Several people have asked about insurance coverage and waiver forms for walkathons.
Most nonprofits have a commercial general liability insurance policy that would extend to a walkathon fundraiser. The California State PTA, for example, provides coverage for school events if your parent group is part of that organization (I checked in August 2009 – please recheck with your own leadership). Check with your organizations leaders or legal counsel about liability and whether there are other areas to address. Legal requirements vary based on your location.
If you are holding the walkathon on public property, check with your local police and fire and the person who manages the location, to see what they require such as a use application. If you control the property where you’ll hold your event, such as a school or church, you can simply keep your director in the loop regarding plans.
In any case you will need a disclaimer for all participants in your event. Even with the best of intentions, accidents can and do happen. You can help protect your organization by collecting Waiver and Release of Liability from each of your participants before the event. DoJiggy.com is one of many sites that provide a sample walkathon waiver form that you might opt to use with your registration packet, modified to your needs.
Filed under: advanced preparation, legal and insurance | Tagged: waiver form |
Walkathon Guide 
What a helpful website! I have a question to throw out: As an individual I would like to organize a jog-a-thon for kids, and the proceeds will go to various charities. I have permission to use the field at a local school for the event. In addition to signing the school’s hold harmless agreement and having the participants sign waivers, would it be necessary to have any additional insurance if the school site doesn’t require it? Does anyone know the answer? Thanks!
I researched this a bit last October. Although I don’t have the definitive answer, here are a couple things I learned.
– The school principal or vice principal is likely to know
– You can also check with your own insurance agent for advice
– If needed, there are companies that sell event insurance. Google “event insurance” and you will see what I mean. I would think that your family insurance agent could help you sort out which is the best one.
Would you please let us know what you learn?
I AM HAVING A WALK-A-THON JULY 27, 2013 IN STOCKBRIDGE GA. CLARK COMMUNITY PARK IN HONOR OF SHANNON WILKERSON KIDNEY TRANSPLANT CANDIDATE. COME ON OUT AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT.