Walk with a Doc Funding Options
As a nonprofit, we absolutely understand the challenges that come with raising funds. While we need to cover our costs of insurance, marketing materials, and merchandise for your new chapter, we certainly don’t want money to stop you from getting the community moving. Here are a couple of options that each have different ‘pros.’
Fundraising Ideas
Request Funding from Local Organizations
Download this sponsorship request letter to ask local organizations for support. We’ve seen groups partner with a local YMCA, public health department, parks & rec department, medical society, restaurant, shoe store, sporting goods store, grocery store, faith-based organization, retirement community, etc. Many organizations are excited to get involved and will even help promote the program as well. This option has the potential to create a beautiful community-wide partnership.
Online Fundraisers
Facebook Fundraisers are an easy way to ask friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to help cover some of the cost. Visit facebook.com/fund/walkwithadoc to create your fundraiser. After you set it up, please email us a link to the fundraiser so we can keep an eye on it and thank people! Any donations made to this fundraiser will be applied to your chapter startup fee.
If you don’t have Facebook, GoFundMe is another option.
If you’re a medical student, you could try GiveCampus.
Payment Plan
We can split the starter kit ($700) into a payment plan with a credit card. Payments are typically split into three installments of $233.33 and are automatically paid every three months. Click here to complete your first payment. Once the first payment is received, we’ll be able to onboard your chapter.
Scholarship Opportunities:
We ask that you please spend time with the options above before applying for a scholarship. These scholarships are available to help cover a portion of the WWAD starter pack and membership (not any additional merchandise). Approval is based on a variety of factors and will be reviewed by the Walk with a Doc board and scholarship committee. We have two scholarship opportunities:
Scholarship for Medical Students
The Dr. Sommer Scholarship Fund allows us to offer scholarships for medical students who want to start a Walk with a Future Doc (WWAFD) program in their community. If you’re a medical student, or you’re a doctor who is partnering with a group of medical students, and your school doesn’t already have a WWAD/WWAFD program, you’re eligible to receive a scholarship up to the full amount of a starter pack ($700). Click here to complete the application.
Scholarship for Healthcare Professionals
Our general scholarship can cover up to 50% of the starter pack ($350). Preference is given to those who are planning to start Walk with a Doc in an underserved and/or rural community. Click here to complete the application.
Connect with Existing WWAD Programs:
If it’s not the right time for you to start your own Walk with a Doc chapter, we’d love to have you help support existing chapters that are already walking in your area! Search our map and let us know if there are any groups you’d like to connect with: