By Margaret Trombly, Development Manager
Well well well, here we are again! The most wonderful time of the year: Fund-a-Thon.
Each spring, our community joins together to collectively raise $100,000 to directly support abortion access across Maryland, and we want you to join us! Reaching this goal means we can help 150 people afford their abortion and make the best decision for their lives, families, and futures.
Here’s a few ways to get involved:
- Create a Fundraising Page: Set up your own page and encourage friends and family to donate to abortion access.
- Organize an Event: Host an event to raise both awareness and funds for abortion access.
- Donate Directly: If you can’t fundraise or organize, a donation to Fund-a-Thon will directly help fund abortion care.
If you’re new to peer-to-peer fundraising, never fear! We’ve got tons of resources available to you in our Fundraiser Toolkit, plus a group chat with a whole community of veteran fundraisers who are eager to share their tips and tricks.
Aside from the dollars and cents of it all, my favorite thing about Fund-a-Thon is that participants can deepen their connection to other abortion access supporters in Maryland and beyond. It’s a genuinely fun time of year that’s packed with community events and creative get-togethers. I’ve seen folks fundraise by hosting clothing swaps, yard sales, poetry nights, movie screenings; the list goes on. There are so many ways to pitch in, even if you don’t have the capacity to make a large donation yourself.
I am also particularly excited about this year’s theme! The Fund-a-Thon 2026 theme is AFM: On the Road. From the Bay Bridge to Swallow Falls, we’re bringing the adventurous spirit of a Maryland road trip to the fight for abortion access. Much like a road trip, the recipe for a successful Fund-a-Thon relies on a few necessities: good company, a shared sense of purpose, and, of course, a killer playlist.
Of course, no road trip is without its speed bumps. This year’s theme also highlights the sobering reality that, even in Maryland, despite a constitutionally protected right to abortion, many people in our state are still forced to drive several hours to reach their nearest clinic. Our team works tirelessly to connect clients with the resources they need, whether that’s a ride from a volunteer driver, a bus ticket, or gas money—but it’s not always enough.
The world feels really overwhelming right now. At times like these, we lean into community and focus on what we can do—which is making sure more people have access to the abortion care they need, want, and deserve. So with that, we’re grabbing our friends, family, and neighbors, and we’re hitting the road to support AFM this spring! The road ahead—to access, to safety, to liberation—is a long one, but we’ll get there together.
P.S. Don’t forget to save the date for our closing celebration on May 14! Anyone who fundraises for or donates to Fund-a-Thon will receive an invitation to attend. More details will be available closer to the event.