Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for your interest in supporting the mission of the American Heart Association. Your efforts will allow us to continue our lifesaving mission of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
1. Will American Heart Association staff be able to help me organize my event?
Unfortunately, we don't have the resources to assist, as the American Heart Association staff work year-round in support of our community-wide events such as the Heart Walk, Jump Rope For Heart, Hoops For Heart, Go Red For Women Luncheon and Heart Ball.
2. Can the American Heart Association assist in covering any costs associated with my event?
Unfortunately, the American Heart Association does not have the funds to pay any costs associated with third-party events.
3. Will an American Heart Association representative attend the event?
The American Heart Association relies heavily on volunteers to achieve its mission. We often have volunteers represent us in the community. If you would like a volunteer to represent the American Heart Association at your event, we will make our best effort to find a volunteer or staff person to accept a check and/or to address the attendees. Because of the large number of events and the limited number of staff, staff members are generally unable to attend third-party events.
4. Can the American Heart Association provide materials such as brochures, donation forms and signage for my event?
Yes. With advance notice staff can provide these materials if they are available.
5. Can I use the American Heart Association logo in any promotion for my event?
No. Any use of the American Heart Association service marks or logos outside of the official websites provided is prohibited. All print or broadcast materials referencing the American Heart Association as a recipient of funds must be approved by appropriate American Heart Association staff and comply with our Corporate Relations and Communications guidelines.
6. Can I provide receipts or an acknowledgment letter from the American Heart Association?
Only those donations made on-line or sent directly to the American Heart Association will be receipted/acknowledged individually. We can provide one acknowledgment for the event coordinator, but IRS regulations do not allow receipts to be given by anyone but AHA staffers.
7. If my participants donate directly to the American Heart Association, can staff provide me with their names and amounts donated?
No. The American Heart Association respects the confidentiality of its donors and will not release their contact information.
8. Can I use the American Heart Association’s tax-exempt status when purchasing materials?
No. Third-party event organizers cannot use the American Heart Association’s tax exemption status in conjunction with the event. However, American Heart Association staff can provide a verification letter confirming the organizer’s intent to raise funds for the American Heart Association. All checks from participants of third-party events and programs, whether they are local, affiliate-wide or national, must be made out to the third-party organization, not the American Heart Association. For individuals requesting donations to the American Heart Association in lieu of gifts for a special occasion,checks should be made out to the American Heart Association and sent to the local or affiliate office.
9. How soon after the event must I submit the off-line funds that have been raised?
Within 10 days of the event, send the check(s) and off-line donation form to the appropriate office indicated on the bottom of the form.
Do you have additional questions? If so, please submit them to funraisers@heart.org. This mailbox is monitored Mon-Fri; 8:30-5:00 CST. Every attempt will be made to answer your questions the same business day it is received.
Thank you for your interest in supporting the mission of the American Heart Association.