Student-Athlete FAQ
Your complete guide to launching your first fundraiser or event with Uplifting Athletes. Whether you're a team captain or a freshman with big ideas, this guide answers the questions that matter most as you start your journey to make a difference.
Getting Started: No Experience Required
What if I've never run an event or fundraiser before?
This is completely normal — most Team UA athletes start with zero fundraising experience. You're not expected to figure it all out on your own. We provide a simple, step-by-step playbook that breaks down exactly what to do and when to do it.
You'll get real examples from other high schools that have successfully run events, plus direct support from either a student leader who's been through it or a UA staff member who will guide you through the entire process. You don't need experience — just effort and the willingness to try something new.
Simple Playbook
Step-by-step guidance for your event
Real Examples
Learn from successful student leaders
Dedicated Support
Your personal UA guide throughout
Getting School Approval & Building Team Buy-In
Start with Your Coach or AD
A simple 5-minute conversation is usually all it takes. Try this approach: "We'd like to host a small Team UA event to support the rare disease community. UA provides everything we need. Can we get your green light?"
Schools Love This
Administrators typically support Team UA events because they build student leadership, create community service opportunities, and generate positive PR for the school. It's a win-win-win situation.
Getting Teammates Involved
Lead with something quick and relatable: share one story or one powerful stat (1 in 10 people are impacted by rare disease). Most teammates jump in once they understand why it matters. Start with a small core group — momentum builds fast from there.
Overcoming Fears About Asking for Support
What if I'm nervous to ask people for donations?
Here's the mindset shift that makes all the difference: You're not asking for yourself. You're asking for a family that desperately needs help. That perspective makes the ask feel purposeful rather than uncomfortable.
Remember, you're not asking for big checks or putting pressure on anyone. Even $5 or $10 makes a real impact. Your role is simply to share your fundraising page, explain why this cause matters to you personally, and let people choose whether to support. The authenticity of your story is what moves people — not a perfect sales pitch.
01
Share your fundraising page across social media
02
Post a short video explaining why you're participating
03
Reach out to 5–10 people directly with a personal message
04
Let supporters choose their level of involvement
People give because you care — not because you delivered a flawless pitch. Your genuine passion is what inspires action.
Fundraising Goals & Event Formats
How much money are we supposed to raise?
There's no minimum requirement. Most teams raise between $500 and $3,000 depending on their event size and community reach. Some teams go bigger with ambitious goals, while others keep it small and focused.
Impact isn't measured by the dollar amount alone — it's about showing up for a community that needs support and developing your leadership skills along the way.
Real Impact: Every dollar raised goes directly toward supporting families affected by rare diseases today and funding breakthrough research for tomorrow.
Do we have to run a specific type of event?
Absolutely not. Team UA is designed to flex around your schedule and sport. Choose the format that works best for your team:
- Lift for Life: Strength-based fundraising challenge
- Team Challenges: Sport-specific competitions
- Performance Pledges: Fundraise based on game stats
- Tournaments: Multi-team events
- Field Days: Community-wide activities
Pick what fits your season, your facilities, and your team culture.
Common Concerns Addressed
What if no one donates?
This concern is understandable, but it almost never becomes reality. When student-athletes authentically share why they're doing this, supporters consistently show up. One or two personal messages, one Instagram story, one text to your group chat — that's typically enough to create momentum.
Can we run the event even if our season is busy?
Yes, definitely. Most Team UA events take just 45–90 minutes from start to finish. Many teams tie their event to a regular practice day, while others schedule it after school or during a PE block. UA helps you design an event that fits your constraints, not the other way around.
Can I lead this even if I'm not a captain?
Absolutely. Team UA is for any student-athlete who wants to step up and make a difference. Some of our most successful event leaders have been freshmen and sophomores who simply cared enough to start something meaningful. Leadership titles don't matter — your initiative does.
Why Rare Diseases Matter
What's the point of raising money for rare diseases?
This question gets to the heart of Team UA's mission. When you participate in a Team UA event, you're creating impact on three important levels that extend far beyond a single fundraiser.
Helping Families Today
Creates a meaningful point of connection between athletes and the local rare disease community — giving families a memorable experience and giving athletes a direct, personal link to the cause they represent.
Funding Research for Tomorrow
Every dollar contributes to breakthrough research that could lead to new treatments, therapies, and ultimately cures for diseases that currently have limited options.
Building Your Leadership Skills
You're developing real-world skills in project management, communication, fundraising, and team leadership that will serve you well beyond your athletic career.
Team UA transforms your sport into something bigger than a scoreboard. It gives your athletic platform purpose and meaning that extends into the community.
The Support You'll Receive
What support do we actually get from Uplifting Athletes?
You're not doing this alone. When you commit to leading a Team UA event, you get comprehensive support designed to set you up for success. Here's exactly what UA provides throughout your journey:
Complete Event Playbook
A detailed guide that walks you through every phase of planning and executing your event, from initial approval to post-event celebration.
Professional Graphics & Tools
Ready-made social media graphics, flyers, and promotional materials plus user-friendly fundraising tools and platforms.
Dedicated UA Staff Member
Your personal contact who answers questions, provides guidance, and helps troubleshoot any challenges that come up.
Student Leader Network
Direct access to other student-athletes who have successfully run Team UA events and can share their experiences and advice.
By the Numbers: Team UA Impact
1 in 10
People Affected
One in ten people are impacted by rare diseases — that's likely someone in your school, on your team, or in your community right now.
45-90
Minutes Required
The typical time commitment for most Team UA events, making it easy to fit into your busy season schedule.
$500-3K
Average Funds Raised Per Participant
What most teams raise through their events, with every dollar making a meaningful difference for rare disease families and research.
Ready to Make a Difference?
You have all the answers. You have the support. You have the potential to create real change. The only question left is: Will you step up?
Talk to Your Coach or AD
Start the conversation about bringing Team UA to your school. It takes just 5 minutes to get the ball rolling.
Connect with Uplifting Athletes
Reach out to get your event playbook, support resources, and personal UA staff contact who will guide you through the process. [email protected]
Rally Your Team
Share the mission with your teammates. Start with a small core group of believers and watch the momentum build naturally.
Launch Your Event
Execute your plan, raise funds, and make a lasting impact on families affected by rare diseases while developing leadership skills that will serve you for life.
Team UA isn't just about fundraising — it's about transforming student-athletes into leaders who use their platform to lift others up. Your journey starts now.