Starting a support registry is an important first step in getting through a difficult season of life - whether for you or someone close to you.
To get started, you'll need an email address to create your SupportNow account. This email is used for login, notifications, and account recovery. If someone else set up the registry on your behalf, an email address was provided during registration — you may need to check with them to confirm which one was used.
The good news is building a strong registry doesn't require perfect writing or a long story.
WATCH a quick video guide - here
Below are the most important items to focus on as you set up your registry:
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Choose a Clear Name
Your registry name should make it instantly obvious who this support is for.
It doesn't need to be clever, emotional, or permanent - just clear and human. The easier it is to understand at a glance, the easier it will be to share.
Good examples:
- The ____ Family
- Supporting "First and Last Name"
- Help Get _____ Walking
- First Name and the Last Name Family ("Joe and the Smith Family")
- #Cheering for Charlie
Write a Short, Helpful Description
Your description doesn't need to tell the full story. Its job is to provide enough context for supporters to understand the situation and what's needed right now.
Aim to answer a few basic questions.
- What happened, and when?
- What does the road ahead look like?
- What kind of support is most needed right now?
- Where can people go to help (donate, sign up, share)?
Clarity leads to action. Keep it short, honest, direct.
Also be mindful of spacing. We recommend breaking it up into a few easy-to-digest paragraphs. Avoid one super long block of text that can be overwhelming to read.
Note: We offer an AI-tool that can turn a brief prompt into a polished, thorough, description.
Upload One Strong Photo
Your main photo is the first thing people notice. It sets the tone.
Choose something that creates connection, something that draws an emotional response - recent, well-lit, warm, and ideally with smiling faces centered.
A simple photo of the person or family is often best.
To upload or change your photo: go to your Organizer Dashboard, click Edit next to your registry, and update your photo there.
More intense hospital or treatment images are better saved for future updates, not the main campaign photo.
Note that only .png, .jpeg, or .jpg formats are currently accepted.
Need help cropping or adjusting your photo? Our team is happy to help - email help@SupportNow.org, or use the chat icon in the bottom right.
Set a Fundraising Goal (Recommended)
If fundraising is a priority, we recommend adding a fundraising goal. While not required, our data overwhelmingly shows that having a goal results in far more donations as opposed to not having a goal. Some families prefer not to emphasize fundraising, and that's certainly ok, too.
Your fundraising goal can be adjusted (up or down) at any time.
We recommend starting with a relatively reasonable goal (typically $5k or $10k, perhaps more if you anticipate strong community support), and then increasing the goal as the amount raised reaches roughly 75% of the listed goal.
The most successful registries have usually raised their goal at least a handful of times.
How do I add Meals?
To begin adding meals, make sure Meals are enabled within your registry support options (click "edit" to the right of "Support Registry" to adjust this).
Here is a video that will walk you through the rest of the experience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-J6hSJyL518
How do I add Lend a Hand needs?
To begin adding Lend a Hand needs, make sure Meals are enabled within your registry support options (click "edit" to the right of "Support Registry" to adjust this).
Here is a video that will walk you through the rest of the experience.
Add Additional Organizers
Adding organizers isn't asking for a favor - it's inviting a few trusted people into a meaningful role so you're not alone.
Organizers can help by:
- Posting updates
- Managing support needs
- Responding to questions or comments
- Sending "say thanks" notes of gratitude to supporters
A best friend, family member, or a trusted colleague can make this experience far more sustainable.
Reminder - our team is happy to help with any questions you have in the setup process. Email Help@SupportNow.org or text us at 855-904-7080