Polar Plunge 2025
What is the Polar Plunge?
The Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Wisconsin is our largest grassroots fundraiser. A unique way to support SOWI athletes, plungers show their commitment to inclusion by raising funds for the cause, then jumping into icy waters.
In 2025, eight Polar Plunge events will take place across the state or participants can choose to include via a D.I.Y. Alternative Plunge.
JOIN
It's as easy as 1-2-3!
Choose your location:
From Madison to Milwaukee, to Wisconsin Rapids to Whitewater--we've got a plunge coming to a location near you! Check out the plunge locations below or choose your own adventure via Alternative Plunge.
Create a Funraise account:
An updated system offers updated features. Raising funds for the athletes of Special Olympics Wisconsin is just a few clicks away!
Choose how you'll participate!
Plungers, and Pledgers, and Supporters--oh my! Our incredible network of supporters help make the Plunge a huge deal. Create a team with athletes, school groups, coworkers, or friends and family--or find a team to support!
PARTICIPATE
Three ways to join the fun!
Polar Plunger
The traditional way to plunge! Jump into icy waters and bask in your generous glory!
Min. Fundraising Required: $100
Registration Fee: $25
Polar Pledger
Get involved without getting wet. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Min. Fundraising Required: $100
Registration Fee: $25
Volunteer
Many hands make our Polar Plunges a success.
Reach out to our Plunge Team or check out day-of Plunge volunteer opportunities!
LOCATIONS
Eight statewide events, plus a D.I.Y. option!
RESOURCES
Coming soon!
FAQ
General Plunge Info
Who does the Polar Plunge benefit?
The Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Wisconsin benefits thousands of athletes across the state who compete and train year-round in 19 different Olympics-style sports. For many of our athletes, Special Olympics Wisconsin is a great way to stay connected, active, and engaged in healthy sports, health, leadership, and school-based programming.
How much of my funds raised goes to Special Olympics Wisconsin?
100%. We thank you for the support of our statewide athletes!
So really, I'm jumping into an icy body of water?
Yup--that’s the plan! We have law enforcement and fire department volunteers in wet suits in the water with you, so everyone is safe. The plunge depths vary depending on where you plunge. Average temperatures are expectedly chilly. Separate heated men’s and women’s changing areas are available, and gender neutral/ “family” changing is available at some plunge sites.
What are the emergency weather plans for the Plunge?
The plunges happen rain, sleet, snow, or shine! If temperatures reach dangerous lows, we will modify the event accordingly, this may include cancelation. Come ready to jump in!
How old do you have to be to plunge?
There is no age requirement to participate in the Polar Plunge. Young children are welcome to participate, but that decision is left to the sole discretion of the child’s parent or guardian. All children 12 & under are required to have a parent or guardian (can include chaperone) present to plunge. For individuals under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must agree to the Terms and Conditions during the online registration process and sign the event participant waiver.
This is my first time plunging. What do I need to bring?
We recommend you bring a change of clothes, a dry pair of shoes, and a towel for after the Plunge. Older shoes, Costumes and team spirit are encouraged for the icy dip. Please keep in mind that if you lose a piece of your outfit, we won’t be able to retrieve it for you from the water.
I have a group of people who want to plunge together. Can we form a team?
Yes! Forming a team is a great motivation to raise more money for Special Olympics Wisconsin. When registering, select the “Create a Team” option. Please keep in mind, that incentives are earned by individual fundraising pages, NOT by team totals. Additionally, each participant is expected to individually reach the $100 minimum before taking the plunge.
Can my team plunge together?
Teams can plunge together. Please take note that larger teams may need to separate for safety protocol at locations where the plunge entry is smaller.
Will there be photos of our Plunge?
Yes! Pictures and videos received from SOWI Photographers will be available on our Special Olympics Wisconsin Flickr account.
Can I utilize social media or other fundraising platforms to raise funds towards my Plunge efforts?
Yes! Be sure to utilize our Plunge Participant Toolkit. Please note, all online fundraising should be done through the provided Fundraising Page created during the registration process. *Funds raised through third-party pages (Go Fund Me, Facebook Donations, etc.) cannot be credited towards your fundraising efforts* due to a lack of information provided by those companies when distributing funds raised.
Fundraising
What is the minimum amount that I need to raise to participate?
All Plungers must raise a minimum of $100 to take the plunge. This includes members of teams/groups who register together--all participants must reach the $100 minimum to take the jump!
Are there required fees to participate?
Beginning December 1, a $25 registration fee will be required. The additional $75 remainder can be fundraised through grassroots efforts.
What is your refund policy?
Donations made to the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Wisconsin are charitable contributions and nonrefundable.
How do I submit offline donations? And what about checks?
For cash donations under $100, plungers should deposit the cash into their bank account and make a donation via their Fundraising page.
For cash donations over $100, plungers should exchange donations into a money order or cashier check. Then complete the Offline Donation Submission Form and mail it along with the money order to the address below. Ensure you include complete donor information so that a tax letter can be sent to your donor.
All checks should be made payable to Special Olympics Wisconsin. Donations with complete donor information will receive a tax letter from Special Olympics Wisconsin. Check donations should be mailed along with a completed Offline Donation Submission Form to the address below.
Mail offline donations to:
Special Olympics Wisconsin
Attn: Polar Plunge
6582 Ronald Reagan Ave
Madison, WI 53704
I can't collect all my donations before my Polar Plunge. What do I do?
So long as you have the minimum $100 by the time of the Plunge, you’ll be able to Plunge with us. Any donations received by March 22, 2025 will be applied to your fundraising efforts and go towards receiving your Plunge Incentives.
To submit donations after the event please complete this Offline Donation Submission Form and mail items to:
Special Olympics Wisconsin
Attn: Polar Plunge
6582 Ronald Reagan Ave
Madison, WI 53704
Are donations tax deductible?
Yes! Our tax ID/EIN number is 39-1176591.
My company offers matching gifts. How does that work toward my fundraising total?
Matching gifts are a great way to raise additional funds for your Polar Plunge. As long as we receive the matching gift paperwork BEFORE the close of the event deadline (March 22), you will receive credit for the donation towards your fundraising total. For assistance with gift matching, send us an email.
Will my supporters automatically receive a receipt, or do I need to request one?
Special Olympics Wisconsin automatically generates receipts for anyone who contributes by check, money order, or cash and for whom we have complete and accurate contact information (name and mailing address). All donations that are made online via credit card automatically receive a donation receipt via email for any amount.
Incentives
What happens if I raise more than the minimum $100?
Incentives will be available for Plungers at the $250, $500, $750 and $1,000+ fundraising thresholds.
Are any incentives available for purchase?
It is a privilege to earn the various incentives at each level, therefore we do not sell any of our Polar Plunge incentives to the public.
When and how will I receive my incentives?
All traditional Polar Plungers who reach their $100 fundraising minimum by midnight on their Plunge location’s Guaranteed Incentive Deadline will receive their incentives (long sleeve t-shirt and other items earned) at the event. Alternative Polar Plunge participants will receive their incentives via mail* in late April so long as the $100 minimum is submitted to Special Olympics Wisconsin via their Funraise page by March 22, 2025.
Location: Plunge Date - Guaranteed Incentive Deadline
Wisconsin Rapids: Feb. 1, 2025 - Jan. 16, 2025
Oshkosh: Feb 8, 2025 - Jan. 23, 2025
Madison: Feb. 15, 2025 - Jan. 30, 2025
Green Bay: Feb. 22, 2025 - Feb. 6, 2025
Milwaukee: Mar. 1, 2025 - Feb. 13, 2025
La Crosse: Mar. 1, 2025 - Feb. 20, 2025
Chippewa Falls: Mar. 8, 2025 - Feb. 20, 2025
Whitewater: Mar. 15, 2025 - Feb. 27, 2025
Alternative: ANY - Mar. 22, 2025
Will I still get my incentives after the deadline?
Any plungers who meet the minimum $100 to plunge and earn any incentives AFTER the deadline will be distributed at the event until supplies run out, size is not guaranteed. If supplies run out, the incentives will be recorded via a missing incentive form online at the time of check-in and pick up will be communicated via email at the close of ALL Plunges to a location near your Plunge.
Funraise Platform
How do I register via the online Funraise system?
Click here to view our step-by-step registration instructions.
If you run into registration issues online, please contact your local Plunge Event Manager:
Oshkosh, Green Bay, La Crosse - Corey Beecher
Wisconsin Rapids, Chippewa Falls, Alternative - Ashley Lodzinski
Madison, Milwaukee, Whitewater - Lauren Sobolewski
Do all team members need to register online?
Yes. All plungers must register online. Individuals under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian with them when they register as they must agree to our Terms and Conditions.
I accidentally registered twice. What do I do?
In order to properly track your online donations, it is best that you only have one online registration record per Plunge location. If you accidentally registered twice, contact your Plunge Event Manager or email [email protected]. Please include your Plunge location, the two email addresses you registered under and which of those accounts you would like to keep. We will take care of the issue and email you back once the correction has been made.
I forgot my username and password. What do I do?
Your username is the email address you used during registration. If you do not remember what email you used, contact your Plunge Event Manager or email [email protected] with your full name and past Polar Plunge location. If you forgot your password, utilize the Forgot Password option under the login section of your fundraising page.
Can team members share/split an online donation?
Donations made online CANNOT be split between team members.
How do I find my friend's Plunge page to make a donation?
Search for Plungers by utilizing the search bar at the top of the Plunge Fundraising page by the location that your friend will be participating.
How do I send emails to ask for donations, ask others to join, or thank donors?
The How to Fundraise tool in our Plunge Tool-kit can be helpful, but we can’t guarantee that the emails won’t go to your recipient’s spam folder. To be sure your emails are being received, we recommend you send requests through your own personal email account.
I don't want to use the Funraise system. Can I still participate?
No. While we encourage you to register online and fundraise online, we know there are issues that come with that access. Please contact your Plunge Event Manager. They can assist in the online registration process for you.
SPONSORS
Interested in sponsoring a Polar Plunge? Contact us below!
