DREAMERS WANTED
HOW TO GET STARTED with the wcdf fundraising platform
GENERAL COMMENTS
Financial need is one of the main issues facing many upcoming athletes. WCDF helps athletes raise money for their expenses by providing back-end support, but does not raise money directly for specific or individual athletes. All funds go to WCDF, which will then determine grant recipients. World Cup Dreams Foundation (WCDF) exists to support, protect and inspire athletes. We do not want to see a lack of funding stand in the way of athletes reaching their full potential.
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An athlete must fill out a Grant Application before starting or receiving any grant money from WCDF. Donations go directly to WCDF (not the athlete), we can only grant money to athletes who have documented financial need (shown in the application). WCDF can issue grants on behalf of athletes directly to US Ski and Snowboard, which has several benefits (Tax issues, NCAA eligibility, etc.) or if your expenses are outside of US Ski and Snowboard, we can issue grants directly.
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Using WCDF to raise money provides a tax benefit for the donor. With 501(c)3 non-profit status, we can enable the donation through funds or trusts that can only donate to a registered non-profit. In order to do this properly, the correct process must be followed for WCDF to remain compliant with IRS regulations.
FAQS
How do I get my money? When you have received a donation and have an application on file and have expenses (documented need), we can issue a grant. Usually, the best way is direct to a governing body (ex. US Ski and Snowboard on behalf of the athlete.) We can also issue directly to the athlete. If there is on-going need or long term fundraising, grants will be issued upon request. We will issue grants based on the budget estimates that you provide in the application to either the athlete or the governing body. WCDF is NOT a bill pay service. We would prefer not to issue grants for specific items- airline tickets, equipment purchases, etc... Instead, we issue grants based on the budget estimates that you provide in the application to either the athlete or the governing body.
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HOW DO I THANK MY DONORS? We recommend that the athlete send out written thank you notes to their donors. We will provide you with a list of contact information. WCDF will handle the official donation acknowledgment for the donor’s tax purposes.
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Does every penny that is raised go to the Athlete? Not Necessarily. All funds that you raise go directly to WCDF. We do not “pass-through” funds to individuals. This is strictly prohibited by the IRS. We carefully track donations that come in with the donor’s desire to help specific individuals and then evaluate the needs and the qualifying criteria of those individuals. After a thorough review of all criteria, WCDF determines whether we can issue a grant to a specific athlete. If it is important that all funds you raise go directly to a certain athlete, you should not work with WCDF. You can always fundraise directly without seeking non-profit status for the proceeds.
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Are donations tax deductible? WCDF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and donations are tax deductible in compliance with all applicable IRS regulations. Every donor to WCDF will receive a letter with our federal tax ID number on it. They should keep the letter for documentation and consult their tax advisor about the deductibility of the donation.
***Donations from Parents/ Family of the athlete CANNOT be run through the foundation***
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What help does WCDF provide for Athlete fundraisers? We can set you up with a “Donate now” (DonorBox) button for your website, and we can process checks, cash and provide an easy way to track your donations. Donations can be made through our website as well. We will also provide all the advice we can. If you are planning an in-person fundraising event, contact us! We can provide text-to-donate and QR codes to support in-person donating.
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What are some of the details of running fundraising? Checks need to be made out to “World Cup Dreams Foundation” (NOT the name of your event. NOT the name of the person for whom you are fundraising.) You may add the individual’s name in the memo line of the check. When promoting the event, please use terms like- “benefiting WCDF and Athlete X” or “Beneficiaries include Athlete X.” Please avoid statements like “All proceeds go to Athlete X.”
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Why does WCDF keep a percentage of donations? WCDF gives 100% of donations designated to a specific athlete as long as there is a recognized need.
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Who runs the Foundation? Tommy Biesemeyer is the executive director. For any questions please email tommyb@worldcupdreams.org
STEP 1/
Apply to be eligible to use the WCDF platform for fundraising: Athlete Grant Application.
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Once approved for a grant you will be able to begin fundraising!
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STEP 2/
METHODS OF FUNDRAISING
OPTION 1: DONATE NOW BUTTON
Fundraise using WCDF's DonorBox by directing donors to your bio on the WCDF website and/or by adding the WCDF DonorBox button to your website. We can accept payment via CC, ACH, or Paypal.
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OPTION 2: CHECKS
Have donors mail checks to WCD
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Check Made out to “World Cup Dreams Foundation"
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Not Your Name!
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Your name in the “memo line”
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Send Check (and other info) to:
World Cup Dreams Foundation
PO Box 248
Keene, NY 12942
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STEP 3/
THANK YOUR DONORS
World Cup Dreams will track your donations and disperse funds as needs are submitted. While WCDF will provide your donors with a tax receipt we ask that you personally thank your donors! We will be sure to provide contact information for your donations so that you can make this happen.​
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