Join The Thousands Holding Facebook Fundraisers for BBRF

Posted: May 28, 2020
 Facebook Fundraisers to Support Mental Health Research

In December of 2017, the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF) signed up to accept donations on Facebook. Little did we know just how quickly users would take to this new opportunity to support mental health research using the world’s largest social network.

With surprise and gratitude, we have had almost 2,000 individuals create fundraisers in honor of birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and tributes. Facebook Fundraisers have been set up across the globe in countries including the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Australia, South Africa, and Japan - people helping to spread the word about the important work that our organization has accomplished for more than 30 years.

We are proud to announce that our Facebook Fundraisers have raised more than $500,000 to date! Every dollar will be invested in our research grants allowing us to support 10 Young Investigators - the most promising high risk-high reward scientific research studies selected by the BBRF Scientific Council.

Stories

Each and every story behind these Facebook Fundraisers is unique, but they all share a common passion for fighting stigma and finding cures for mental illness.

"I knew I wanted to donate to a nonprofit that worked on mental health issues, but before I donate to any nonprofit, I try to make sure that the nonprofit is valid in its efforts, transparent in how funding is appropriated, and aligned with my personal values. I spent a lot of time on your website and fact-checking/background-checking before I chose. I even found you in a list of nonprofits for 'best foundations to donate to'. I was so impressed with the breadth and depth of the research as nearly all issues that are funded through you are relevant to myself or loved ones. I enjoy receiving and reading your emails with new published findings and have shared to my FB. I only wish I could’ve raised more, but whenever someone asked what I wanted for my birthday, I said, 'donate to my fundraiser and learn about what they do.'"

-Sarah, from New York

"I lost my brother on August 30, 2018 to bipolar disorder. I think this organization is doing a wonderful thing because people do not know enough about these diseases. With this research, there would be less families coping with the tragic death because of mental illness that my family is currently facing. "

- Grace, from New Jersey

I have family members who have suffered from mental illness and I work in law enforcement where I contact people with mental illness frequently. This made me feel a connection to your research and feeling like I should put my resources with you. I’m glad to have helped!"

- John, from California

"I chose your foundation for various reasons. First, I have bipolar disorder and I hope that one day there will be a cure for it. Secondly, I graduated as a psychology major and have a dream of becoming a neuropsychologist. I’d also love to one day work for an organization like yours, if not yours. I strongly back brain and behavior research and hope that my family and friend’s contributions will truly help make a difference."

J.S.S., from New York

"I wanted to support a cause dedicated to mental health research. I basically wanted to be like 'HEY MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS ARE A THING THAT NEEDS YOUR ATTENTION TOO!' BBRF is on several websites that list best charities to donate to. 100% of donations go to research and the mission speaks to me personally. It was exactly the kind of cause I wanted to get behind."

- Danielle, from California

“I have multiple friends and family members who suffer from different disorders. I want to dedicate my life and my career to this research.”

- Rachel, from New York

“I sought out a nonprofit supporting independent research into mental health. Thank goodness you guys were there! Your work is amazing, and I’ve even signed up for the next few webinars just as part of my ongoing personal education.”

- Steve, from Illinois

 

Get Started

Are you ready to hold your own Facebook Fundraiser? The process is simple:

  1. Visit: bbrf.org/fbfundraising
  2. Set a fundraising goal, an end date, and share your story – explain why you chose to support mental health research and what you're hoping to accomplish
  3. Share the page with friends and family

Whether you raise $50 or $5,000, remember, 100% of every dollar raised for research from this grassroots effort will be invested in our grants to scientists thanks to separate foundation grants which cover our operating expenses.

Have any questions about fundraising?  Please email events@bbrfoundation.org.

On behalf of all of us at BBRF – THANK YOU!