Fundraising Connections

Are you a Registered Charity?

Many charitable foundations and philanthropists require that you be a registered charity (have a federal tax number) for a few reasons. First, being incorporated as a society lends more credibility to your organization. There are provincial and federal reporting requirements for societies. Being registered as a non Profit charitable organization allows you to issue charitable tax receipts for donations. It is extremely difficult to raise money from corporations or foundations without registered charitable status.

Tax receipts are very useful to private individuals for income tax purposes. Many service clubs require tax receipts because of regulatory requirements of their own fundraising such as bingos or casinos. Think about whether this might be advantageous to your group.

Board Members and Fundraising

Even after you have decided who will do the fundraising, you will need to find a couple of board members who will provide ongoing support and direction to your fundraiser.

Fundraising is a specialized task, and requires lots of brainstorming and contacts. This is especially helpful if the fundraising requires meeting with possible donors, and if your board members are well known and reputable......it confers support and respectability on the request process.

The Plan

• choose a strategy
  Whether a proposal, marketing campaign, direct mail, fundraising event, you will need to identify what you want to do.
• develop your material
  What will you need to do your project?
• find a partner
  Who will be your partner in this fundraiser?
• GO FOR IT !
• assess the results
  How did it work? What would you change for next time? Did you reach your target? What other supports would be helpful?

Other Considerations

Does your Organization need to Fundraise?

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