Marquette Challenge Toolkit

Welcome to the 2026 Delaware-Marquette Challenge Toolkit! This is your one stop shop for anything you may need for the Challenge this year.

Toolkit Quick Guide

Click any anchor link to jump to a specific section.

Getting Started with The Marquette Challenge

  • Identify a lead “Challenge Coordinator” and a team to help organize all fundraising events, materials, and promotions. Students are advised to consult with their program director or chair regarding student interest in supporting the Foundation. Once these individuals have been identified, please let us know so we can stay in contact!

  • Start brainstorming. The Challenge is successful thanks to the creativity of students. Looking for inspiration? You’re in the right place! Keep scrolling for more Challenge information, fundraising ideas, promotion tips, and more.

  • Begin outlining and planning your event(s). Historically, the most successful programs have hosted events throughout the year or planned a signature event that brings friends, family, students, faculty, and the community together.

  • Plan a launch event with students and special guests. Invite someone from your school or network who is a current or past funding recipient.

  • Have fun! Challenge events bring people together around a good cause.

Fundraising Ideas & Case Studies

Event Ideas

  • Cornhole tournament
  • 5 or 10k walk/run
  • Golf/putting tournament
  • In-Person or Virtual fitness class (i.e. yoga, spinning, etc.)
  • Dodgeball tournament
  • March Madness brackets
  • Superbowl Squares

  • Painting, drawing, or other craft class (Virtual or In-Person)
  • Student photo/art exhibit
  • Board game tournament
  • Trivia contest
  • Bingo night

  • Candy grams (i.e., for Valentine’s Day, Holidays, etc.)
  • Restaurant/bar profit share
    • Chipotle is a great option but we encourage you to get creative!

Event Highlight

In 2025, The George Washington University won the Most Creative Fundraiser award when students teamed up with a local restaurant to plan an event and create a signature cocktail, “The Meniscus Mule,” where a portion of the proceeds from the drink went to their Marquette Challenge total!

  • Masquerade or costume night
  • Ugly holiday sweater party/contest
  • Halloween costume party/contest
  • Gala or other formal event

Event Case Studies

University of Delaware Hosts ‘Pie a Professor’ Event, Wins 2025 Marquette Challenge

The University of Delaware showed how a fun, low‑cost idea can create major fundraising success in the 2025 VCU Marquette Challenge. Their student‑led “Pie a Professor” fundraiser energized the campus, strengthened student–faculty connections, and helped secure first place in the Challenge. In this highly visible event, participants made donations for the chance to pie a faculty member—an interactive approach that drew big crowds, encouraged giving, and proved how creative student initiatives can make a meaningful impact.

Why It Works

  • Fun + fundraising = participation. People enjoy hands-on, humorous activities—making giving easy and fun.
  • Faculty involvement signals support. When faculty join in, students feel more connected to the cause and motivated to engage.
  • Replicable format. Any program can implement its own version with minimal planning and low costs.

A Model for Other Universities

The University of Delaware example proves that effective fundraising doesn’t have to be formal. Creative, community-driven events can energize students and generate meaningful support for the Foundation. “Pie a Professor” is an easy, repeatable idea that other programs can adopt to elevate their Challenge efforts.

How to Replicate

  1. Recruit willing faculty and secure a visible campus location
  2. Set a simple donation structure and prepare low-cost supplies
  3. Promote the event widely through students, social media, and campus partners
  4. Build a fun, high-energy atmosphere to encourage participation
  5. Capture photos and videos to share the impact of the event

Across the country, PT and PTA programs prove that simple, high energy community events can deliver big fundraising results. By organizing 5K races—open to students, faculty, alumni, and locals—schools like , and Shenandoah are tapping into one of the most popular and accessible fundraising strategies for the Marquette Challenge. With broad appeal and low barriers to participation, 5Ks offer a reliable way for schools to raise funds, boost visibility, and build stronger community engagement.

Why It Works

  • Wide appeal and easy participation. 5Ks attract a diverse audience, making them one of the most inclusive fundraising events programs can host.
  • Built-in mission alignment. A race centered on movement and health naturally reinforces PT values and the importance of advancing evidence-based care.
  • High visibility. 5Ks help programs connect with their broader community while showcasing student leadership and program spirit.
  • Scalable and repeatable. Schools can host intimate campus loops or larger citywide races, with potential to grow each year.
  • Strong fundraising potential. Registration fees, sponsorships, vendor partnerships, and race‑day donations all contribute to Challenge totals.

A Model for Other Universities

Many programs have turned their annual 5Ks into signature traditions, often becoming their largest and most dependable fundraising events. These races consistently draw participation and create strong community ties, making them a proven, repeatable strategy schools can use to elevate their Marquette Challenge impact.

How to Replicate

  1. Select a date, route, and theme that are safe, accessible, and appealing.
  2. Build partnerships with local businesses for sponsorships, prize donations, or race-day support.
  3. Create a promotional plan using social media, student ambassadors, alumni networks, and local running groups.
  4. Streamline registration through an online platform and offer early bird rates to boost sign-ups.
  5. Track outcomes and grow annually.

Hunter College Wins 2025 Best Comeback Award Using JustGiving Platform

For the first time in many years, Hunter College returned to the Marquette Challenge with energy and creativity. By combining a renewed commitment to student led fundraising with smart use of the JustGiving platform, each graduating class competed to raise the most money—vying for bragging rights and the chance to have their class permanently honored on a plaque displayed in the school. Thanks to the success of this tenacious internal competition, Hunter College took home the 2025 Best Comeback Award and reintroduced themselves as a program to watch.

Why It Works

  • Clear mission and messaging. Students tied their fundraising directly to the Foundation’s role in shaping evidence based practice, making the ask meaningful and relevant.
  • Class‑based competition. By encouraging each graduation year to compete, Hunter boosted participation and created a fun, community‑wide challenge.
  • Strategic use of JustGiving. Donors could easily give, track class progress, and share Hunter’s message with their networks.
  • Visible accountability. Asking donors to keep amounts public made the competition dynamic and engaging.
  • Momentum for a returning program. After years of not participating, Hunter leveraged digital tools and student enthusiasm to reignite their presence.

A Model for Other Universities

Hunter’s return to the Challenge shows how programs can rebuild participation, even after years with low or no participation. By empowering students to lead, leveraging platforms that make sharing and donating simple, and grounding the message in the Foundation’s impact, Hunter College created a formula that other programs can adopt to energize their own fundraising efforts.

How to Replicate

  1. Introduce a compelling narrative about why the Foundation’s work matters to future clinicians
  2. Create class-based or friendly competitions with prizes, recognition, or permanent acknowledgments
  3. Use JustGiving to make giving easy and shareable. Check out the tutorial video in the toolkit!
  4. Keep class year and donation amounts visible to encourage live competition
  5. Promote widely through students, online, alumni networks, friends and family, and clinic partners
  6. Repeat annually, building traditions around class competitions and digital fundraising

The University of Pittsburgh showed how a high‑value educational offering can double as a powerful fundraising tool. By hosting Continuing Education Unit (CEU) courses—taught by expert faculty and designed for clinicians seeking advanced training—Pitt created a model that strengthens professional development while generating strong early support for the 2026 Delaware‑Marquette Challenge.

Why it Works

  • Built-in demand. PTs and PTAs need CEUs to keep appropriate licensure up to date
  • High perceived value. Participants gain advanced training and support research while highlighting institutional leadership and advancement of the PT profession
  • Mission aligned. CEU offerings naturally reinforce the importance of research and generate reliable revenue
  • Easy to replicate. Any program can host similar courses and dedicate part of the proceeds

A Model for Other Universities

Pitt’s CEU courses consistently reach high enrollment and have become one of the program’s most successful fundraising tactics. The University of Pittsburgh’s success shows that CEU programming can be more than an academic offering; it can also be a powerful fundraising vehicle.

How to Replicate

  1. Identify faculty expertise and select high value‑ course topics
  2. Develop CEU ‑accredited courses and set a‑ fee structure
  3. Market courses directly to clinicians and alumni networks
  4. Streamline registration and make participation easy (this is something the Foundation can help with!)
  5. Track outcomes and build annual or recurring offerings

Setting Up a JustGiving Page

JustGiving is an online fundraising platform that is quick and easy to set up so you can start participating the the Marquette Challenge right away! It is encouraged but not required that JustGiving is used for fundraising for your event(s). Watch this short tutorial video and see the FAQs and Policies section of the Toolkit for more information.

Promotional Materials

The Foundation for Physical Therapy Research has developed resources for you to use when promoting your fundraising events. This part of the toolkit offers information about the Foundation and the Marquette Challenge to share with colleagues, friends, family, and community members. Below, you will find a set of ready-to-use graphics and sample messages to download and share in newsletters, via email, and across social media platforms. These graphics are free to use and share without copyright restriction. Please reference the FAQs and Policies page for more information.

Promotional Tips

  • Submit your event info using this to have your event added to the calendar. Be sure to include all the information needed including date, time, location, and registration links. The Foundation will share your event on social media and on the Upcoming Events page of our website.
  • Promote your event on campus and in your community. Post flyers, ask professors to share announcements during class, reach out to your student media department, and share events on social media.
  • Reach out to local press by sending out a media advisory or press release.
  • Use your networks. Be sure to share the details of your fun Challenge event with friends and family.
  • Be sure to check out event promotion-related FAQs and Policies listed at the end of the toolkit.

Sample Messages

Social Media—General Participation

Participation Announcement

My school is participating in the 2026 Delaware-Marquette Challenge, a nationwide, student-led fundraising effort supporting the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, the only national nonprofit dedicated to funding physical therapy research and developing PT researchers.

Students across the country are investing in the future of our profession. You can support this work at marquettechallenge.com/donate (select [Your School]).

Donation Impact

Since 1989, PT, PTA, & Pre-PT students have raised over $5 million to advance evidence-based care and improve lives.

Every donation helps fund physical therapy research grants, scholarships, and fellowships through the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research.

Help us reach our goal [$0000.00] at marquettechallenge.com/donate (select [Your School]).

Legacy & Pride

I’m excited to take part in the 2026 Delaware-Marquette Challenge this year. Since 1989, PT, PTA, & Pre-PT students have come together through this friendly fundraising competition to support research that strengthens our future profession and demonstrates the value of physical therapy.

Will you help me reach our goal? marquettechallenge.com/donate (select [Your School])

Social Media—Event Promotion

Event Announcement

Join us for [Event Name] on [Date] at [Time] at [Location/Virtual Platform] to support the 2026 Delaware-Marquette Challenge!

This student-led event supports the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, helping fund research grants, scholarships, and fellowships that advance the PT profession.

Learn more on [social media, website, etc.] or donate directly at [event/donation details OR MarquetteChallenge.com/donate (select [Your School])]

Countdown/Reminder

⏰ Only [X] days to go!

Don’t miss [Event Name], happening [Date] at [Time] at [Location].

Support for the Marquette Challenge benefits the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, the only national nonprofit dedicated to funding physical therapy research and developing new PT researchers.

✅ Attend.
✅ Share.
✅ Support research.

Learn more on [social media, website, etc.] or donate directly [event/donation details OR MarquetteChallenge.com/donate (select [Your School])]

Event Day

🎉 Today’s the day!

[Event Name] is happening today at [Time] at [Location / Virtual Platform]!

Every donation made through the 2026 Delaware-Marquette Challenge supports the future of physical therapy research.

Can’t attend? You can still support us through December 10, 2026.[event/donation details OR MarquetteChallenge.com/donate (select [Your School])]

Post Event Thank You

💙 Thank you!

With your support at [Event Name], [Your School] helps drive real change in physical therapy research through the 2026 Delaware-Marquette Challenge.

Your generosity supports scholarships, fellowships, and research grants that help shape the future of our profession.

Missed the event? There’s still time to give—the deadline is December 10, 2026! [event/donation details OR MarquetteChallenge.com/donate (select [Your School])]

Email—Ask for Support

Subject: Help Me Invest in the Future of Physical Therapy

Dear [Name],

This year, I’m participating in the 2026 Delaware-Marquette Challenge, a national, grassroots fundraising effort led by physical therapy and physical therapist assistant students across the country.

Through the Marquette Challenge, students raise funds for the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, the only national nonprofit solely focused on advancing physical therapy research and developing the next generation of PT researchers. Research is essential to advancing the physical therapy profession, improving patient outcomes, and demonstrating the value of physical therapy in today’s health care system.

Since 1989, students have raised over $5 million through the Challenge, an incredible testament to the power of collective action. I’m proud to be part of that legacy and to help advance my future profession.

I hope you’ll consider supporting me with a donation of any amount you’re comfortable giving. I am so excited to become a [Physical Therapist/Physical Therapist Assistant], and your support really makes a difference in my field.

To donate, visit [event/donation details OR MarquetteChallenge.com/donate (select [Your School])] so our program receives credit for the gift.

Thank you for supporting the future of physical therapy.

Best regards,[Your Name]

Email—Thank You

Dear [Donor Name],

Thank you so much for supporting my fundraising efforts for the 2026 Delaware-Marquette Challenge. Your generosity means a great deal to me and directly supports the future of the physical therapy profession.

Your gift will help the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research identify and fund promising researchers through a rigorous scientific review process—supporting work that improves care, advances knowledge, and benefits patients nationwide.

To learn more about the impact of your donation, visit foundation4pt.org.

Thank you again for your support!

Sincerely,[Your Name]

Taking the Marquette Challenge

Each year, hundreds of physical therapy (PT), physical therapist assistant (PTA), and Pre-PT students from across the country participate in the Marquette Challenge, a student-led fundraising initiative benefiting the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research.

Since 1989, the Challenge has raised more than $5 million, supporting scholarships, fellowships, and research grants that help advance evidence-based physical therapy care. Donations made through the Challenge help support research that improves patient outcomes and strengthens the future of the physical therapy profession.

By participating in the 2026 Delaware-Marquette Challenge, students are investing not only in research but also in the long-term impact and credibility of physical therapy.

Learn more or make a gift at [event/donation details OR MarquetteChallenge.com/donate (select [Your School])].

What is a press release?

A short, news‑style announcement explaining what’s happening, why it matters, and who’s involved.

What is a press release used for?

Promote events, explain the Marquette Challenge, share impact or results, and reach beyond campus.

Why send a press release?

Builds awareness, credibility, and long‑term visibility.

Who should receive a press release?

Campus communications and alumni offices, local/regional media, local businesses and potential sponsors, relevant blogs, and PT associations.

When to send a press release?

Send 1–2 weeks before an event or right after to share results.

Press Release Subject Line Examples

  • Press Release: [School/Program Name] Students Host Fundraiser Supporting Physical Therapy Research
  • Student-Led Event Raises Funds for Physical Therapy Research
  • [Event Name] Part of Nationwide Marquette Challenge Supporting PT Research
  • [School/Program Name] [PT/PTA/Pre-PT] Students Invest in Future of Physical Therapy

Press Release—General Challenge Participation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:[Contact Name] [Role, e.g., Marquette Challenge Student Coordinator, Faculty Advisor] [School / Program Name] [Email Address] [Phone Number]

[School/Program Name] Students Participate in Marquette Challenge to Support Physical Therapy Research

[City, State] — [Date] — Students in the [Physical Therapy (PT)/Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)/Pre-PT] program at [School Name] are participating in the 2026 Delaware-Marquette Challenge, a nationwide, student-led fundraising effort supporting the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research.

Founded in 1989, the Marquette Challenge brings together PT, PTA, and Pre-PT students from across the United States to raise funds for research that advances evidence-based physical therapy care.

Funds raised through the Challenge benefit the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, the only national nonprofit solely dedicated to funding physical therapy research and developing researchers through scholarships, fellowships, and research grants.

To date, students have raised more than $5 million, helping fund scholarships, fellowships, and research grants for emerging investigators.

Community members are invited to support [School/Program Name] students’ fundraising efforts by donating at [event/donation details OR MarquetteChallenge.com/donate (select [Your School])].

About the Marquette Challenge
The Marquette Challenge is an annual, nationwide fundraiser led by physical therapy, physical therapist assistant, and Pre-PT students to support the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research. Through friendly competition and community engagement, students help advance research that shapes the future of physical therapy.

Press Release—Event Specific

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:[Contact Name] [Role, e.g., Marquette Challenge Student Coordinator, Faculty Advisor] [School / Program Name] [Email Address] [Phone Number]

[School/Program Name] Students Host [Event Name] to Support Physical Therapy Research

[City, State] — [Date] — Students in the [Physical Therapy (PT)/Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)/Pre-PT] program at [School Name] will host [Event Name] on [Event Date] at [Time] at [Location/Virtual Platform] as part of the 2026 Delaware-Marquette Challenge.

[Event Name + brief description of event—e.g., fitness challenge, community fundraiser, educational event] is a student-led fundraising event benefiting the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, the only national nonprofit solely dedicated to funding physical therapy research and developing new researchers.

Founded in 1989, the Marquette Challenge unites PT, PTA, and Pre-PT students nationwide in a friendly fundraising competition to advance evidence-based physical therapy care. Funds raised support Foundation scholarships, fellowships, and research grants that help improve patient outcomes and strengthen the PT profession.

Community members, alumni, and supporters are invited to attend [Event Name] or contribute to the program’s fundraising efforts by donating at [event/donation details OR MarquetteChallenge.com/donate (select [Your School])].

About the Marquette Challenge
The Marquette Challenge is an annual, nationwide, student-led fundraising initiative supporting the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research. Since its inception, students have raised more than $5 million to advance physical therapy research and support emerging investigators.

What is a media advisory?
A brief, factual “heads up” that shares the who, what, when, where, and why of an event to encourage media attendance.

What is a media advisory?
Invite media to attend events, encourage photo/video coverage, and promote interviews with students or faculty.

Why send a media advisory?
Drives onsite coverage, visuals, and interviews—especially for interactive or community-focused events.

Who should receive a media advisory?
Local TV and radio stations, community reporters, event calendars, and relevant community or civic channels.

When to send a media advisory?
Send 3–5 days before the event, with a reminder the day before if appropriate.

Media Advisory Subject Line Examples

  • Media Advisory: Student-led Fundraiser on [Date]
  • Media Invitation: Marquette Challenge Event at [Location]
  • Media Advisory: [Event Name] Supporting Physical Therapy Research
  • Photo/Interview Opportunity: Students Raise Funds for PT Research

Template Media Advisory—General Participation

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHO:
Students and faculty from the [School/Program Name] [PT/PTA/Pe-PT] Program

WHAT:
Marquette Challenge Fundraising Event benefiting the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research

WHEN:[Date and Time]

WHERE:[Location/Virtual Platform]

WHY:
To raise funds for physical therapy research through the 2026 Delaware-Marquette Challenge, a nationwide, student-led initiative that has raised more than $5 million since 1989.

DETAILS:
Students will host [brief description of event—e.g., fitness challenge, community fundraiser, educational event] as part of their participation in the Marquette Challenge. Funds raised support scholarships, fellowships, and research grants that advance evidence-based physical therapy care.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Student and faculty interviews
  • Event visuals and participation shots
  • Event or prize sponsorships
  • Background on physical therapy research and student leadership

More information and donation details are available at [event/donation details OR MarquetteChallege.com/donate (select [Your School])].

Template Media Advisory—Event Promotion

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHO:
Students and faculty from the [University Name] [PT/PTA/Pre-PT] Program

WHAT:
[Event Name] — a Marquette Challenge fundraising event benefiting the Foundation for Physical Therapy

WHEN:[Date and Time]

WHERE:[Event Location/Address/Virtual Platform]

WHY:
To raise funds for physical therapy research through the 2026 Delaware-Marquette Challenge, a nationwide, student-led initiative benefiting the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research.

EVENT DETAILS:
Students will host a [brief event description — e.g., community fitness event, tournament, educational workshop, fundraiser] to engage the community and raise funds to support scholarships, fellowships, and research grants for physical therapy researchers.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Student and faculty interviews
  • Event visuals and participation shots
  • Event or prize sponsorships
  • Background on physical therapy research and student leadership

More information and donation details: [event/donation details OR MarquetteChallenge.com/donate (select [Your School])]

Social Media Images & Official Logo

Right click any of the images to save.

Prizes & Awards

The 2026 Delaware-Marquette Challenge has several prizes and awards planned for the top fundraisers this year!

Check out the 2025 awardees on the Prizes & Awards page.

  • Full registration for two students to attend CSM 2026.
  • $1,000 reimbursement for student(s) travel to attend CSM 2026. The reimbursement can be shared with one or more students from the program.
  • New this year: In-person Foundation staff visit in 2026 to meet with faculty and students. Video produced to promote the Challenge and highlight the program’s involvement as Co-Host.
  • In-person recognition at a Foundation CSM 2026 event to present 2025 awards and launch the 2026 Marquette Challenge.
  • Naming rights and opportunity to Co-Host the 2026 Challenge. Letter of Understanding to be provided to the winning school by December 31, 2025.
  • Leadership opportunity for students to volunteer with Marquette students to promote the Challenge at the Foundation’s CSM 2026 booth.
  • Opportunity for students to volunteer with Marquette students to engage students at a Foundation recognition event and other Foundation and APTA events geared toward students.
  • Faculty invitations to Foundation special events during CSM 2026.
  • Recognition of award on social media.
  • Opportunity to submit a 1-minute video or photos (guidelines will be provided) to be shared on social media and opportunity for students to be included in a video filmed during the recognition event at CSM 2026.
  • Customized swag for up to four student coordinators in recognition of their participation.
  • School’s name engraved on the Traveling Challenge Cup.
  • Profile of program Challenge efforts and student fundraisers to be featured on the Foundation’s website, social media, and e-news article.

  • Full registration for one student to attend CSM 2026.
  • $800 reimbursement for student(s) travel to attend CSM 2026. The reimbursement can be shared with one or more students from the program.
  • In-person recognition at a Foundation CSM 2026 event to present 2025 awards and launch the 2026 Marquette Challenge.
  • Recognition of award on social media.
  • Faculty invitations to Foundation special events during CSM 2026.
  • Opportunity to submit up to 30 second video or photos (guidelines will be provided) to be shared on social media and opportunity for students to be included in a video filmed during the recognition event during CSM 2026.
  • Customized swag for up to four student coordinators in recognition of their participation.
  • Profile of program Challenge efforts to include student fundraisers featured on the Foundation website and included as an e-news article.

  • $600 reimbursement for student(s) travel to attend CSM 2026. The reimbursement can be shared with one or more students from the program.
  • In-person recognition at a Foundation CSM 2026 event to present 2025 awards and launch the 2026 Marquette Challenge.
  • Recognition of award on social media.
  • Faculty invitations to Foundation special events during CSM 2026.Opportunity to submit up to 30 second video or photos (guidelines will be provided) to be shared on social media and opportunity for students to be included in a video filmed during the recognition event during CSM 2026.
  • Customized swag for up to four student coordinators in recognition of their participation.
  • Profile of program Challenge efforts to include student fundraisers featured on the Foundation website and included as an e-news article.

  • $500 reimbursement for student(s) travel to attend CSM 2026. The reimbursement can be shared with one or more students from the program.
  • In-person recognition at a Foundation CSM 2026 event to present 2025 awards and launch the 2026 Marquette Challenge.
  • Customized swag for two student coordinators in recognition of their participation.
  • Faculty invitations to Foundation special events during CSM 2026.
  • Recognition of award on social media.
  • Opportunity for students to be included in a video filmed during the recognition event during CSM 2026.

  • $400 reimbursement for student travel to attend CSM 2026. The reimbursement can be shared with one or more students from the program.
  • In-person recognition at a Foundation CSM 2026 event to present 2025 awards and launch the 2026 Marquette Challenge.
  • Customized swag for two student coordinators in recognition of their participation.
  • Faculty invitations to Foundation special events during CSM 2026.
  • Recognition of award on social media.
  • Opportunity for students to be included in a video filmed during the recognition event during CSM 2026.

  • $300 reimbursement for student travel to attend CSM 2026. The reimbursement can be shared with one or more students from the program.
  • In-person recognition at a Foundation CSM 2026 event to present 2025 awards and launch the 2026 Marquette Challenge.
  • Customized swag for two student coordinators in recognition of their participation.
  • Faculty invitations to Foundation special events during CSM 2026.
  • Recognition of award on social media.

  • Customized swag for two student coordinators in recognition of their participation.
  • In-person recognition at a Foundation CSM 2026 event to present 2025 awards and launch the 2026 Marquette Challenge.
  • Recognition in the national publication, APTA Magazine and in the Foundation’s annual report.

Special Awards:
Most Successful Newcomer
Biggest Stretch – Most raised compared to previous year
Most Successful PTA School
Most Creative Fundraiser
Best Comeback – Highest level of fundraising after an absence of at least 2 years
Best Effort to Raise $1,000
Prizes:

  • Customized swag for two student coordinators in recognition of their participation.
  • In-person recognition at a Foundation CSM 2026 event to present 2025 awards and launch the 2026 Marquette Challenge.
  • Recognition in the national publication, APTA Magazine and in the Foundation’s annual report

Awarded to schools with cumulative fundraising of $50,000 or more and exceptional participation of at
least 10 years consecutive or non-consecutive.

Engraved awards and recognition for new inductees into the Marquette Challenge Philanthropy Circle will be awarded at a Foundation CSM 2026 event to schools reaching the following cumulative totals:

Cornerstone Society – $ 50,000
Challenge Society – $100,000
Collegiate Society – $200,000
Champion Society – $300,000
Crest Society – $400,000
Capstone Society – $500,000
Leaders Society- $600,000

All participating schools will be invited to attend a recognition event at CSM 2027 and be recognized in the APTA’s national publication, APTA Magazine, and in the Foundation’s annual report.

FAQs & Policies

FAQs

Yes, the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research is a 501(c)(3) public charity.

EIN: 13-6161225

Direct gifts to the Foundation:
In most cases, donations made payable directly to the Foundation are tax‑deductible to the extent allowed by law. The Foundation will issue a charitable receipt/acknowledgment as required.

Gifts collected by student organizers (third‑party events):
If a student group collects money, deposits it, and later remits a single check or transfer to the Foundation, the student group will receive a thank‑you (not a charitable receipt). Donors who gave to the student group cannot claim a tax deduction for those amounts unless they gave directly to the Foundation. If you want your individual donors to receive receipts, have them give directly to the Foundation (e.g., Foundation’s website, Foundation’s JustGiving event page, checks payable to the Foundation)

Yes, the Foundation can help promote your fundraising events. Please promote your event as “benefiting the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research”.

See the promotional tips and policies sections for more important event promotion information to consider.

Our team is happy to help. Please email info@foundation4pt.org or call 800/87501378.

Policies

The health and safety of student fundraisers, communities, and event attendees are paramount. Coordinate event plans with your faculty advisor/program director and comply with all local safety, fire, occupancy, and emergency planning rules.

All Marquette Challenge events must be planned in coordination with your faculty advisor or PT program leadership. The Foundation serves only as the beneficiary and does not host events, sign contracts, or provide insurance.

An event organizer may use the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research’s 501(c)(3) tax exempt status when soliciting financial support from a vendor if the contribution is made to the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research.

Do not use the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research’s 501(c)(3) tax exempt status when soliciting gifts-in-kind from a vendor.

Corporate sponsors may be acknowledged (e.g. name/logo listings). Avoid language that suggests advertising, endorsements, or commercial promotion.

Raffles, bingo, and similar games of chance are regulated by state law and sometimes local law. Requirements vary widely, including registration, permitting, prize rules, and, in some states, restrictions on online raffles.

Before advertising or selling tickets, confirm that the activity is permitted by your university and legal in your state, and follow any required licensing or procedural steps.

If you collect funds for your event, deposit event income through your university’s approved student or departmental account, not personal accounts. After the event, send the proceeds to the Foundation along with this form

The Foundation does not reimburse event expenses and cannot authorize use of its nonprofit status to reduce or waive vendor costs. All costs associated with your event are the responsibility of your PT program or student organization.