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Events

Gather Momentum

From Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day, we’re inviting everyone to show up for birthparents, helping us raise the funds necessary to provide them the comprehensive support and community they deserve. Through Gather Momentum, you can turn almost anything into a fundraiser for Birthparent Support Alliance: a walk with friends, a swim challenge, a birthday fundraiser, a yoga class, a neighborhood gathering, a book club, a pickleball tournament, or simply a goal that matters to you.

 Every mile, every gathering, and every act of support helps provide critical resources, community, and mental health support for birthparents and families navigating complex journeys. No event is too small. No idea is too simple. If it brings people together, it can create change. Create your own fundraiser. Invite your community. Build momentum for families who deserve to feel seen, supported, and never alone. Together, we can turn passion into purpose, and movement into meaningful impact.

Registering gets you started, giving you a dedicated Gather Momentum webpage to fundraise from: you can invite participants there, track your fundraising progress, invite people to donate, and share photos from your event all from your own platform. 

Need some inspiration to get started? Not sure how to align your hobbies and interests with a an event that puts the fun back in fundraising? We've got you covered, with a handy PDF outlining dozens of ideas - grab one that works for you, or be inspired by the list to come up with something new. 

Gather Momentum FAQ

  • What is Gather Momentum?

    Gather Momentum is a community-driven fundraising campaign supporting birthparents and families through the work of the Birthparent Support Alliance. Participants can gather in ways that feel meaningful to them while raising the funds necessary for the comprehensive care, mental health services, and community that birthparents need, all at no cost to them, and available to them regardless of their geographic location.

    Whether you walk, swim, play board games, bike, host a trivia night, bake, dance, or gather your community another way, every step creates lasting impact for the birthparents we serve.

  • How do I register?

    Getting started is simple:
    1. Register as a Team Captain or Participant
    2. Create or join a team
    3. Personalize your fundraising page
    4. Share your story and invite others to support your efforts
    5. Start moving and fundraising!
    6. Once registered, you’ll receive a dedicated page on our Gather momentum site, along with tools, templates, and tips to help make your campaign successful.

  • What does it cost to participate?

    Only Team Captains are required to pay the $25 registration fee.

    Team participants are encouraged to either make the suggested donation amount set by their Team Captain
    or contribute any amount meaningful to them.

    We want participation to feel accessible and community-centered while still driving impact for birthparent support services.

  • Do I have to be athletic to participate?

    Not at all! Gather Momentum is about showing up in a way that is fun for you, and sure, for some people that might be running a 5K, but for others, it might be a boardgame tournament, or a collage-making class, or a cooking challenge. Every action counts — whether it's a sport, or not, is up to you. Bottom line: you decide where to Gather Momentum, by doing something you enjoy.

  • How do I fundraise? I don't really know how to raise money.

    Fundraising can be simple and surprisingly effective. Start with people who already know and care about you.

    Ways to fundraise include:
    *Sharing your fundraising page on social media
    *Sending personal emails or texts
    *Asking friends to sponsor your activity goal
    *Creating team fundraising challenges
    *Hosting a small gathering or event
    *Asking local businesses for support
    *Matching gifts through employers

    The most successful fundraisers usually:
    *Share why the mission matters to them
    *Post updates consistently
    *Make direct asks
    *Thank supporters often

  • What should I say when asking for donations?

    Keep it personal and authentic. Something simple works best:

    “I’m participating in Gather Momentum to support birthparents and maternal mental health through the Birthparent Support Alliance. I’d love your support as I work toward my fundraising goal.”

  • Can I create a team?

    Absolutely! Teams are encouraged.

    You can create:
    *Corporate teams
    *Family teams
    *Friend groups
    *Swim, fitness, or athletic teams
    *Community organization teams

    Team Captains can customize their team page, set fundraising goals, and encourage participation throughout the campaign.

  • Is there a fundraising minimum?

    No minimum is required beyond the Team Captain registration fee. Every dollar raised helps expand support services, counseling access, peer connection, and advocacy efforts.

  • Where do the funds go?

    Funds raised support programs and services through including:

    *Birthparent peer support
    *Counseling and mental health access
    *Community programming
    *Educational initiatives
    *Advocacy and long-term support services

  • Who do I contact if I need help?

    We’re here to help! Reach out to the Gather Momentum team at sam@birthparentsupportalliance.org with questions about registration, fundraising tools, team setup, or campaign ideas.

  • Are there fundraising goals?

    Yes! Together, our community goal is to raise $150,000 in support of birthparent mental health, peer support, advocacy, and wraparound services through via comprehensive case management.

    Suggested fundraising goals:
    * $1,000 per team
    * $100 per individual participant

    These goals are meant to inspire momentum — every dollar raised makes a meaningful impact.

  • Are there prizes or incentives?

    Yes! Participants who raise $250 or more will be eligible for special Gather Momentum prizes and incentives throughout the campaign.
    Additional fundraising milestones, team recognitions, and surprise challenges may also be announced during the event period.

  • Does fundraising stop after I register?

    Not at all! Registration is just the beginning.

    Once you register, you can continue fundraising throughout the entire campaign by:
    * Sharing your page
    * Inviting donors
    * Posting updates
    * Expanding your team
    * Hosting mini fundraising activities
    * Tracking your progress and milestones

    Many participants will raise the majority of their donations after registering by continuing to build momentum over time.

  • What if I don’t hit my fundraising goal?

    That’s okay! Fundraising goals are designed to motivate and inspire participation, not create pressure.
    Every donation, share, conversation, and participant helps grow awareness and support for birthparents and families.

  • Can people donate even if they aren’t participating?

    Absolutely. Supporters can donate directly to:
    * An individual participant
    * A team
    * The overall Gather Momentum campaign

    Even if someone can’t participate physically, they can still help move the mission forward.

  • Can I update my fundraising page after registering?

    Yes! You can continue updating your:
    *Personal story
    *Photos
    *Team members
    *Fundraising goals
    *Activity updates
    *Progress milestones

    We encourage participants to keep their pages active and personal throughout the campaign.

  • How can I make mine a successful fundraiser?

    The most successful participants usually:
    * Start early
    * Share consistently
    * Tell a personal story
    * Make direct asks
    * Thank donors quickly
    * Post progress updates often

    People give to people — authenticity matters more than perfection.

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