Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I find fun or creative fundraiser ideas?
- Do you have resources I can use to help promote my fundraiser?
- How long should my fundraiser last?
- How can I find a fundraiser?
- Can I customize my fundraiser?
- How do I change my goal?
- I created a team and there’s a team member page in my name. Can I delete it?
- Can I change the name of my fundraiser?
- How do I share my fundraiser?
- What’s the best way to promote my fundraiser?
- Can I update participants on my progress or say thank you?
- Can I access my fundraiser on my smartphone?
- How do I join a team?
- How do I check my progress or find my totals?
- How does giving by bank transfer work?
- I have a check or questions about getting receipts, what do I do?
- What is Classy?
- Can I still request barrels to collect food for a canned food drive?
- I am a local business owner or franchise interested in using my business as a force for food. Is a Cause Marketing campaign the right fit for me?
- I still have questions or I need help. Who can I talk to?
Where can I find fun or creative fundraiser ideas?
You can find creative ideas for fundraisers of all sizes on our get creative page.
Do you have resources I can use to help promote my fundraiser?
Yes! You can find everything you need to get started and keep your fundraiser going, including our fundraiser checklist, photos and more in our fundraiser toolkit.
How long should my fundraiser last?
Most fundraisers last one or two months to allow time to promote the fundraiser and time for your friends, family and coworkers to participate.
How can I find a fundraiser?
You can search for fundraisers on our fundraiser page.
Can I customize my fundraiser?
Yes! All fundraisers are customizable with images, logos, content and videos. You can also post regular updates, thank your supporters, and share progress photos and videos. Just log in to your fundraising page and select “manage.”
How do I change my goal?
Setting a goal is a great motivator. You can set a goal when you sign up or change it later by logging in to your drive and clicking on “manage,” then “details.”
I created a team and there’s a team member page in my name. Can I delete it?
Yes. Log in to your fundraising page, select the member page you would like to delete, select “manage,” then “details.” At the bottom of this page is the option to delete the team member page.
Can I change the name of my fundraiser?
Yes! Just log in to your fundraising page and select “manage,” then “details,” and then update the team name. Don’t forget to save your changes.
How do I share my fundraiser?
What’s the best way to promote my fundraiser?
Share, share, share! You will find sample emails you can customize and share when you log in to your fundraiser and select “manage.” You can also share directly to Facebook and Twitter from your fundraising page. We also have ready-to-use social media posts, photos, profile photo frames and more in our fundraiser toolkit. Remember to tag us @2ndharvest!
Can I update participants on my progress or say thank you?
Yes! Log in to your fundraiser and select “manage.” From here you can share updates, photos and videos. You can also comment on your fundraising page, reply to others’ comments, or thank supporters for their gift. There is also a ready-to-use thank you email.
Can I access my fundraiser on my smartphone?
Yes! You can view or edit your fundraiser on your smartphone and share your fundraiser via text message or social media apps. Your supporters can also make a gift right from their smartphone.
How do I join a team?
More teams mean more fun! You can join a team as an individual or a group and create your own customizable fundraising page that will support an existing fundraiser. Just click “join team” on the fundraising page you want to join.
How do I check my progress or find my totals?
You can view your progress or your final total from your fundraising page or get additional details by logging in. You will also receive regular email updates containing helpful tips and tools as you reach your goal.
How does giving by bank transfer work?
Processing takes 3 to 5 business days. We will send you a receipt dated the day you made your gift and credit the fundraiser you’re supporting once the transfer is complete.
I have a check or questions about getting receipts, what do I do?
Visit our gift FAQs page to find answers to your questions about giving.
What is Classy?
Classy is the online donation platform that powers your fundraiser, processes your supporters’ gifts and makes managing your fundraiser quick and simple. Use of this fundraising platform is intended to be used solely for tax-deductible financial donations. It is strictly prohibited to use this platform as a form of payment to host a raffle, auction, or to provide goods or services in exchange for donations.
Can I still request barrels to collect food for a canned food drive?
Second Harvest of Silicon Valley has ended our canned food drive program and will no longer provide collection barrels to the community. The best way to support our work is to make a monetary donation, start a fundraiser or volunteer. If you have non-perishable items to donate, we will accept walk-in food donations at three of our warehouses (Bing Center in San Carlos, Cypress Center in North San Jose and Curtner Center in South San Jose) on weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
I am a local business owner or franchise interested in using my business as a force for food. Is a Cause Marketing campaign the right fit for me?
Cause Marketing involves a collaboration between a for-profit business and a nonprofit organization designed to promote a business’s sales and the nonprofit’s cause. Types of a cause marketing partnership include a round-up at the register, percentage of sales, or asks of customers to donate with a match from the business. Interested in a collaboration with Second Harvest? Please review our guidelines here and reach out to our Corporate team with questions.
I still have questions or I need help, who can I talk to?
We are always happy to help! You can reach us via email at drives@shfb.org or over the phone at 866-234-3663, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.