Setting up your fundraiser is easy! Click on “Start Your Fundraiser” and complete the online form. We’ll contact you once your fundraising webpage is created and provide you access to the settings. You’ll be able to customize it with your story, photos, and fundraising goal.

Choosing a Fundraising Goal That Feels Right A simple guide to setting yourself up for success One of the first steps in creating your fundraiser is choosing a goal. This can feel intimidating — but it doesn’t have to be. There is no minimum goal. Your goal isn’t about perfection. It’s about momentum. The right goal is one that feels meaningful, achievable, and motivating. Start With What Feels Realistic Ask yourself: How many people might I personally reach out to? If 10–15 people gave $25, what would that look like? Does this feel energizing or overwhelming? If your goal feels exciting and slightly stretching — that’s a good sign.  If it feels stressful before you even begin, consider lowering it. You can always increase your goal later. Use Simple Math Sometimes breaking it down helps: $250 goal = 10 people giving $25 $500 goal = 20 people giving $25 $1,000 goal = 40 people giving $25 Most fundraisers are surprised how quickly small gifts add up when they share personally. Match Your Goal to Your Event Different fundraisers naturally support different goal sizes: Birthday fundraiser: $250–$500 Small gathering or dinner: $500–$1,000 Community event or workplace fundraiser: $1,000+ Fitness challenge or tournament: Varies based on participation There is no required amount — every dollar supports research. Think About Your Network (Not Your Follower Count) You don’t need a large social media following. A few thoughtful messages to: Close friends Family members Coworkers Community groups Often have more impact than one broad post. Personal outreach is powerful. Remember: Goals Create Momentum People are more likely to give when they see: A clear goal Visible progress A sense of shared purpose Even if you don’t reach your exact goal, every contribution makes a meaningful difference for low-grade serous ovarian cancer research. You Can Adjust Your Goal If your fundraiser gains momentum quickly, you can raise your goal.  If it feels too high, you can adjust it. Your goal is a guide — not a judgment. A Final Encouragement There is no “right” number. The most important step is starting. Every fundraiser, no matter the size, helps: Raise awareness Support research Strengthen the LGSOC community Choose a goal that feels doable.  Then share your story with confidence. You’ve already taken the hardest step by saying yes.

Absolutely. Many fundraisers are held in honor or memory of loved ones. You can share their story on your fundraising page to inspire others to support the cause.

You can share your fundraiser through: Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook Email to friends, family, and colleagues Text messages for more personal outreach Our Fundraising Toolkit includes copy-and-paste messaging and graphics to make sharing easy. Don’t forget to tag @staaroc so we can repost

Yes! Virtual fundraisers are a great way to reach a wider audience. From livestream events to online auctions, the possibilities are endless.

Your fundraising page will show your progress toward your goal in real time. As a fundraising "host", you will have access to your page administration page to see reports. You can also receive notifications about donations and share updates with your supporters.

Funds raised support STAAR’s mission to accelerate research, raise awareness, and improve outcomes for those affected by low-grade serous ovarian cancer. STAAR is deeply committed to responsible stewardship, transparency, and funding research that moves the field forward. Please see our research page or research funded document to read about research studies we have funded. For 2026, we are working to continue funding the multi-year studies we committed to funding in 2025.

Your fundraising page dashboard will allow you to send thank-you notes or updates to donors. Personal messages go a long way in showing your gratitude and keeping them engaged. You will have access to the mailing addresses of your donors if you choose to send hand-written notes.

Peer-to-peer fundraising is a way for individuals to raise money by inviting their personal networks — friends, family, coworkers, classmates, and communities — to support a cause they care about. Instead of asking one organization to reach thousands of people, peer-to-peer fundraising allows many people to reach their own circles, multiplying impact. When you create a fundraiser for STAAR, you become an advocate: You share why LGSOC research matters to you You invite others to give through your personal fundraising page Every donation goes directly to supporting STAAR’s mission Peer-to-peer fundraising can take many forms: Birthday or celebration fundraisers Honoring or remembering a loved one Fitness challenges or community events Workplace or school fundraisers Simple online campaigns shared via social media, email, or text The most important part isn’t how large your network is — it’s that people trust you. That trust is what inspires generosity.

Low-grade serous ovarian cancer is rare, making up only a small percentage of ovarian cancer diagnoses. Because of its rarity, LGSOC receives significantly less research funding than more common cancers. This creates a real challenge: Fewer research dollars mean fewer studies Fewer studies slow progress toward better treatments Patients often face limited options and long treatment journeys Peer-to-peer fundraising helps change that. When individuals fundraise for STAAR: Research funding becomes community-powered, not dependent on a single source Awareness spreads alongside donations More people learn about LGSOC, often for the first time Small gifts add up to meaningful, long-term research support Many of STAAR’s research dollars come from grassroots fundraisers just like yours. Every post, message, and conversation helps move research forward.

STAAR Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Foundation is the first and only U.S.-based nonprofit solely dedicated to LGSOC research and awareness. A Focus on a Rare Cancer LGSOC is distinct from other ovarian cancers: It often affects younger women It is typically diagnosed at advanced stages It is less responsive to standard chemotherapy Patients may live many years with ongoing treatment STAAR exists because this community was underserved and overlooked. Research-Focused from the Start STAAR is deeply committed to accelerating progress through research: Funding innovative and targeted research studies Supporting multi-year research commitments Prioritizing collaboration among leading institutions Ensuring donated funds are used responsibly and transparently Every fundraising effort directly supports this research-driven mission. Impact-Driven and Patient-Centered STAAR is guided by patients, advocates, researchers, and families who understand the urgency of this work. We believe: Every dollar should make a difference Every patient’s story matters Progress happens faster when a community works together When you fundraise for STAAR, you’re not just raising money — you’re helping build momentum for better treatments, better outcomes, and a better future for those affected by LGSOC.

You’re Not Doing This Alone We’re here to help! You’ll get access to tools, tips, and templates to make your fundraiser a success. If you need assistance, our team is just an email away. PLUS, our fundraising platform, Givebutter, allows you to get help 24/7. See our online STAAR Fundraising Toolkit for ready-made graphics, messaging templates, and tips to help your fundraiser succeed. Together, we can accelerate research and bring hope to the LGSOC community — one fundraiser at a time. Questions? Email fundraising@staaroc.org

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Successful fundraisers include: Birthday or celebration fundraisers Fitness or challenge-based fundraisers Workplace or school fundraisers Small gatherings or community events Simple online fundraisers shared via social media, email, or text The most effective fundraisers are those that feel personal and authentic.

Not at all. Most of our fundraisers are first-time fundraisers.  STAAR provides templates, graphics, messaging, and step-by-step guidance in our Fundraising Toolkit to make the process simple and approachable.

Yes. STAAR Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

What to Expect:  Your fundraiser webpage will be created by a STAAR volunteer.  You will receive an email from STAAR Low Grade Serous Foundation inviting you to join STAAR LGSOC on Givebutter. Choose “Join Account” and then set up your Givebutter account with a password.  You will then be able to see your campaign dashboard that provides you with donation information.  To access donor information: scroll down to “New Supporters” to find contact information for sending thank you’s to acknowledge your donors’ support.  To edit your campaign website: Click “Campaign” on the left side of the dashboard then click on the 3 dots to the right of your campaign name and choose “edit”.  ** Givebutter can provide support through their help chat at the top of the webpage if needed.