ABOUT NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR LAW & JUSTICE VIRTUAL CAMPAIGN
 
DONATE NOW!
 
At the National Institute for Law and Justice (NILJ), we help families whose loved ones have gone missing. While our doors to all, we’ve been inundated with case requests involving Indigenous relatives from all over the United States. And here’s why: According to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, more than 4,200 missing and murdered cases involving Indigenous women, men, children, and two-spirits have gone unsolved.
 
Can you imagine having no place to turn when your loved one’s case goes unsolved? On average, private investigative services can cost a family upwards of $30,000 to continue searching. No one should have to give up their search. And everyone should have a trusted resource that is highly recommended by leaders from many Indigenous nations. This is where NILJ comes in…but we need your help.
 
Our goal for our #MilesForTheMissing Virtual Race is to help families who’ve lost so much already. Families whose loved ones have been trafficked, kidnapped, are suspected homicide victims, and more. By walking, running, swimming, or riding 42 miles (in honor of the 4200 missing and murdered loved ones) during the month of May, you'll fund investigations to find missing Indigenous relatives.
 
Collectively, we’re hoping to hit the 42,000 mile marker and raise $150,000 in the process!
 
What is the #MilesfortheMissing Virtual Race?
 
In contrast to a conventional walk, run, or bike race, this virtual event embraces technology, enabling you to engage independently, with friends, colleagues, or your entire family, demonstrating your solidarity from any location and at any time, whether it's day or night, rain or shine, indoors or outdoors. The decision is entirely yours! Simply sign up at any point during the virtual race period and continue your usual activities to stay active, all while knowing you're making a significant impact by raising crucial funds to find missing loved ones.
 
Not a fan of walking, running, or biking to keep fit? No worries. Perhaps you prefer golfing, swimming, spinning, working out, dancing, hiking, rowing, boxing, or even tackling household or yard chores. That's fantastic! As long as you're moving, you're welcome to join #MilesfortheMissing! Your participation can truly make a meaningful difference in the lives of Indigenous families across the nation.
 
Special thanks to our sponsors Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and Deckers for making this event possible.
 
How does the #MilesfortheMissing Virtual Race?
 
Step 1. Register as an individual or create and/or join a team.
 
 
Step 2. Set the mileage and fundraising goal you plan to achieve by May 31, 2024. (You can change these goals at any time under "Edit Fundraiser" located in the drop down menu.)
 
 
Step 3. Track your progress! There are three ways to track your progress:
    • Sync your fitness device. (Fitbit, Apple Watch, Garmin, Google Fit, Misfit, Strava)
    • Download the free Charity Footprints app to track your progress.
    • Manually enter your miles on your event page. *Remember every mile counts! Many fitness trackers will track your mileage even when you are not doing a workout.*
 
Step 4. Share your personal fundraising page with everyone you know and ask them to make a contribution to NILJ’s MIlesForTheMissing Virtual Race and your personal goals!
 
Step 5. Locate your Fundraiser, Leaderboards, and other settings in the drop down menu.
 
Step 6. Use the chat box feature to ask questions, rally your team, and have friendly competitive banter with other participants.
 
Campaign Engagement
This campaign offers numerous ways to get involved and earn points! Whether you’re posting in the scrapbook, leaving comments, chatting with others, or sending invitation emails, every action counts. Refer to the CAMPAIGN ENGAGEMENT POINTS CHART below to see how each activity earns points and start participating now to boost your score.
OUR COMMUNITY
FITNESS GOAL
COMPLETED: 344 miles
TARGET: 42,000 miles
FUNDRAISING GOAL
RAISED: $ 1,040
TARGET: $ 150,000
You must go on adventures to find out where you truly belong. ~ Sue Fitzmaurice
Come join us and leave your footprints around the US!
HOW IT WORKS
Register for the campaign and set your fitness & fundraising targets.
Click here to set-up your devices (Fitbit, Garmin, Apple Watch, Health Connect By Android, Misfit, Strava), or download our iOS or Android apps.
Share your story and raise funds & awareness.
Track workouts anywhere & anytime and complete goal.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR LAW & JUSTICE INC.
Our mission is to provide much-needed funding for investigative services for crime victims and their families who are searching for answers, resolution, and closure.

Read more about the organization >>

HOW YOUR PARTICIPATION HELPS
Every dollar counts and all donations collected go directly to funding investigative services to help uncover truth in homicide cases and find missing loved ones. Your thoughtful donation will make a difference in the lives of countless families who’ve suffered the unimaginable loss of a missing or murdered loved one.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Charity Footprints?

Charity Footprints is a social enterprise that connects fitness and charitable giving. We empower people just like you, to get fit & give back.

Our Virtual Races allow non-profits to challenge their patrons to run, walk or ride and raise funds just as they would in a fundraising walkathon. The best part - charities save over 45% in event and logistical costs. So, the dollars that you pay to register or fundraise, go farther.

What is the campaign registration fee?

Campaign registration fee is the amount that you'll need to pay to enroll in this virtual race. This fee (less transaction charges) will go to the non-profit running this campaign as a donation.

The registration fee along with the funds raised through your individual fundraising page will enable the non-profit to fund various programs and pursue their organization's mission.

How can I create my fundraising page?

Well, you wouldn't have to create a separate fundraising page. Once you register for this campaign, we'll give you the link to your fundraising page.

How will I track my distance?

You can track your workouts by setting up your devices (Fitbit, Garmin, Apple Watch, Health Connect By Android, Misfit, Strava), or download the Charity Footprints' iOS or Android app and track your workouts toward this campaign. ?>

If you workout indoors (treadmill, elliptical, stationary bike etc.), you can upload your workouts here.

How do I join a team on this campaign?

While registering for the campaign, select the team you'd like to join or create a new team and invite others to #GetFitGiveBack with you. If you want to join a team (or create your team) after registration, login to the campaign site and you would find a link to edit "My Team" in the menu under your profile in the header.

I am an international donor (non-US), what are my donation charges and tax-deductibility?

All donations are made in US dollars, so the donations may be levied an exchange rate fee via your bank. Donors will want to connect with their bank to determine exactly what that fee may be. Additionally, international donors will need to reach out to a tax professional to discuss if and how tax deductibility will apply to their donation.

Who can sponsor my fundraising efforts?

The short answer is - everyone. The fundraising research shows that the number one reason for people not donating is that they weren't asked to.

That said, there are things you can do to attract people to sponsor you. Adding a picture to your fundraising page, telling potential donors why this cause is so personal to you, sharing your fundraising page on social media, email, and chat groups.

Last, if your employer has a gift matching program, check with the human resources department to support your favorite cause as well.

Who can I contact if I need help?

You can contact us any time if you need help. We love hearing from our users so please don't hesitate to write to us about issues, suggestions, or to just say hi. You can also contact the non-profit administrator directly if you would like.

How do I change or switch my team?

If you want to join a team (or create your team) after registration, login to the campaign site and you would find a link to edit "My Team" in the menu under your profile in the header.