Suzanne Jones, CURE SYNGAP1 Board of Trustees Chair & Jansen’s Mom prepared this article.
We know that life with SYNGAP1-Related Disorders is a marathon, and that asking families to constantly fundraise can be a lot. That’s why we are excited to officially launch two “hands-off” ways to raise money for CURE SYNGAP1 using your everyday purchases.
The best part? The Incredible Impact with No Added Donation Cost to You!
1. RaiseRight: The Gift Card “Game Changer”
RaiseRight turns your regular spending into a donation. You buy an eGift card (Target, Starbucks, Home Depot, Chipotle, etc.) at face value through the app, and the retailer sends a percentage (up to 20%!) directly to CURE SYNGAP1. There are nominal transaction fees associated with purchasing the gift cards, but the donation generated is a free bonus for CURE SYNGAP1. (We recommend using a debit card or bank account for purchases, as the fees are smaller.)
How to get started:
- Download: Get the RaiseRight app on your phone.
- Join a Program: Select one of three ways!
- Enter this unique Enrollment Code: BTBDPX7UB8M3 or
- Click http://cureaSYNGAP1.org/RaiseRight or
- Scan the below QR code.
- Complete Account Info & Pay: You can select a gift card and purchase in seconds.
“I just did it! I bought a Target gift card, then immediately used it for my mobile order!” — Zoe Bailey
“I’ve been using the app while traveling for kids’ sports. I check if a restaurant is supported, buy the card, get it immediately, and pay. It makes me feel better to spend that money knowing some goes back to CURE SYNGAP1.” — Virginie McNamar
2. Give Freely: The “Set It and Forget It” Browser Tool
If you shop on your computer (who doesn’t, nowadays?), and you use Google Chrome, this is a must-have. Give Freely is a browser extension that finds coupons for you and directs a donation to us with a click of a button. Per their platform, Give Freely combines the best of the now-defunct Amazon Smile (supporting your favorite charity) with the best of Honey (finding coupons to save you money). Even better, this browser extension is 100% free to use!
How to get started:
- Visit: GiveFreely.com on your computer.
- Install: Add the extension to your Chrome browser.
- Select: Choose CURE SYNGAP1 as your charity.
“Having the app installed on my computer, I can just click a pop-up when purchasing items that asks if I want to donate to CURE SYNGAP1. It takes just a second!” — Suzanne Jones
Why These Matter (Even if You’re Busy!)
We know you have a lot on your plate. Even if you don’t use these apps for every single coffee, keep them in mind for the “Big Wins”:
- Major Home Improvements: Planning a project at Lowe’s or Home Depot? Use RaiseRight.
- Teacher Gifts: Stock up on Starbucks, Target, or Amazon cards for the holidays.
- Outfitting Your Kids: Visit Dick’s Sporting Goods, DSW, major department stores, and more online, then with a click, you’re also giving to CURE SYNGAP1 via Give Freely.
- Weekly Groceries: Most major grocery stores are in the apps. You can pre-pay your groceries and raise money for research without spending an extra cent.
The Value is in the Dollars 💸
The incredible part? These donations come from anyone – not only from our community – who shops online or buys a gift card to a store they’re going to buy from anyway! You’re going to go to Target, Starbuck’s, or other stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Macy’s, DSW, and Michaels anyway – might as well raise money to fund research! Every little bit counts, and…
Imagine the impact if our entire community joined in!
Share the Mission
Please share this post with your friends and family—anyone can use these apps to support our kids. Let us know about your experience, and send us your “Pro Tips” as you become a master at generating critical SYNGAP1 funding simply by leveraging your everyday spending!
Questions? Reach out to us at giving@cureSYNGAP1.org.
