Case Studies and Program Descriptions

There’s an incredible diversity of cause marketing programs to draw upon for inspiration in creating your own campaign. We’ve searched the web for case studies and program descriptions useful to business and nonprofit cause marketers.

Case Studies and Program Description Examples

Cultivating Participants National Multiple Sclerosis Society
- Special Events National MS Society Champions Against MS  The Champions Against MS™ program strives to connect people living with MS and event participants from the MS Bike Tour, MS Walk and/or MS Challenge Walk. The site offers details on how to get inovled with events and participants. permalink
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
- Special Events National MS Society Fundraising   Tips, tricks, and how-to's from past participants. A list of ways that individuals can get invovled with the Nationa Multiple Sclerosis Society events, including: writing letters, teaming up with others, giving prizes, or event providing a feeding frenzy! permalink
Pancreatic Cancer Research - A List of Local Events To Take Action  A wide variety of activities to engage in the issue of Pancreatic Cancer and to raise funds for researching and developing a solution. Find a local event that suits your interest, including: Spin-a-Tons, Poker Nights and Golf Tournaments. permalink
The Jimmy Fund - To Beat Cancer  Soccer, golf, baking - whatever activity suits you, it is here! Find a fun way to take action to support cancer research. Organized by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. permalink
Event Management Firms Super-Thons: America's Fun Way to Fundraise  Computhon is a company that helps nonprofits manage whit calls "SuperThons" (usually a Walkathon or Jog/Walk-A-Thon).  permalink
Event Management Technology Artez Online Fundraising Services  The Artez Solution is our technology package for online fundraising. Consisting of four modules and backed by our team of product specialists and developers, it is an easy to use and highly effective tool for managing online fundraising campaigns, large or small. permalink
CharityWeb Transaction Processing  CharityWeb offers a variety of secure transaction processing products that can be customized to meet the everyday fundraising needs of many kinds of organizations. From colleges to international relief agencies – we customize forms for special events, fundraising campaigns, and emergency relief efforts. From our basic donation form to pledge forms for capital campaigns – we have the flexibility you need to achieve your goals. permalink
Veteran Fund-Raising Team Raises the Bar for Performance  Veteran Fund-Raising company DonorPerfect provides all the professional fund-raising capabilities organizations need to grow fund-raising success. The firm has worked with thousands of nonprofits, and consistently left clients a giant leap closer to their development goals. permalink
Group Rides American Diabetes Association
- Tour de Cure  Tour de Cure is a series of cycling events held in more than 80 cities nationwide to benefit the American Diabetes Association. permalink
American Motorcycle Association - Ride for A Cause  Whether you ride road, off-road or both, AMA-sanctioned events like this one are taking place across the country every month of the year. Find one near you by searching the database of events.  permalink
Braking the Cycle  A 3-day, 275 mile bike ride from Gettysburg, PA to Manhattan benefitting the HIV/AIDS services of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center in NYC. permalink
Helping Children with Cancer  At Angel Charitable Trust, our mission is to help children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases by opening windows of happiness during their most intense periods of treatment. We do this by sponsoring "Camp in a Suitcase," a hospital outreach program that entertains and supports children during their periods of hospitalization.  permalink
Hope In Motion: Walk, Run and Ride 2007  On Sunday, June 3, 2007, National Cancer Survivor’s Day, our community will gather in the heart of Stamford Downtown to show support for cancer patients, their families and friends. Organized by Stamford Health Foundation.  permalink
Last Training Ride of the 2007 MS150 Season  Fayetteville offers lots of good hills to get that last training objective checked off before the big ride. The weather forecast looks good for Saturday and a good turn out is expected. permalink
National Multiple Sclerosis Society  The Fastest Route to a Cure for MS Goes Through a Town Near You. With 100 tours in over 48 states its hard to miss out. The MS Bike Ride is not just for serious athletes — anyone who wants to have fun and fight multiple sclerosis can participate. permalink
Pan-Massachusetts Challenge  Nearly 4,800 cyclists from 36 U.S. states and six countries will ride up to 192 miles across the Commonwealth in the 28th annual Pan-Massachusetts Challenge (PMC) on Aug. 4 and 5, 2007. Their collective goal is to raise $27 million for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. To date, the PMC has raised more than $171 million. permalink
Pittsburgh Rides for Charity  By simply riding your bike, you can help change a life. You don't necessarily have to raise hundreds of dollars or ride super long distances to participate in charity bike rides. The greater Pittsburgh area offers a wide variety of charitable biking opportunties for everyone - from the weekend cyclist and families to the hard-core fitness enthusiast. permalink
Ride Without Limits
- Benefiting United Cerebral Palsy  For the benefit of Cerebral Palsy, a comprehensive site on 2007 rides. Learn about the event and the often misunderstood issue. You can also register for the ride and spread awareness to your friends. permalink
TeamMS - National Multiple Sclerosis Society  TeamMS is the best way to be involved with any of the National MS Society's family of special events. Register a new team, join and existing one, and get your company involved. permalink
The American Lung Association of Maine   2009 Trek Across Maine - Sunday River to the Sea June 19, 2009- Start Line: Sunday River Ski Resort, Newry, Maine June 21, 2009- Finish Line: Belfast, Maine  permalink
The Campaign to Conquer Aims Big  The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's drive to raise $1-billion by 2010 isn't depending solely on a small group of wealthy donors to provide the largest donations. Instead, unlike the typical ambitious fund-raising drive, its biggest single source of money will probably be a bike-athon that draws thousands of participants each year. permalink
The Hazon International Bike Ride  Hazon means “vision.” Hazon works towards a healthier and more sustainable Jewish community—as a step towards a healthier and more sustainable world for all. From NY, to DC, to Israel join one of the rides. permalink
The Pan-Massachusetts Challenge Raises More Money Than Any Other Athletic Fundraising Event in the Country  The Pan-Massachusetts Challenge presented by the Boston Red Sox and Overstock.com, is the nation’s original fundraising bike-a-thon and today raises more money than any other athletic fundraising event in the country. The PMC is a model of fundraising efficiency. In 2006, the PMC donated 99 cents of every rider-raised dollar directly to cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. The PMC generates nearly 50 percent of the Jimmy Fund's annual revenue and is its single largest contributor. Last year, 4,270 PMC cyclists raised and contributed $26 million to the Jimmy Fund, bringing its 27-year contribution to more than $171 million. The cyclists’ 2007 goal is to raise $27 million.  permalink
Volvo City of Angels Fun Ride - April 29, 2007, L.A.  A bicycle tour of L.A. to generate funds for a collection of children's hospitals throughout the city. The tour goes through 65 scenic, historical and cultural areas throughout the city. Check this site for more details. permalink
Group Runs/Walks 2007 Out of the Darkness Community Walks - Suicide Awarness/Prevention   permalink
40,000 across the country join the Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization  More than 40,000 people across the country showed up at the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization™ Mother’s Day events across the country and raised more than $6 million to help empower those touched by breast cancer. permalink
AIDS Walk Finder   A comprehensive database of walks to support a cure for AIDS. Organized state by state, get involved with an event in your area. permalink
AIDS Walk Ft. Lauderdale - April 29, 2007  Over 2,000 participants attended AIDS Walk Ft. Lauderdale on Sunday April 30th, 2006. Over $362,000 was raised to benefit HIV/AIDS Service Organizations in Broward County permalink
AIDS Walk Los Angeles - October 15, 2006  On October 15th, 2006, 30,000 walkers helped to raise a record $3.7 million in support of AIDS Project Los Angeles and other LA Area AIDS Service Organizations!  permalink
American Diabetes Association Walk for Diabetes  Nearly 300 events across the country raised $20,000,000 in 2005 for the American Diabetes Association. permalink
American Foundation For Suicide Prevention
- Out of The Darkness Walk   permalink
Avon Foundation - Need For Speed
Relay Against Domestic Violence  Smaller and newer than Avon's Walks for Breast Cancer, this is one of the few relay format fundraising events. permalink
Breast Cancer 3-Day National Philanthropic Trust   The National Philanthropic Trust runs and the Breast Cancer 3-Day series with events in 12 markets to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. permalink
CancerCare Event Listings  A listing of information relevant to Cancer awarenes and support. Event listings through the summer of 2007. The website is administered by CancerCare, a national nonprofit organization that provides free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer. permalink
Church World Service CROP Hunger Walks   Founded in 1968, this was perhaps the first major fundraising walk series. In 2006, nearly $15 million was raised in 1,700 events. permalink
Colon Cancer Coalition - Get Your Rear in Gear  The Get Your Rear in Gear family of events is being created to help raise awareness of colorectal cancer in communities across the country. A Get Your Rear in Gear event is a new way for those who have been touched by colorectal cancer to gather with others to make a difference.  permalink
Down Syndrome Buddy Walk  Established in 1995, the Buddy Walk promotes acceptance and inclusion of those with Down Syndrome. Learn more about the walks and the National Down Syndrome Society. permalink
Go The Distance - Maria Fareri Children's Hospital  Go The Distance (formerly known as 'Walk The Walk') is a 1.5 mile non-competitive walk to raise money for Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at Westchester (NY) Medical Center.  permalink
God's Love We Deliver (GLWD) 13th Annual Race to Deliver in Central Park  In November 2006, over 6,500 people participated in this run to support God's Love We Deliver, a nonprofit that supports HIV/AIDS patients in New York City.  permalink
Great Run - UK  A web portal on UK cause related runs. A comprehensive source for anyone looking to find run events, charities to support, past run press etc. permalink
Law Enforcement Torch Run - Special Olympics  Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2006, the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics is the movement's largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle. In its 25th year, the Torch Run has raised US$25.5 million for Special Olympics Programs around the world. Show your support for those who defend us daily. permalink
MADD Strides for Change   In 2006 Strides for Change, MADD’s signature 5K walk series raised over $1,000,000 through 22 events with national sponsorship by Nissan. permalink
March of Dimes  Help to save premature babies. Walk for the cause individually or join a team. Check out the recent visit on the Today Show while you are on the site! permalink
Mixing It Up For A Good Cause - Terra Nove Article  The American Cancer Society and Relay For Life are collaborating on a mixed reality relay event for August 27-28, 2007. Participants will continue the overnight relay by walking or running and even virtually through Second Life. permalink
NAMI Walks  Every journey begins with that first step. In 2007, thousands of concerned citizens in more than 60 communities across the nation will join NAMI's Campaign for the Mind of America and walk together to raise money and awareness about our country's need for a world-class treatment and recovery system for people with mental illness. Won't you join us? permalink
National Kidney Foundation - Kidney Walk  The National Kidney Foundation's Kidney Walk is a non-competitive walk focusing on education and prevention of kidney and urinary tract diseases, and awareness of the need for organ donation. The Kidney Walk presents an occasion for dialysis patients, organ transplant recipients, donor families, living donors, the medical and business communities, and the general public to celebrate life and create lasting community advocacy and long-term support for the Foundation's mission. permalink
National Multiple Sclerosis Society - Special Events  The MS Challenge Walk is not just about walking. It is about being part of the national movement of thousands of people that are doing something BIG to make a difference in the lives of the 400,000 people living with the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis. By participating in the MS Challenge Walk, you do what thousands of people with MS cannot do themselves - put one foot in front of the other. permalink
National Multiple Sclerosis Society - The MS Walk  An access page to participate in the MS Walk. Functionality includes: register through your chapter, find a participant to sponsor with a pledge, and once you have registered, go to My Participant Center to manage your participation. permalink
Nike Women's Marathon Again Hits the Streets of San Francisco
Raises money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society  The premier women's run in the US - over 15,000 participants were at the event in October, 2006. In only its third year the event is expected to raise over $40 million. A page has detailed press release offering highlights for the most recent event. permalink
Parkinson's Unity Walk
12th Annual Parkinson's Unity Walk Raises Funds for Parkinson's Research While Offering a Day of Community, Education, and Fun  Since is was founded in 1994, the Parkinson's Unity Walk has continued to grow, generating an growing amount of awareness of the disease and funds for research. A site that includes an account of the 2006 event, photos, video clips and other multi-media content. permalink
Pediatric Cancer Foundation's 13th Annual Walkathon - Sunday, April 22, 2007 NYC   Every year more than 12,000 infants and children are diagnosed with cancer. Despite remarkable research progress, cancer still kills more children than diabetes, cystic fibrosis, asthma, congenital anomalies and AIDS combined. WALK with friends, family,co-workers & neighbors on Sunday, April 22nd. permalink
Relay For Life - The Cancer Council of Australia   A team event to fight cancer in Australia. Learn more about the relay, register a team, get involved with the Corporate Team Programs. permalink
St. Jude Memphis Marathon  Get ready for a fun-filled marathon weekend taking place in the Birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll and Home of the Blues. Experience Memphis' rich history, great food and tons of Southern Hospitality while participating in a race benefiting the life-saving work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. From the scent of barbeque wafting through the air to the strains of guitars coming from Beale Street, Memphis is truly a unique destination spot. permalink
Support A Walk  This annual 3-mile walk attracts several thousand participants to raises funds for Support Connection, a nonprofit in Yorktown, NY offering services to women, their families and friends affected by breast and ovarian cancer. permalink
The American Society for Bariatric Surgery Foundation
- Walk from Obesity   Since its inception, the Walk from Obesity has raised more than $1.6 million to support research and educational programs on behalf of all of those affected by this disease. This site enables you to locate one of the national walk sites and get involved. permalink
The Avon Walks for Breast Cancer  Avon has raised tens of millions of dollars for breast cancer research and education by staging fundraising walks. permalink
The MS Walk  The MS Walk Held in more than 700 cities nationwide during the spring, money raised from this 5K and 10K event allows the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to assist more than a million people annually. The group also organizes other events, including the MS Bike Tour and the MS Challenge Walk. Call 800-344-4867 or visit www.nationalmssociety.org. permalink
The National Children's Cancer Society - Walk for the Children   A once-a-year event for the St. Louis-based National Children's Cancer Society. permalink
The Terry Fox Run - A Canadian Hero  Terry Fox was a young hero of Canada, who on one leg began a run across the country before his life was taken by cancer. His passion continues through one of the biggest runs for Cancer research in the country. permalink
The Underwear Affair  Participants in the BC Cancer Foundation’s Underwear Affair sport underwear and daring outfits while raising critical funds and awareness and giving a voice to ‘taboo‘ and underfunded cancers such as prostate, colorectal, and cervical.  permalink
The United Cerebral Palsy Elvis Run  In 1995, a few hundred people participated in the first Walk & Roll to benefit United Cerebral Palsy (UCP). In 2000, the name was officially changed to the Elvis Run, with licensing from Elvis Presley Enterprises. Today, the UCP Elvis Run has become known for live Elvis impersonators and runners with Elvis’ sideburns crossing the finish line. permalink
The Vision 5K  Participants in The Vision 5K's Blindfold Challenge cover the race course blindfolded with the aid of a sighted guide. Learn more and see the video. permalink
United Cerebral Palsy Elvis Run  In 1995, a few hundred people participated in the first Walk & Roll to benefit United Cerebral Palsy (UCP). In 2000, the name was officially changed to the Elvis Run, with licensing from Elvis Presley Enterprises. Today, the UCP Elvis Run has become known for live Elvis impersonators and runners with Elvis’ sideburns crossing the finish line.  permalink
Walk for Polycystic Kidney Disease Raises $2.4 Million   permalink
Walk Now For Autism  Cure Autism Now and Autism Speaks have merged to form one powerful voice. A listing of dates to get involved with the new coalition. permalink
Walk To Cure Diabetes  The Juvinile Diabetes Research Foundation wants you to joint them to Walk to Cure the disease. Over 200 walk sites - be one of the 500,000 participants permalink
Walk With Us - To Cure Lupus  Alliance for Lupus Research has organized walk across the US. A resource platform to search an event and get involved. permalink
World Vision's 29,000 Steps For Children  Download and review the Information Sheet For Walkers, as well as the Registration Form. Choose your distance, invite others, post flyers - also learn about the causes that the walk is supporting through World Vision organization. permalink
Hiking/Climbing/Outdoor Events Climb to Fight Breast Cancer  This climbing program benefits the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center permalink
Easter Seals Canada Drop Zone  Since 2005 more than 1,400 participants have raised over $1.9 million for Easter Seals Canada through this program that offers the opportunity to rappel down an office building.  permalink
Need Funds? Go Jump Off A Building  Easter Seals Canada has raised more than $500,000 in 2006 by offering adults the chance to jump off tall buildings. Drop Zone, producer of the rappelling event, is looking for US charities to take the plunge with this unusual fundraising program. permalink
Tubbs National Romp To Stop Out Breast Cancer   A unique snowshoeing event, the Romp to Stomp Series has a 2007 funding goal of $200,000 for Susan G Komen for the Cure. permalink
Individual Endurance American Liver Foundation Run for Research® Marathon Team   The American Liver Foundation's Run for Research® is one of the oldest and largest marathon teams in the Boston Athletic Association's official charity program. Over 18 years, we have helped thousands of runners train for and compete in the Boston Marathon® while raising critical funds in the fight against liver disease. Last year over $1.1 million was raised for the cause by 244 runners. Learn more and join for the upcoming 2007 event. permalink
Cause To Run  Sunday July 27, 2007 in San Francisco. The 2007 Cause to Run program allows participants to join any of the following beneficiaries and raise funds for them by participating in any of the Cause to Run events. Simply locate the team number of the cause you would like to support and register using that team number. permalink
Childhelp® Particpates in 2007 Venice Marathon   Childhelp® is proud to announce its participation in the 2007 Venice Marathon in Venice, Italy on October 28, 2007. Information regarding getting involved. The site includes details for non-runners, video, and public service announcements. Even if you are not from Pheonix (where Childhelp is located) you are still welcome to join! permalink
Fred's Team: Running Marathons to Fight Cancer  Fred's Team is a dynamic group of first-time and veteran marathon runners with the common goals of raising funds for critical cancer research and completing a marathon. In 2006, 750 runners competed in the ING New York City Marathon wearing the orange-and-purple Fred's Team uniform. In addition, Fred's Team runners have also competed in marathons around the country and throughout the world -- in Anchorage, Antarctica, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, New Orleans, and San Francisco -- to benefit Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. permalink
ING sponsored New York City Marathon  Nov. 4, 2007. The premier event of New York Road Runners, the ING New York City Marathon is one of the world's great road races, drawing more than 90,000 applicants. Over 700,000 have participated in this run in the past. Check the charity partners for organizations involved. permalink
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center  In 2006, Fred's Team members raised more than $3.5 million through various events held across the United States. Find out more at this site. Named for the late Fred Lebow, New York City Marathon founder and former Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center patient, Fred's Team generates donations for research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering by participating in marathons and other endurance events. permalink
National AIDS Marathon Training Program Geared to Beginners and Experienced Runners  The National AIDS Marathon Training Program is geared to both beginners and experienced runners. The full marathon program starts with three miles of running and walking, and then gradually increases in distance. The half marathon program starts with just one mile. Whether you have never run a step, or you are a seasoned marathoner who wants to improve your personal best, this program will help you succeed. permalink
Team In Training - Leukemia & Lymphoma Society  The team provides training for running and walking marathons, half-marathons, triathalons, and century bike rides. Since 1988 more that 300,000 have joined the team. permalink
Ted Burnham for Medical Research  In only a few months, you can be trained to complete a marathon or half marathon AND make a difference in the battle against disease. And you don't even need to be a runner! permalink
The Children's Tumor Foundation
- The Mighty NF Marathon Team   In support of the Children's Tumor Foundation, the NF Marathon Team offers the opportunity for individuals to participate in team endurance sports to raise money for research, promote awareness, and provide a network of caring support for those suffering with Neurofibromatosis and their families. The site features a database of marathon opportunities, and a video from past events.  permalink
The San Diego Triathalon Challenge Benefiting the Challenged Athletes Foundation   The San Diego Triathalon Challenge is one of several endurance events benefitting the Challenged Athlete Foundation. Over the years it has raised over $11 million for the CAF. permalink
Train to End Stroke - American Stroke Association  A national program to train runners while supporting the American Stroke Association. Find out where the local meeting point are on this site and connect with the local office. permalink
Trek 2 Relay Fights Childhood Obesity   permalink
Marketing ActiveGiving Can Manage Your Online Communications  Each week, the ActiveGiving site features 5 events and 5 campaigns from around the country. The listings dynamically link to registration or donation pages with details on the organization, the cause, and ways to contribute. The links increase exposure and provide quick links for immediate action. permalink
Participant Fundraising Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America
- Fundraising Wrap up  Whether through skydiving, biking, or auto racing events the CCFA has developed an innovative program to raise funds. For example over 90 skydivers across America have raised $120,000 to fight Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis - painful, medically incurable illnesses that attack the digestive system.  permalink
School Events School Walk for Diabetes  School Walk for Diabetes (SWFD) is a K-12 educational fund-raising program that teaches students the benefits of healthy living, community service and school spirit while raising money for the American Diabetes Association. This is an action center for students and schools to engage in an issues that effects 21 million kids and adults with diabetes in the US. permalink
Sponsorship Big O Tires Sponsors Denver Race for the Cure  CharityMile.com shares details of Big O Tires' involvement with the Denver Race for the Cure permalink
Swimming Events Bioguard Splash for CF  In 2008, BioGuard sponsored the Laps for CF Foundation, an Alabama-based charity started by a girl fighting Cystic Fibrosis. Participants can raise money by swimming laps, throwing pool parties or purchasing product from participating BioGuard dealers. permalink
Provincetown Swim for Life  In 2008, community groups on Cape Cod will benefit from the 21st Provincetown Swim for Life and Paddler Flotilla. permalink
St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound  Nicholas D'Antona, a sixth-grade student at Seymour Middle School, is continuing his dedication to helping others and donating money to benefit St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound. Nicholas is only eleven and is already making a lasting impression on the community. permalink
Swim Across America  Swim Across America, Inc., [SAA] is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming- related events. With the help of hundreds of volunteers nationwide and past and current Olympians, SAA is helping to find a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service.  permalink
Team Recruitment Gold's Gym Recruits Teams for Tour de Cure  Gold's Gym is a national sponsor of the American Diabetes Association's signature cycling event, the Tour de Cure. To recruit and retain members and build comraderie, it invites consumers to join their local Gold's Gym Bike Team today—even if they're not a Gold's member!  permalink