Inauguration Trip Contest Frequently Asked Questions
INAUGURATION TRIP CONTEST NOW CLOSED
The contest has concluded, what’s next? The Change Begins with Me campaign is just the beginning of the Case Foundation’s year-long effort to help transform inauguration excitement into community action. In the coming months, the Case Foundation will connect commitment makers with ongoing opportunities to serve, provide a venue for discussion and networking, share inspirational stories, invite participation with our innovative civic-engagement programs and catalyze action through mini-grants and other incentives. Read more >>
How else can I get involved and apply my commitment to change? Like you, we know that lasting change happens when individuals join together, form solutions, and take action together. Go to our Take Action page for additional tools and resources.
What is the timing for notifying finalists and winners? We will notify the 10 finalists via email after 5pm on January 12th via email. Finalists will have until January 14th to respond. Winner will be selected on or around January 15th and notified via telephone and email.
Can I still submit my commitment to change online? Yes. We have been overwhelmed and inspired by the thousands of passionate people that have committed to create change in their communities during the Change Begins With Me campaign. And, we want thousands more to do the same. To encourage continued participation and commitment making, beginning at the close of the inauguration trip contest, we will ask all American’s to keep the commitments rolling at www.casefoundation.org/change.
Will you publicly announce who the winner is? Information on the winner of the “Change Begins With Me” drawing will be publicly announced by January 20th.
Can I see the full list of change statements submitted? Yes, please go to http://www.casefoundation.org/change/changes
Archived Inauguration Trip Contest FAQs
Why is the Case Foundation doing this? The Case Foundation is a champion of efforts that provide individuals the opportunity to connect with their neighbors, decide what matters most to them, form solutions and take action. Through "Change Begins With Me" we hope to empower individuals to find ways to see themselves as an ongoing part of this change, and we will continue to provide tools and resources to help individuals achieve their commitments during the year.
Who Can Apply? "Change Begins With Me" is open to any legal resident 14 years of age or older who resides in one of the 50 U.S. States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico.
What is the deadline to submit? The contest will begin on Tuesday, December 23rd 2008. Online submissions will be open until 3pm EST on January 12, 2009. Email confirmations end at 5pm EST on January 12.
Will I have to pay taxes on the prize if I win? Yes, you will
Can I bring any one with me? We will be awarding one prize that includes a trip for two, and we do hope you'll bring someone along to share this special occasion with you. If you are under the age of 18 we do require that you bring a parent or legal guardian.
Can I give this to someone else if I win? No, the Inaugural tickets and all components of the package are completely non-transferrable.
What if my travel expenses are more than $1,500? The Case Foundation is only able to pay for the first $1,500 of your travel expenses. We will work with the winner to help find good rates, but winner will be responsible for any travel related costs over $1,500. Hotel will be provided for you and not included in the $1,500 travel expense limit.
What if my travel expenses are less than $1,500? We encourage you to find the most convenient and affordable mode of transportation to Washington, DC. If you live close to Washington, DC, we cover travel expenses up to $1,500. If your expenses are less than $1,500, you will not receive the remainder of the balance.
What are you doing with my commitment? Once you submit a commitment we may highlight it on our site or use it in promotional materials.
How are you selecting winners? After the deadline for confirmations has expired (January 12, 5pm EST), a winner will be randomly selected by a computer generated program. The computer will also select 9 runners up - and each runner up will receive a $50 Good Card to donate to a charity of their choice.
Can I enter more than once? No. Individuals may only enter the contest one time. Individuals who attempt to enter multiple times will be disqualified.
What other information will I need to give you if I win? Please see Item 12, "Winners' Documentation Duties" of the Official Rules for all items individuals must provide in order to be considered for the package.
Can I participate by sending my commitment to the Case Foundation via US Mail, or email? No, entries for the "Change Begins With Me" contest, will only be accepted via the online application.
What counts in the 250 character limit when submitting my "commitment to change"? All letters, numbers, punctuation, symbols, and spaces.
What if I don't have an e-mail address? While we understand that some applicants may not currently have an e-mail address, we do require one so that we may communicate with you electronically. Many e-mail providers allow you to set up free accounts, including AOL, Gmail, and Yahoo!.
