It’s Easy to Show UCARE
New community fundraising program provides University of Miami and UHealth supporters with the tools to run successful fundraising campaigns.
It has never been simpler to show how much you care about programs, schools, professors and physicians at the University of Miami, which includes all educational and UHealth campuses.
UCARE, a new community fundraising platform, invites appreciative alumni, students and staff, grateful patients and family members and caring individuals of the community to tap into their networks and raise money to support the causes that mean the most to them.
“There are so many charitable and passionate people in our community who want to contribute but are not sure exactly where to begin,” said Shawn McGee, executive director, Development, DCC, and Community Fundraising at UM. “UCARE helps guide them through every step of the process to ensure a successful online fundraiser or fundraising event.”
With more than 50 years of combined experience and expertise in producing major sports and community events, the UCARE team, led by McGee and Philanthropy Officer Allison Fitzsimmons, will serve as advisors, providing the structure and support system individuals need to put on a successful community fundraiser.
Limitless Possibilities
The breadth of UCARE is limited only by the imagination. Traditional fundraising options include creating a giving page to pay tribute to a loved one, commemorate a special life event or support a specific program or doctor, and hosting a fundraising event such as a bake sale, golf tournament, 5K, luncheon or gala.
“Community fundraising is kind of like a blank slate,” said Fitzsimmons. “There’s no end to what you can do. Sometimes people don’t even realize what their passion is or how supportive their network can be. That’s where we come in. We can help you identify the area of UM or UHealth that you want to support and provide guidance on best practices for marketing campaigns, soliciting your network and event planning, so that you can reach your fundraising goals.”
Show UCARE
The first step in launching a UCARE campaign is to submit an application. It will be reviewed within 14 days to ensure the fundraiser follows UM’s guidelines. Once approved, fundraisers will receive the UCARE Toolkit (pdf), a step-by-step guide for planning a successful fundraiser. It offers suggestions on possible fundraising events, a detailed list of the logistics to consider when planning an event or marketing campaign, public relations tips on how to generate attention using local media channels and social media and suggestions on how to thank your supporters and present your donation to UM or UHealth.
“UCARE is here to support the work you do and provide you with the tools needed to present a polished and professional-looking fundraiser,” said Fitzsimmons. “The best part is there is no fee to utilize the UCARE Community Fundraising platform or our services, and 100% of all money raised goes toward your cause.”
Grateful Donors
Sean Stone’s Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Fundraiser is one of the first campaigns to utilize the UCARE platform. Stone’s family and friends started it to honor the late Hollywood producer whose life was cut short, just eight months after being diagnosed with metastatic neuroendocrine cancer of the colon, a rare and extremely aggressive type of cancer.
Their goal is to raise $100,000 to support the groundbreaking research being conducted by internationally recognized neuroendocrine expert Aman Chauhan, M.D., director of the Neuroendocrine Cancer Program at Sylvester and medical oncologist and associate professor of medical oncology at the Miller School.
To date, Sean Stone’s Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Fundraiser has reached more than 68 donors and raised nearly 40% of its goal.
“We are grateful to be able to utilize UCARE,” said Greg Baker, Stone’s best friend who organized the UCARE fundraiser. “It is helping us spread our message over a social media-friendly platform that allows friends and family everywhere to support our cause and raise funds and awareness for neuroendocrine cancer.”
Tags: philanthropy