Frequently Asked Questions
Please take a look at our most frequently asked questions below. If you do not see the answer you are looking for, please send an email to fundraise@komen.org with your question, details (if applicable) and your contact information, and one of our coaches will be in touch within 2 business days.
Q: What is VIPink?
A: VIPink is Komen's new ambassador fundraising program. It's a community of bold leaders who are committed to helping create a world without breast cancer. Through VIPink, professional and community leaders across the U.S. unite to raise critical funds to help build a world without breast cancer through research, community, care and action.
Q: What is a VIPink Ambassador?
A: A Very Important Person on a mission to end breast cancer forever by raising awareness and funds for in their local community. VIPink ambassadors are willing to engage their social and professional networks in support of their fundraising; all while sharing educational information about Komen and breast cancer. Ambassadors commit to activating their networks to fundraise for Komen and raising a minimum of $5,000 through their campaign efforts. Komen provides each ambassador with fundraising tools, from a customizable fundraising page to email and social media templates to an app with mobile check deposit. We are here to help you reach your fundraising goal!
Q: When and where do VIPink events take place?
A: That varies! Each local area determines the timing for their campaign. You can see the active campaigns by visiting our campaign leaderboard. If you don't see one in your area, please email fundraise@komen.org for more information.
Q: How can I nominate a VIPink ambassador? Can I nominate myself?
A: Do you know someone who would be a great VIPink ambassador? Or are you a great candidate? Please visit the VIPink nomination page to make a submission. A Komen staff member will follow-up with more details.
Q: How can I become a sponsor of a VIPink event?
A: If you or your employer are interested in sponsoring an event, please email fundraise@komen.org for more information.
Q: What payment methods can I use to donate?
A: Our online donation form has options for credit card (Discover, American Express, MasterCard and VISA), direct debit from a checking or savings account, PayPal and even the option to donate via your Donor Advised Fund.
Q: Can I donate via my Donor Advised Fund?
A: Absolutely! The online donation form has the option to connect to DAFpay, where you can submit your DAF donation request quickly and easily.
Q: How do I request that my employer match my donation?
A: Use the search tool on your ambassador's donation form to look for your company and their matching policies. If you don't see your company listed, reach out to your HR or Employee Engagement department.
Q: How should checks be made out?
A: Please make checks payable to Susan G. Komen. Checks should be accompanied by a completed Check Submission Form and mailed to:
Susan G. Komen
Attn: VIPink
PO Box 801889
Dallas, TX 75380
We highly recommend using the SGK Fundraise app to deposit checks to prevent such long wait times. You can download the app by searching “SGK Fundraise” in the app store on your Apple or Android device.
Q: How do I know if Komen has received mailed donations?
A: Komen sends gift acknowledgements/tax receipts to the name/address as it appears on the donation check or money order. Donors should receive these acknowledgements through the mail four to six weeks after the check has been deposited. We highly recommend using the SGK Fundraise app to deposit checks to prevent such long wait times.
Q: Is my donation tax-deductible?
A: Contributions to Komen may be fully tax deductible permissible by law. Please consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of your gift.
Q: Will I receive a tax receipt for my donation?
A: Komen issues receipts for any donation of $10 or more received by check through the mail. Please do not send cash. If your donation is in cash form, you will not get a tax receipt. Receipts should arrive by mail approximately four to six weeks from the date it was deposited. To ensure you receive a tax receipt, please donate with a credit or debit card or write a check to “Susan G. Komen.” If you make an online donation using a credit or debit card, you'll receive an immediate acknowledgement.
Q: Is Susan G. Komen a nonprofit organization?
A: Komen is a public charity exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Q: How will the funds raised through my fundraiser be used?
A: Komen is extremely proud of the financial stewardship we offer for the donations our supporters give. We are accredited by the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance. Donations help support breast cancer research initiatives, treatment, education and community health programs. Learn more about Komen's impact.
Q: Who do I contact if I have questions?
A: For more information about VIPink or technical questions about a fundraiser, call us at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636 option #6) or email fundraise@komen.org.
Q: How will Komen help me fundraise?
A: Each ambassador has a dedicated Komen staff member to help them strategize and to lend support every step of the way. Each ambassador is given access to an entire library of fundraising tools: from a personal fundraising page to email and social media templates, the ability to connect to a Facebook fundraiser and even an app with mobile check deposit. We are here to help you reach your fundraising goal!
Q: What are the guidelines for fundraisers that include door prizes, raffles drawings and/or sweepstakes?
A: Federal and state laws prohibit and/or restrict certain gaming activities such as door prizes, raffles, drawings, etc. These laws vary from state to state and in different jurisdictions. Before conducting such activities as a form of fundraiser, please consult with a local attorney and tax professional to ensure compliance. Please be advised that Komen cannot provide legal or tax advice to individual fundraisers for these reasons.
Q: Can I use the Susan G. Komen logo on my event materials?
A: Fundraisers are welcome to use our VIPInk Fundraiser and I Am VIPink logos, which can be here. Fundraisers should not use the original Susan G. Komen logo or the Running Ribbon on event materials other than those provided to you by Komen. For more information, please email us at fundraise@komen.org.