Fundraise $500 for Badger Challenge & Get Your Registration Fee Back!
Badger Challenge is a community-powered event that fuels cancer research and patient care at the University of Wisconsin.
While the event welcomes all participants, fundraising is what truly drives impact — and Badger Challenge rewards your fundraising efforts!
💰 Fundraising Refund Incentive
Raise $500 through your personal fundraising page and you’ll receive a refund of your individual registration fee (this excludes add-on merchandise or store items).
That means your ride/run/walk can essentially be FREE if you meet the goal!
Why Fundraise?
Every dollar you raise goes 100% to cancer research and patient support at UW-Madison — your fundraising dollars are not used for event operations, so your efforts directly fuel real scientific breakthroughs.
How to Raise $500 — Step by Step
1. Set Up Your Fundraising Page
Once you register for the event, your personal fundraising page is automatically created — make sure to personalize it with your story and goal.
Add a photo, share why you’re participating, and set your fundraising target to $500 (or more!).
2. Reach Out to Your Network
People are more willing to give when they understand why you’re involved.
✔ Send personal emails to friends and family
✔ Post your fundraising link on social media
✔ Share updates regularly about your progress and training
✔ Ask colleagues or teammates to support you
A quick message like:
“I’m participating in Badger Challenge to support cancer research — would you consider a $25 gift to help me reach my $500 goal?”
adds context and makes it easy for people to help.
(And don’t forget to include your unique fundraising link!)
3. Use Fundraising Tools & Ideas
Badger Challenge offers a bunch of fundraising tips and sample messages you can use: emails, social posts, and messaging scripts — these make asking for support much simpler.
Small activities can add up fast:
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Host a bake sale or car wash
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Sponsor rides or fitness challenges
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Partner with a local business for a give-back night
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Share your fundraiser on your birthday or special dates
These community-oriented events not only raise money — they raise awareness!
4. Provide Easy Ways to Give
When you share your fundraising link, remind supporters that:
✔ Donations can be made online directly to your page
✔ Gifts are tax-deductible
✔ Every dollar helps accelerate cancer research
5. Thank Supporters & Share Progress
Send thank-you messages and post updates as you get closer to $500 — people love to see momentum!
A simple progress post can go a long way:
“Thanks to you, I’m 75% of the way to my $500 goal! Let’s get there before event day!”
After You Hit $500
Once you hit the $500 mark, your individual registration fee will be refunded (minus store/add-on items). You’ve just turned your commitment into a zero-cost entry and a powerful contribution to cancer research.
You can also aim higher — Badger Challenge offers additional incentive rewards at higher fundraising levels!
Fundraising Timeline
Badger Challenge fundraising runs through October 13, 2026 (dates vary each year), so start early and keep the momentum going! Fundraising incentives will be mailed to participants after October 13.
