We’re so happy you are participating in the Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside! Once registration is complete, you can begin fundraising! But before reaching out to friends and family, it’s important to know why your fundraising is so important, how contributions make a difference to our programming, and what impact they’re helping to create.
About Fundraising
This is the nuts and bolts of how fundraising actually works.
What is Classy?
We use a website called Classy for registering and taking donations for our fundraising events.
How do I set up my personal fundraising page?
Here's a video on how to Register for an event: YouTube
Then view our Personalize Your Page section to learn more about what to do once you've registered!
What do I do if I’m having a problem with my personal fundraising page?
We’re here to help! Email questions to pbpinfo@sonj.org. Be sure to include the best way for us to reach you – and we’ll circle back with you lickity split.
What is the deadline for accepting donations?
Donations for the 2021 Polar Bear Plunge at Wildwood are accepted through July 1st. To qualify for incentives, all donations need to be received by 11:59 PM on SATURDAY, APRIL 17.
What do I do with checks?
For in-person events, checks can be brought to the event and turned in at the Registration table. But if you cannot make it to an event, or if the event is virtual, then checks can be sent to
Special Olympics New Jersey
1 Eunice Kennedy Shriver Way
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
All checks can be made payable to “Special Olympics New Jersey”.
Will I get a receipt for my donation?
Yes. When you make your donation online, you will see a confirmation page and receive an email confirmation, either may be used as an official receipt (sometimes you may have to check your Junk folder to retrieve the receipt). If you mail in your contribution, we will send you a confirmation letter by mail within a few weeks.
Are donations to my page tax deductible?
Special Olympics New Jersey, Inc. is recognized as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Most donations are 100% tax-deductible. Our Federal Tax ID number or Employer Identification Number (EIN) is 23-7207522.
Please be sure to check with your tax advisor about new regulations in the 2020 CARES ACT for contributions made to charities.
How are donations used?
Every contribution makes an important difference. A significant portion of our revenue comes from a broad base of donors, $10 and $20 dollars at a time.
When you donate to Special Olympics New Jersey through this event, you'll contribute to the equipment, attire, and health supplies that can help transform an athlete's life. Examples of program expenses include equipment, uniforms, facility fees, background screening costs, official’s fees and more. Athletes and families are able to participate in practices, organized competitions, and health screenings at no charge. All this is in an effort for the athletes to "find their own voice" and become the best person that they can.
We work hard to maximize the impact of your gift. For every $1 raised on behalf of our athletes, 82 cents goes directly to program costs. Programs are free to the athletes and their families, so donations are critical to our program.
Because of our high standards, Special Olympics New Jersey has earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator.
Can I donate to Special Olympics through my Donor Advised Fund (DAF)?
Yes! A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a charitable giving program that allows you to combine the most favorable tax benefits with the flexibility to support your favorite causes. Your financial advisor, or fund manager, can help you get started recommending a grant to Special Olympics New Jersey. Your fund manager handles all record-keeping, disbursements, and tax receipts.
Will you accept a matching gift from my company?
You can double or triple your support of Special Olympics New Jersey athletes through your company’s matching gift program. Reach out to your personnel office to ask if they match charitable donations and obtain a matching gift form.
About Special Olympics New Jersey
Important Note:”Special Olympics New Jersey” is the official name of our organization. Not “Special Olympics of New Jersey”, “the Special Olympics of New Jersey”, or “New Jersey Special Olympics”.
Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ) unleashes the power of the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sports.Children & adults with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths and abilities, skills, and success. Our athletes find joy, confidence and fulfillment — on the playing field and in life. They also inspire people in their communities and elsewhere to open their hearts to a wider world of human talents and potential.
What is the mission of Special Olympics New Jersey?
To provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. This gives them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Who is eligible to participate?
Every person with an intellectual disability who is at least two years of age is eligible to participate in Special Olympics. Fundraising events are available for anyone.
How much does it cost to be a Special Olympics New Jersey athlete?
Our programs are FREE for our athletes thanks to the generous support of donors like YOU!
How many people are involved in Special Olympics New Jersey?
There are more than 26,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities involved in Special Olympics programs throughout New Jersey. In addition, we have more than 23,000 coaches and volunteers. We have 368 local programs and 438 school-based programs.
What is the Special Olympics athlete oath?
"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
What sports are offered?
Special Olympics New Jersey offers training and competition in 24 sports:
FALL: Cycling, Equestrian, Flag Football, Golf, Soccer, Triathlon
What impact does Special Olympics have on athletes?
Children and adults with intellectual disabilities who participate in Special Olympics develop improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence and a more positive self-image. Through our programs, our athletes exhibit boundless courage and enthusiasm, enjoy the rewards of friendship and ultimately discover not only new abilities and talents but "their voices" as well.
Where can I find upcoming events?
Visit our Events Calendar to view all of the upcoming Special Olympics New Jersey events.
About Special Olympics
Special Olympics is the largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities.
There are 5.5 million athletes with intellectual disabilities involved in Special Olympics programs around the world.
The Special Olympics logo depicts five figures in a unifying circle, symbolizing our global presence. The figures have arms in a lowered position, recalling the time when many people were unaware of the talents and abilities of adults and children with intellectual disabilities — a time before the founding of Special Olympics. The straight arms describe a greater equality and outreach. The raised arms represent “joy”, and continued realization of ultimate goals.
