.md): How to move donations made to the main page or wrong participant. You can also change the "Region/State" that the donation came from.
- [Do participants receive email reminders?](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/808222-do-participants-receive-email-reminders.md): Email reminders increase donations by up to 30%.
- [How to upload Sponsor Logos](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/6891840-how-to-upload-sponsor-logos.md): You can quickly do so through the Edit Details tab
- [How do we enter cash/checks?](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/690265-how-do-we-enter-cash-checks.md): You can enter cash/checks for free in the Donations tab
- [How to enter Tax ID](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/4931921-how-to-enter-tax-id.md)
- [How to collect participant T-Shirt Size](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/8429755-how-to-collect-participant-t-shirt-size.md)
- [How to close a fundraiser at any time](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/9437745-how-to-close-a-fundraiser-at-any-time.md)
- [How to extend a fundraiser](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/9500192-how-to-extend-a-fundraiser.md)
- [Add, Edit, Delete Individual Participants](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/5180594-add-edit-delete-individual-participants.md)
- [How to send a custom email reminder to participants](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/6162877-how-to-send-a-custom-email-reminder-to-participants.md)
- [How to combine duplicate participants that have donations](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/7049760-how-to-combine-duplicate-participants-that-have-donations.md)
- [How do we change the participant goal?](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/690249-how-do-we-change-the-participant-goal.md): Hover over the name in the Groups & Participants tab
- [How do I upload a participant image?](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/1857639-how-do-i-upload-a-participant-image.md): Uploading a personal image
- [How to create a Group donation link](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/9354147-how-to-create-a-group-donation-link.md)
- [Group Leader Access](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/13621122-group-leader-access.md): Grant your Group Leaders limited access to the Admin Dashboard!
- [Enabling Group Leader Access](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/13622248-enabling-group-leader-access.md): How to enable this feature and invite your Group Leaders for limited access to the Admin Dashboard.
- [Templates for Email Reminders](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/8747428-templates-for-email-reminders.md): Templates for updates & reminders to send via a custom reminder on the 99Pledges Platform.
- [How to track invites sent by participants](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/7061424-how-to-track-invites-sent-by-participants.md)
- [Can participants change their image?](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/648944-can-participants-change-their-image.md): Yes, and more customizations available
- [Are participant goals required?](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/675807-are-participant-goals-required.md): No, participant goals are not required. Simply set the goal to $0.
- [Admin Account Email Management](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/8594077-admin-account-email-management.md): How to choose the best email address for your campaign & why it is important!
- [Generate a QR code](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/8909638-generate-a-qr-code.md)
- [Templates for Email Reminders - \(in Spanish\)](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/9170938-templates-for-email-reminders-in-spanish.md): Templates for updates & reminders to send via a custom reminder on the 99Pledges Platform
- [How To Upload A Video To The Main Page](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/9660169-how-to-upload-a-video-to-the-main-page.md): Connect with your donors with an engaging video!

##  Fundraising Tools & Resources

- [How do Corporate Matching Programs work?](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/8229991-how-do-corporate-matching-programs-work.md): How to assist your donors so that they can double their donation!
- [How To Solicit Sponsorships From Businesses](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/8577629-how-to-solicit-sponsorships-from-businesses.md): Local businesses offer great potential for donations! The key is to devise a plan and just ask!
- [Planning A Fundraiser-Start to Finish](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/9437905-planning-a-fundraiser-start-to-finish.md): Take your fundraiser from the Idea Stages to Payment Received!
- [Downloadable Overviews](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/690468-downloadable-overviews.md): Materials to help you present 99Pledges
- [99Pledges compared with GoFundMe](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/4193207-99pledges-compared-with-gofundme.md): 99Pledges is the \#1 Fundraising Site for Schools, Sports Teams, & Groups
- [Parent Announcements - General](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/690458-parent-announcements-general.md): Example ways to announce your fundraiser to parents
- [Parent Announcement - Read-a-thon](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/1217389-parent-announcement-read-a-thon.md): Sample parent announcement for a Read-a-thon
- [Parent Announcement - Jog-a-thon](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/863111-parent-announcement-jog-a-thon.md): Sample parent announcement for a Jog-a-thon
- [Parent Announcements - General \(in Spanish\)](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/6974784-parent-announcements-general-in-spanish.md)
- [Canva Poster Templates](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/3750529-canva-poster-templates.md): Need to create a great poster for your fundraising event? Use 99Pledges' customizable Canva poster templates to make a beautiful flyer that attracts support.
- [Spell-a-thon Word List](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/2160238-spell-a-thon-word-list.md): Spell-a-thons are a great way to raise funds while encouraging students to sharpen their spelling skills. Explore our suggestions for words to include.
- [Math-a-thon Problem List](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/3952398-math-a-thon-problem-list.md): When your school runs a Math-a-thon, you can encourage kids' learning while raising funds! Explore our math worksheets by grade to make planning a breeze.
- [35 Free Fundraising Prize Ideas](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/8568746-35-free-fundraising-prize-ideas.md)
- [Flyer Templates](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/8955211-flyer-templates.md): Customizable flyer templates for your fundraiser
- [How to hold your own Color Run](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/690429-how-to-hold-your-own-color-run.md): How-to guide to pulling off your own Color Run
- [How to hold your own Bubble Fun Run](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/690430-how-to-hold-your-own-bubble-fun-run.md): How-to guide on holding your own Bubble Fun Run
- [Fundraising For Group Trips](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/8689073-fundraising-for-group-trips.md): Helping your participants reach their fundraising goals for unforgettable trips!

##  Fundraising Event Ideas and Proven Campaigns

- [Walk-a-thon and Jog-a-thon Fundraisers](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/729881-walk-a-thon-and-jog-a-thon-fundraisers.md): Supercharge your "a-thon" Fundraiser and do less work with 99Pledges' free fundraising platform. Learn how to host your own Walk-a-thon or Jog-a-thon!
- [Start a Read-a-thon with 99Pledges](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/687644-start-a-read-a-thon-with-99pledges.md): Read-a-thons are a great way to raise funds while encouraging kids to read! Learn how to host your own Read-a-thon with 99Pledges' free fundraising platform.
- [Spell-a-thon](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/688561-spell-a-thon.md): Learn how your school can raise funds while encouraging students to improve their spelling abilities. Spell-a-thons are fun, easy-to-run, and profitable.
- [Color Run](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/687143-color-run.md): Want to spice up your Fun Run? Color Runs are a fun, easy way to increase engagement in your fundraiser without breaking the bank. Learn how to host your own!
- [Bubble Fun Run](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/690146-bubble-fun-run.md): Want to boost excitement for your upcoming Fun Run? Bubble Fun Runs are engaging, profitable fundraising events. Learn how to host your own in this guide!
- [Baseball Hit-a-thon ⚾️](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/687506-baseball-hit-a-thon.md): Raise money for your baseball or softball team with a Hit-a-thon! These events raise funds while encouraging your players to practice at the same time!
- [Basketball Shoot-a-thon 🏀](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/687632-basketball-shoot-a-thon.md): Raise money for your basketball team or league by hosting a Shoot-a-thon! Learn how to host these engaging, profitable fundraising events in this guide.
- [Volleyball Serve-a-thon 🏐](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/690178-volleyball-serve-a-thon.md): Raise money for your volleyball team while practicing your skills by hosting a Serve-a-thon! Learn how you can host your own Serve-a-thon in this guide.
- [Soccer Goal-a-thon ⚽️](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/3937073-soccer-goal-a-thon.md): Maximize your soccer team's budget with a Goal-a-thon. Learn how to collect pledges per goal scored and use our automated tracking to save hours of volunteer time.
- [Lift-a-thon 💪](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/3945270-lift-a-thon.md): Raise money for your football or wrestling team by hosting a Lift-a-thon! These events are the best way to hit your fundraising goals without stress.
- [Football Punt, Pass, & Kick Competition 🏈](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/687627-football-punt-pass-kick-competition.md): Raise money for your football team by hosting a punt, pass, & kick fundraiser! Learn how to host your own fun, profitable fundraising event in this guide.
- [Cheer-a-thon 🎉](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/690132-cheer-a-thon.md): Raise money for your cheer squad by hosting your own Cheer-a-thon! Learn how 99Pledges makes hosting fun, profitable Cheer-a-thons easy in this guide.
- [Band Practice-a-thon 🎵](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/688554-band-practice-a-thon.md): With a Band-a-thon, you can raise money for your music group while practicing at the same time! Learn how 99Pledges makes it easy to host your own Band-a-thon.

##  Fundraising Participant and Donor Help Center

- [How do I customize my participant pledge page?](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/3961506-how-do-i-customize-my-participant-pledge-page.md): Through a special link in your invitation email
- [What credit cards and payment methods do you accept for my donation?](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/3956884-what-credit-cards-and-payment-methods-do-you-accept-for-my-donation.md): Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover, PayPal, ApplePay, and GooglePay
- [Is my donation tax deductible?](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/3961571-is-my-donation-tax-deductible.md): Depends on the organization
- [Is my credit card / payment information secure?](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/3956862-is-my-credit-card-payment-information-secure.md): Yes! We take security very seriously
- [Why was my PayPal donation declined?](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/3689030-why-was-my-paypal-donation-declined.md): Troubleshooting tips

## 99pledges Customer Testimonials

- [Customer References](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/727275-customer-references.md): Read 99Pledges customer testimonials from satisfied schools, sports teams, and other youth groups. 99Pledges helps customers double or triple their earnings!
- [VC Academy Experience with 99Pledges](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/4109382-vc-academy-experience-with-99pledges.md): Learn how 99Pledges helped VC Academy raise $75K in their Stay-Fit-a-thon thanks to our onboarding support, marketing materials, and streamlined interface.
- [HREF & 99Pledges](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/4555176-href-99pledges.md): Learn how the HREF team's online fundraiser raised more money than ever before while reducing volunteer burden, thanks to 99Pledges' free fundraising platform.

## Read-a-thon Reading Tracker

- [Read-a-thon Donation & Tracker Options](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/11014388-read-a-thon-donation-tracker-options.md)
- [Reading Tracker \(Details\)](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/5368757-reading-tracker-details.md): How It works, How to Enable, & More
- [Accepting and Finalizing Results with Activity Tracker](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/5502244-accepting-and-finalizing-results-with-activity-tracker.md)
- [Reading Tracker Instruction Flyer Templates](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/9903295-reading-tracker-instruction-flyer-templates.md): Canva Templates for a visual explanation of utilizing our online reading tracker.

##  Student Data Privacy & COPPA Compliance

- [99Pledges is COPPA compliant ✅](https://help.99pledges.com/en/articles/10435040-99pledges-is-coppa-compliant.md): Learn more here.