Get your steps in 18-24 May - FAQ's

What is the Step Challenge?

The EY Foundation Step Challenge, “2 million steps, one shared journey”, is a voluntary wellbeing and fundraising activity taking place from Monday 18 May to Sunday 24 May 2026. Colleagues are encouraged to record steps taken as part of their normal daily routine to help us collectively reach 2.5 million steps, representing a virtual journey between EY offices across the UK. 

The challenge helps raise vital funds to support young people from low‑income backgrounds towards meaningful employment.

When does the Step Challenge take place?

The challenge runs for 7 days, from Monday 18 May to Sunday 24 May 2026. You can join at any point during the week and set your own personal pace and step goals.

Do I need to complete my steps on specific days?

No. You can take part at any time during the challenge week and complete your steps in a way that works for you. It’s your pace, and every step counts towards the shared total.

Who can take part?

All colleagues and even their friends and family are welcome to take part. You can join as an individual or as part of a team of up to four people. Participation is entirely optional, inclusive and self‑paced.

Is there an age limit?

There’s no upper age limit for taking part. However, you must be 18 or over to register for the Step Challenge.

Is there a daily step target?

No. There is no minimum daily step requirement and no competition between individuals. The focus is on collective progress rather than individual performance. An average of around 7,000 steps a day is suggested only as a motivational guide.

What counts as steps?

All everyday movement counts, including:

• Lunchtime walks

• Commuting

• Moving between meetings

• General daily activity (including walking pads)

How do I track and log my steps?

No specialist equipment is required.

• iPhone users: Apple Health

• Android users: Google Fit or built‑in health apps

You simply check your step totals and log them mid‑week and at the end of the challenge using the shared Excel Tracker here.

What happens after I sign up?

You’ll receive a welcome email with everything you need to get started. 

You’ll also be invited to join a Teams channel and receive regular update emails throughout the week.

How can I win a prize?

Once you reach £100 in fundraising, you’ll receive an #EYFoundation wristband.

Prizes will be awarded for:

• Top individual fundraiser

• Highest fundraising team

What if I’m unwell or injured?

Please do not take part if you are unwell or injured. You can still support the challenge in other ways, such as fundraising or cheering others on.

Do I have to fundraise to take part?

Fundraising is encouraged in support of the EY Foundation, with an indicative target of £100 per participant, but taking part in the walking activity itself is separate and completely voluntary.

How will progress be shared?

Progress will be shared through regular communications, including:

• A virtual UK route map

• Mid‑week and end‑of‑week updates showing collective steps and fundraising totals

What is Enthuse and how do I use it?

Enthuse is the online fundraising platform used for this challenge. Your fundraising page will be automatically created when you sign up.

You can access your page via the Enthuse website using the details you provided, or through the link in your confirmation email. Share your page with friends and family to encourage donations.

How do I get help with my Enthuse fundraising page?

If you need help using Enthuse, their support team can assist:

• Use the Enthuse contact form

• Visit the Enthuse FAQ page

• Call 0207 951 313

I’m having trouble signing up – who can help?

If you’re having issues signing up, please:

• Email stepsforsuccess@eyfoundation.ey.com, or

• Call 0207 951 3133 and a member of the fundraising team will help.

How do I collect donations?

The easiest way is to ask supporters to donate directly via your Enthuse fundraising page. Donations go straight to the EY Foundation.

If you collect cash, you can add it to your page as an offline donation, ensuring government guidelines are followed.

Is there a minimum fundraising amount?

The suggested fundraising target is £100 per person, and £400 per team of 4. There’s no penalty if you don’t reach this, but higher fundraising helps us support more young people.

What is Gift Aid?

Gift Aid allows the EY Foundation to claim 25p for every £1 donated at no extra cost to donors who are UK taxpayers. 
Gift Aid can only be claimed on personal donations, not on money raised through raffles, bake sales, auctions, or ticketed events.

Is there a deadline for paying in donations?

Please ensure all donations are paid in by Sunday 31 May 2026. Winners will be announced on Tuesday 2 June.

Are there in‑person walks?

Yes. We will be holding in‑person lunchtime walks will take place at selected London locations to build momentum and connection. Participation is optional, and group sizes will be limited.

What are the walk routes?

• Tuesday 19th May 2026 - Canary Wharf: Canary Wharf estate → Thames Path / docklands waterfront → return

• Thursday 21st May 2026 - MLP (London Bridge): More London → Tower Bridge → Potters Fields → return

Both routes are flat, fully paved, approximately 1–1.5 km, and take around 20–30 minutes.

What time are the in‑person walks?

Walks will take place during lunchtime, starting from 12:30pm, with staggered group start times and an estimated finish by 1:30pm.

Is the Step Challenge safe?

Yes. The challenge is considered low risk. You can choose a target number of steps based on something that is achievable for you. The in-person walks are also elf‑paced, take place on familiar routes, and are managed in small groups (maximum 10–12 people). Safety guidance will be shared on the day.

What should I wear or bring for the walk?

Please wear comfortable footwear with good grip. Bring water and sunscreen if required. In poor weather, you can shorten or skip the walk.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

For any questions, please contact: fundraising@eyfoundation.ey.com or call 020 7783 0822