Frequently Asked Questions

For a PDF of the Walk FAQs, please download here.

Why walk?
The money raised through the Walk for Education helps to support the UNCF principle, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste."® For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $4.7 billion and help more students not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders. We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 10,000 students scholarships, worth more than $100 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation's leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

Where is the walk?
Leimert Park Village, Los Angeles

How long is the walk?
The Walk for Education is a 5K or 3.1 mile noncompetitive walk.

Is there a registration fee?
No, there is no registration fee to participate in the Walk for Education. All participants are encouraged to support the Walk through their own personal fundraising efforts and/or to make a personal donation.

Do I need to register? Why?
Yes, please. 1. For insurance purposes, everyone needs to be registered. 2. Registering online provides you and your team the latest updates on UNCF and Walk news and information, and you'll gain access to great fundraising resources. 3. Pre-registered walkers make the check in process much quicker! 4. It allows us to plan ahead for refreshments, t-shirts, and volunteer staffing. 5. You can register on the day of the Walk, but we strongly encourage anybody interested in the Walk to register earlier online. 6. Register, even if you're a virtual walker and cannot attend. It's the easiest way to make a financial contribution on line. You can utilize the tools on the site to send out emails to help your team raise even more money!

Can I participate in the UNCF Walk for Education if I am not on a team?
Absolutely. Many people choose to fundraise and walk individually though participating with friends, family, or co-workers multiplies the fun and brings everyone together for a great cause.

How can I join a team?
You can join an existing team when you register online or start a new team by registering as a team captain.

Are teams only co-workers or families?
Not at all. There are no limitations to what makes up a Team. Corporate, Sorority/Fraternity, Alumni group/chapter, School, Church, Organization, Group of Friends, etc… The UNCF Los Angeles Walk for Education is a Fundraiser, and we encourage you to work as a team, with everyone helping to the raise the money to support students and higher education.

Is there a fundraising minimum to participate?
Although there is no fundraising minimum, we encourage walkers and teams to show their support by fundraising. The Walk is the celebration of the efforts of walkers and teams who have fundraised.

Who should checks be made payable to?
All checks should be made payable to "UNCF." There are two things you can do with checks:

May I turn in monies prior to the walk?
Yes, we encourage you to do so. It will make all our jobs easier! You should enter all money collected offline into the website and then mail all money orders and checks to our office. NO CASH PLEASE! If necessary, bring them to the Walk to Check-In.

Can people donate online?
Yes, when you register! You will be able to utilize the same registration site / tool to send out emails to friends and family asking them to join your team and/or make a donation. The email will include a link for them to make a donation right away. Best of all, you'll see your fundraising efforts moving upward to your goal. (…and YES, you can increase you goal as often as you want!)

Do you accept employer matching gifts?
Yes. Matching gift programs are an effective way to multiply the amount of money you raise for UNCF. Contact your human resources department for instructions on how to receive a matching gift from your employer. In most cases, all you need to do is fill out a simple form for UNCF to receive even more funds.

Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes, donations to UNCF are tax-deductible.

Do I raise money based on how far I walk?
No. Each walker asks for support through a flat donation to UNCF.

Can I still fundraise if I can't attend the Walk for Education?
Absolutely! We have a registration option that allows you to sign up as a "Virtual Walker." This means you can't walk in person, but you will do a fundraising campaign and virtually "walk" to support UNCF. This is a great way for family, coworkers and friends who live outside the area or are unable to attend, to easily contribute to your fundraising efforts. You can form a virtual team and extend your fundraising to family, friends and co-workers.

How do I get a UNCF Walk for Education t-shirt?
Participants that have registered and turned in donations of $100 or more on or before Walk day will receive an official Walk for Education t-shirt.

Fundraising Incentives
Participants that raise $100 or more will receive a Walk for Education t-shirt. Participants that raise $250+ are eligible for the t-shirt AND a prize.

How do I fundraise?
The options really are unlimited. Every year we hear of some very creative ways. Many restaurants offer fundraising options. The Participant page offers the ability to send emails which include a link for people to click and donate. Others send letters. Garage sales, bake sales, making products and selling; asking your company to sponsor your team! These are just a few. Ask, ask, ask, and don't be afraid of the word no.

Are there any kids activities?
Yes! A Kids Zone will be available. All kids must be supervised by an adult at all times in the Kids Zone.

Will food be provided?
There will be a food tent in the festival area for all registered participants with light refreshments before the Walk begins.

Will water be available?
Yes, there is one water station along the walk route and one within the festival area.

Where are the bathrooms?
Restrooms are located at the event site.

Is the event handicap accessible?
Yes, the route is handicap accessible.

Are strollers allowed on the path?
Strollers are allowed.

What if it rains on the day of the event?
The Walk for Education will go on rain or shine. In the event of severe weather conditions, we will notify participants via the website about the status of the event.

May our team wear company identification at the walk?
Yes, all teams are encouraged to wear company or organization paraphernalia.

May our team turn in monies prior to the walk?
Yes, we encourage you to do so. It will make all our jobs easier! You should enter all money collected offline into Convio and then mail all money orders and checks to our office. NO CASH PLEASE!

May our team bring a company van to the walk?
Yes, we also encourage teams to CAR-POOL.

Are children permitted to participate in the walk?
Yes, an adult needs to be with them at all times and their parent needs to sign a release form.