If you were on the internet in 2014, chances are you saw someone—maybe even your neighbor or favorite celebrity—dump a bucket of freezing water on their head. That viral moment became known as the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, and it didn’t just entertain people; it made a real impact. It raised over $135 million for ALS research and brought global attention to a disease many had never heard of.
But what happened after the ice buckets dried up? ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is still here, still devastating lives, and thankfully, people are still stepping up.
In this blog, we’re taking a look at 5 major ALS fundraisers that have made a splash since the Ice Bucket Challenge, focusing on their success, simplicity, and heart.
A Quick Look at the Top ALS Fundraisers Post-Ice Bucket
| Campaign | Type | Raised | Best For |
| The Ice Bucket Challenge | Social Media Viral | $135+ million | Wide awareness, youth |
| Ride to Defeat ALS | Cycling Fundraiser | $1M+/year | Active participants |
| ALS Association Walks | National Walk Events | $265M+r | Family-friendly giving |
| Team Gleason Foundation | Ongoing Charity | Millions | ALS care & accessibility |
| Challenge Me for ALS | Social Campaign | $10M+ (est.) | Personalized fundraising |
1. The Ice Bucket Challenge (2014)
Even though this blog is about post-Ice Bucket campaigns, we have to start here—because it changed everything.
People all over the world dumped ice water on themselves to raise awareness for ALS. What made it work? It was fun, easy to share, and nominated others to participate. Suddenly, everyone from Bill Gates to your cousin was in on it.
What It Did:
- Raised $115 million in few weeks for the ALS Association.
- Funded over 200 research projects and contributed to key discoveries.
- Put ALS in the global spotlight.
Why It Still Matters:
The Ice Bucket Challenge is the benchmark for creative fundraising. New campaigns still try to capture that same energy.
2. Ride to Defeat ALS
Launched by the ALS Association, this annual nationwide event unites families, friends, and advocates in over 100 cities. Participants raise funds through pledges, with events like the 2025 Ride to Defeat ALS Iron Horse Trail aiming for $90,000 in donations
Why It Works:
- It combines fitness with fundraising—people train for it and get sponsors.
- Combines community bonding with measurable goals.
- Teams honor loved ones, share stories, and access resources like the ALS Association’s 96% Charity Navigator-rated programs
Impact:
Each ride can bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars, and together they raise over $1 million a year. The proceeds go toward care, advocacy, and research.
3. ALS Association Walks to Defeat ALS
These Walks to Defeat ALS are nationwide events that bring together families, friends, and teams walking for someone they love. Unlike the cycling events, this one is more casual, inclusive, and accessible for all ages.
Why It’s Popular:
- No athletic training needed—just walking and showing up.
- Walkers can raise money individually or as teams.
- It’s a great way to build community and honor those affected by ALS.
The Impact:
The ALS Association reports raising over $265 million from walk events nationwide.
4. Team Gleason Foundation
Founded by Steve Gleason, a former NFL player diagnosed with ALS in 2011, the Team Gleason Foundation has made a long-term impact through tech and care. In fact, they partnered with Microsoft to develop the ALS Accessibility Pack, enabling patients to control smart home devices via eye movement.
Unlike one-time fundraising events, this foundation:
- Funds assistive technologies (like eye-controlled speech tools).
- Offers supportive services for ALS patients.
- Raises awareness through documentaries and public speaking.
Notable Achievements:
- Helped pass the Steve Gleason Act, which ensured Medicare covered certain ALS-related devices.
- Raised $40M+ since 2011, with grants covering 90% of recipients’ tech needs
This foundation stands out for helping people live better with ALS—not just funding a cure, but also providing quality of life.
5. Challenge Me for ALS (2020–Present)
After the success of the Ice Bucket Challenge, the ALS Association launched Challenge Me for ALS, a follow-up movement inviting people to create their own fun challenges to raise money.
Think: “Run 100 miles in a month,” or “Do 10 push-ups for 10 days.” The creativity is up to you—and that’s the point.
Why It Clicks:
- Personal and flexible—people can tailor it to their abilities.
- Works great on social media (TikTok, Instagram, etc.).
- Keeps the Ice Bucket spirit alive with new twists.
Results:
Although it hasn’t matched the original Ice Bucket numbers, it’s estimated to have raised over $10 million since its launch and continues growing as people embrace creative challenges.
So, Which ALS Fundraiser Is “Best”?
It depends on your style:
- Want to go viral? Try Challenge Me for ALS or get inspired by the Ice Bucket legacy.
- Prefer active events? Look into Ride to Defeat ALS.
- Want something more casual? The Walks to Defeat ALS are perfect for families.
- Want to support tech and daily care? Team Gleason is doing amazing work.
The key takeaway is this: ALS fundraising didn’t stop with the Ice Bucket Challenge. In fact, that moment launched a whole movement of ongoing support, creativity, and dedication.
Final Thoughts: ALS Still Needs Us
ALS is a disease that affects around 30,000 people in the U.S. at any given time. It’s relentless, and there’s still no cure—but that doesn’t mean we’re powerless.
Whether you’re walking, riding, fundraising on social media, or donating directly, every effort counts. The spirit of the Ice Bucket Challenge lives on in all these campaigns, proving that when people come together—even for a simple challenge—they can make a lasting difference.
Let’s keep the momentum going.
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