FAQs
What is a TiViTz Game-a-Thon Fundrai$er and how does it work?
What is TiViTz?
TiViTz is an exciting math and strategy game designed for children in grades 1-12. Featuring exciting themes like Baseball, Space, Golf, Aqua and Safari, as well as customizable “TiViT” avatars, TiViTz builds critical thinking skills and makes math fun!
TiViTz is housed on tivitz.com, the latest and coolest online “edutainment” portal for kids and teens that allows players to customize their avatar, share TiViTz tips, upload their original TiViTz artwork, chat with other Players, participate in tournaments, see leader boards for their grade level and of course, manage their pledges. The site is safe and secure for kids of all ages and no personal information, such as home address or phone number, is ever collected from Players or shared with third parties.
How does the Fundrai$er work?
The TiViTz Game-a-Thon Fundrai$er is completely automated and online, making it fast, simple and convenient to use! Similar to a walk-a-thon, students seek pledges from family, friends and neighbors for each game of TiViTz they play and score online. All correspondence, including pledge requests, pledge invoices and even thank you notes are sent automatically via e-mail. Funds are dispersed electronically to the organization twice a month using PayPal. As soon as pledges are paid, your organization can begin making money!
Is there any cost to holding a TiViTz Game-a-Thon Fundrai$er?
There is no cost to hold a TiViTz Game-a-Thon Fundrai$er and you do not need to purchase games, materials or samples. And, with a TiViTz Game-a-Thon Fundrai$er, you’ll keep 60 percent of the money you collect versus most fundraisers, which pay only 30 to 50 percent.
Do I have to sell anything?
Participants do not have to sell anything. Players simply seek pledges for math games played online. However, organizations that wish to sell TiViTz board games and other TiViTz products as shown in the TiViTz online store, may also choose to add this option to increase their fundraising profits.
Can we also sell TiViTz board games as part of our Fundrai$er?
Yes! As they seek pledges, Players may also offer potential Pledge-Sponsors the opportunity to purchase a board game online. Players will be given a six-digit Player code which the game purchaser should enter in order to credit that Player with the sale. Your Group will make 10% on all sales of products in the online TiViTz store. For example, if you sell a classroom set of 15 board games at $475 retail, your Group keeps $47.50!
How do I sell my parents/boosters and supporters on this fundraiser?
First and foremost, TiViTz is educational! TiViTz is a math and strategy game designed to sharpen students’ math and critical thinking skills while they’re having fun. Rather than students—and their parents—going door to door to sell gift wrap, cookie dough, candy bars or other products, a TiViTz Game-a-Thon Fundai$er encourages students to do math! Pledges are easy to obtain because every potential Pledge-Sponsor wants to see a child excel in his/her educational efforts.
What ages of children can participate in a TiViTz Game-a-Thon Fundrai$er?
TiViTz can be played by students from Kindergarten all the way through 12th grade! Each game of TiViTz can be customized to a student’s grade level and ability.
What types of groups or organizations can use the TiViTz Game-a-Thon Fundrai$er?
Any group or organization comprised of children in grades Kindergarten through 12th grade who would like to raise money can hold a TiViTz Game-a-Thon Fundrai$er, including schools, sports leagues and teams, church groups, marching bands, Boy and Girl Scouts—even individual homeschooled students! TiViTz is ideal for sports leagues as well as national, regional and district-based clubs and organizations that are seeking a unified fundraiser to use at every level of their organization. Administrator, Organizer and Group levels are already built in to the Fundrai$er structure, making it quick and easy to disperse funds earned across those levels.
How much can my organization raise with a TiViTz Game-a-Thon Fundrai$er?
The sky’s the limit! Players can seek individual and/or corporate pledges that are triggered by the number of TiViTz games they play online. Your organization’s success depends only on how many students participate, how active they are in seeking pledges and whether they play the games needed to trigger their pledges. Most students, however, are easily doubling the national average of $105 per student for fundraisers like cookies, candy and popcorn.
What percentage of funds does my organization get to keep?
While most fundraisers offer anywhere from 30 to 50 percent of total sales, when you hold a TiViTz Game-a-Thon Fundrai$er, your organization keeps 60 percent of your pledges earned, plus, 20 percent goes to support the quality prizes that kids want, such as gift cards to stores and websites like Game Stop, Toys “R” Us, iTunes, Amazon.com, Foot Locker, and Pizza Hut, as well as national-level prizes such as camps, special events and opportunities to meet famous sports figures and astronauts!
How often can my organization hold a TiViTz Game-a-Thon Fundrai$er?
Your organization can hold as many TiViTz Game-a-Thon Fundrai$ers as you would like, however, many groups find that twice a year is ideal.
How long does a TiViTz Game-a-Thon Fundrai$er run?
The suggested timeframe for your Fundrai$er is three to four weeks. Players may begin playing games before, during and after gathering pledges and will have two weeks after the “End Date” of the Fundrai$er to collect all pledges.
What kinds of prizes and incentives does a TiViTz Game-a-Thon Fundrai$er offer?
Forget the plastic toys and tchotchkes! When students participate in a TiViTz Game-a-Thon Fundrai$er, they earn prizes they want—gift cards to their favorite stores and websites, including Game Stop, Toys “R” Us, iTunes, Amazon.com, Foot Locker, Pizza Hut and more!
We suggest you consider offering trophies and additional prizes for Best Players, Most Dollars Raised, and Best/Win Loss Record.
How many games do I need to play to trigger my pledges?
For most Fundrai$ers, a $10 pledge is triggered by five games played through to a completed score sheet. However, Fundrai$ers can be customized for younger children. To do so, please e-mail us at: support@tivitz.com or call our office at 877-4-TiViTz.
Can I collect pledges before I’ve played all of their required games?
Pledge-Sponsors may elect to pay their pledge at the same time the pledge is made, before you reach the Required Game Levels, and may elect to pledge and pay any amount by clicking on the dollar option marked “Other.”
Can I use my existing TiViTz.com username and password to participate in the Fundrai$er?
Yes! After receiving an invitation to participate in the Fundrai$er from your Group Leader, simply use your existing tivitz.com username and password when completing their Player Profile for the Fundrai$er.
Can a student begin a TiViTz Game-a-Thon Fundrai$er or serve as the Administrator?
No. The Administrator must be at least 18 years of age to initiate and oversee a TiViTz Game-a-Thon Fundrai$er. Should a student younger than 18 wish to begin a Fundrai$er, he/she should find an adult such as a parent, teacher or coach, to act as the Group Leader.
Can I still participate in the Fundrai$er if I don’t have a computer at home?
A computer with Internet access is required to participate in the TiViTz Game-a-Thon Fundrai$er. You may consider playing your games at school, at the library or at a friend or relative’s house.
Obtaining, Earning and Collecting Pledges
How do I obtain pledges?
You can seek pledges online from family, friends and neighbors using the TiViTz e-mail pledge invitation OR by going door-to-door with your customized Pledge Collection sheet. Pledge-Sponsors choose an amount such as $10, $20, $30 or more, then you, the Player, must complete the required number of games to earn that pledge ($2 per game or for example, five games for a $10 pledge ). If a Pledge-Sponsor makes a pledge, but you do not play the required number of games to trigger that pledge, the Pledge-Sponsor does not have to pay. If desired, a Pledge-Sponsor may opt to make a pledge and pay it at the same time, regardless of whether you have played the required number of games.
Why is it necessary to collect e-mail addresses from Pledge-Sponsors?
E-mails of Pledge-Sponsors are required in order to send pledge requests, pledge invoices and thank you letters electronically and automatically from the TiViTz Game-A-Thon Fundrai$er website. SAS Games does not use this information for any other purpose and does not sell name or e-mail addresses to third parties.
What if a potential Pledge-Sponsor does not have an e-mail address?
You may use the customizable Pledge Collection Sheet to obtain pledges from Pledge-Sponsors who do not have an e-mail address. The Pledge Collection Sheet can be printed from the Pledge Request page in the Pledge Management section of the website.
At the conclusion of the Fundrai$er, all Players must enter all pledges obtained on their Pledge Collection Sheet into the online Fundrai$er system in order to receive credit for their pledges and earn prizes. Please see the questions below for additional information about Pledge-Sponsors who pay by cash or check.
Can Pledge-Sponsors pay by check or cash?
Online payment by credit or debit card is preferred. Pledges can also be paid online using a VISA or MasterCard gift card, which can be purchased at major grocery stores as well as Wal-Mart and Target. This allows for better accounting and tracking of pledge-dollars per child to ensure that accurate prizes levels are awarded.
However, if necessary, Players may accept cash or checks for pledges.
If a Pledge-Sponsor elects to pay by cash, the Player’s parent, teacher or coach should keep the cash, have the Player submit the pledge manually and pay the pledge using their own credit or debit card.
If a Pledge-Sponsor elects to pay by check, checks should be made out to the Player’s parent, teacher or coach, then the Player should submit the pledge manually, to be paid by credit or debit card by the parent, teacher or coach.
Or, checks may also be made payable to SAS Games and submitted by the Group Leader along with the completed “Pledges Paid by Check” Form. Checks must be logged individually by check number and amount as well as the name of the Player who should receive credit for that pledge/check. Pledges paid by check should be designated as “Paid by check” when entered into the TiViTz Game-a-Thon Fundrai$er website. Please note, SAS Games cannot accept cash for pledges.
At the conclusion of the Fundrai$er, all Players must enter all pledges obtained on their Pledge Collection Sheet that were paid by cash or check into the online Fundrai$er system in order to receive credit for their pledges and earn prizes. Players whose pledges have not been entered into tivitzfundraiser.com will not receive pledge-based prizes.
How much should each pledge be? Is there a minimum pledge?
The minimum pledge is $10. Pledge amounts are $10, $20, $30 or “Other” for Individual pledges and $100, $200, $300 or “Other” for Corporate pledges. However, you may gather pledges for any amounts over $10.
How many games do you have to play to trigger a pledge? Are number of games played dependent upon the age or grade level of the student?
The standard pledge-per-game ratio for a TiViTz Game-a-Thon Fundrai$er is $2 for every game played, regardless of the age of the student. For example, if a Player received a $20 pledge, he would need to play 10 games to trigger that pledge. Even if the Player received 10 individual pledges of $20 each, he/she would still only have to play 10 total games to trigger all of the pledges.
Do games have to be played online to count toward the Fundrai$er, or can they be played on the TiViTz board game?
Games must be played and scored online to be counted toward the TiViTz Game-a-Thon Fundrai$er but TiViTz board games can be used as supplemental tools to teach and practice fundamentals of the game.
Support Materials and Tools
How do I get my students excited about a TiViTz Game-a-Thon Fundrai$er?
First, get Players excited about playing TiViTz. This online “edutainment” portal utilizes the latest web technology to create a fast-paced, fast-playing and challenging math and strategy game that improves their minds while they’re have fun. Social components such as the chat function and customizable “Tivit” avatars make the site even more fun and appealing to kids and teens.
Also, be sure to get Players excited about what they are raising money for, whether it’s new computers for your school, uniforms for your team, a field trip or whatever it may be! Organizations keep 60 percent of funds raised, and up to 20 percent in prizes, which include gift cards to their favorite stores and websites like Game Stop, Toys “R” Us, iTunes, Amazon.com, Foot Locker, Pizza Hut and more!
You may also choose to award trophies for Best Players, Most Pledge Dollars Earned and Best Win/Loss Record, as well as implementing additional incentives, such as a pizza party for the winning class or team, or challenges for principals or coaches, such as shaving their head or kissing a pig. For more tips and ideas, see Tips for Success (link).
What support materials are provided to Group Leaders and Player?
The TiViTz Game-a-Thon Fundrai$er is completely online and automated, and is virtually paperless, eliminating ineffective folders, posters and forms— and putting money back in the pocket of your organization! Administrators, Organizers and Group Leaders have access to our online resources, including FAQs and Help section, e-mail help desk at support@tivitz.com as well as our TiViTz hotline at 877-4-TiViTz.
Players also have access to our FAQs and Help Section and the e-mail help desk at support@tivitz.com. If they desire, Players may print a customizable Pledge Collection Form and Leave-Behind Flyer which contain the Player’s name, their organization and the activity for which he/she is raising money.
How do I print a customized Leave-Behind TiViTz Game-a-Thon flyer?
To print a flyer customized with the Player’s name, the name of the organization and the activity for which he/she is raising money, simply log in at tivitzfundraiser.com using your username and password. Go to the Pledge Request page under the Pledge Management section and click on the button that reads “Download TiViTz Flyer.” After the document has downloaded, you may print and/or save it.
How do I print a customized Pledge Collection form?
To print a Pledge Collection sheet customized with the Player’s name, the name of the organization and the activity for which he/she is raising money, simply log in at tivitzfundraiser.com using your username and password. Go to the Pledge Request page and click on the button that reads “Download TiViTz Flyer.” After the document has downloaded, you may print and/or save it.
Receiving Your Funds and Prizes
What percentage of funds raised does my organization get to keep?
Organizations keep 60 percent of pledge dollars earned and paid. An additional 20 percent is used to support prizes. Dollars pledged, but not paid or collected, do not count toward your Fundrai$er total or toward the value of your prizes earned.
How do I make sure that my pledges are paid by my Pledge-Sponsors?
Each Player is responsible for making sure that all pledges are triggered by games played and paid by Pledge-Sponsors. As soon as you have completed the Required Game Levels, a Pledge Invoice containing a link to your Proof-of-Play report will be automatically sent to the Pledge-Sponsor requesting payment.We suggest you follow up with a personal phone call or e-mail to confirm that you have played your games and to confirm the receipt of the e-mail invoice. If you would like to re-send a pledge invoice, log on and click on the Pledge Management section, then click on Pledge Invoice Report, then the name of the Pledge-Sponsor and the “Resend” button.
Be sure to log on to tivitzfundraiser.com frequently to check the status of your pledge invitations, pledge invoices and games played!
Where does the rest of the money go?
SAS Games retains 20 percent of funds raised to cover administrative costs, credit card processing, prize fulfillment, marketing and sponsorship costs.
How much of funds raised go toward prizes?
Twenty percent of the dollars collected support the prizes that kids want, including gift cards to students’ favorite stores and websites such as Game Stop, Toys “R” Us, iTunes, Amazon.com, Foot Locker, Pizza Hut and more!
How soon will my organization receive the funds we raise?
Funds are paid electronically via PayPal twice a month, on the 1st and the 15th. As soon as pledges are paid online, your organization will begin receiving funds!
How and when do we receive the money from the Fundrai$er?
You must have a PayPal account to receive funds from your TiViTz Game-a-Thon Fundrai$er. Funds are paid electronically via PayPal twice a month.
Why do I need a PayPal account?
SAS Games utilizes PayPal Pro to provide a fast, safe and secure online payment option for Pledge-Sponsors. The same PayPal Pro payment solution provides a safe and secure electronic transfer option from SAS Games back to you.
How soon will we receive our prizes?
Prizes will be sent within three weeks of the final date for collecting all pledges, usually two weeks after the end of the Fundrai$er. Prizes will be shipped (or e-mailed if applicable) to the Group Leader (teacher, coach or sponsor), not individual Players.
How are prizes shipped?
Prizes are sent via Priority Mail or will be sent by e-mail if applicable.
Player Privacy/Parental Consent
What does the company do with the e-mail addresses it collects?
SAS Games uses the e-mail addresses it collects solely for the purposes of executing the Fundrai$er, namely, providing e-mail communication regarding Pledge Requests, Pledge Invoices and thank you letters. Parents receive a copy of every e-mail sent from tivitzfundraiser.com on behalf of their child. E-mail addresses are not sold to third parties or used for any other purpose.
How does SAS Games protect Players’ privacy?
SAS Games strongly encourages Players, as well as their parents and Group Leaders, not to use their real names or e-mail addresses as their username when registering as a Player. No telephone numbers or home addresses are ever requested nor collected for Players. SAS Games does not sell names or e-mail addresses to third parties or use this information for any purpose other than execution of the Fundrai$er.
Will my personal information be sold or used for any other purpose other than the Fundrai$er?
No. SAS Games does not sell names or e-mail addresses to third parties or use this information for any purpose other than execution of the Fundrai$er.
Is Parental Consent needed to participate in the TiViTz Game-a-Thon Fundrai$er?
Parental Consent is required for children to participate in the Fundrai$er, however, it is the responsibility of the Group Leader to ensure that every child has obtained permission from a parent or legal guardian. Parental Consent can be provided online on the Player Profile page or the form can be printed and signed by a parent and turned in to the Group Leader.
Do Players have to provide home address and phone number in their User Profile?
No! Players are never asked to provide a home address or phone number. All correspondence is sent to Players, their parents and Pledge-Sponsors via e-mail and prizes are shipped to the Group Leader, not individual Players.
Additional Help
Whom do I contact with additional questions about conducting a TiViTz Game-a-Thon Fundrai$er?
For questions concerning a TiViTz Game-a-Thon Fundrai$er, please consult the FAQ section and Help section of this website, e-mail support@tivitiz.com or call 877-4-TiViTz.
Will there be online or telephone support provided to Players who participate in a TiViTz Game-a-Thon Fundrai$er?
For questions concerning your TiViTz Game-a-Thon Fundrai$er, please consult the FAQ section and Help section of this website, e-mail support@tivitiz.com or call 877-4-TiViTz.