Third-Party Fundraising

Do you want to raise money for SASC but aren't sure how to start?

This toolkit is meant to act as a helpful guide as you plan, promote, execute, and complete fundraising event plans from the time of your application to your final donation.

​Third-party fundraisers are an excellent way for individuals and groups to help us transform the lives of survivors, their loved ones, and our community as a whole. 

SASC relies on the generosity, creativity, and talents of our community members. We know you have great ideas and the passion and know-how to put together some truly amazing events! In the gallery wheel below you can see some of the third-party fundraisers that have been done in the past! ​

A Path to Fundraising Success

Follow these tips to begin your path to fundraising success! 

#1:  Gather Your Team
Put together your fundraising team that will help you execute your vision. The more hands helping, the less stress you will feel in the long-run.
 
#2: Pick one idea or theme for your event
The prospect of planning an event can be exciting, so you might be tempted to do as many ideas as possible for one event! As tempting as this is, it’s better to pick one excellent idea and execute it well than attempt multiple ideas with half the energy and effort.

Here are some fundraising ideas to get you started!  ​ 

• Barbecue
• Concert
• Dinner
• Car Wash
• Dress Down Day
• Bake Sale
• Candygrams
• Plant Sale

• ​Used Book Sale
• T-Shirt Fundraiser
• Raffle
• Talent Show
• Dance
• Knit-A-Thon
• Fun Fair (Carnival Games)
• Fashion Show

• Pancake Breakfast
• 5k Run, Walk or Roll
• Golf Tournament
• Trivia Night
• Video Game Tournament
• Silent Auction
• Gift Wrapping Services
• Bingo 

​#3: Set a Realistic Fundraising Goal
A successful fundraiser keeps its costs low and its revenue high. Before you begin anything else, consider how much money you have to work with and whether it’s a feasible budget for the event idea you have in mind. Remember, SASC is not responsible for your fundraising costs, so be sure to plan accordingly!
​
#4: Don't Forget to fill out a fundraising application form
Filling out an application helps us to support your fundraising success by promoting your event on our social media pages. Remember that SASC staff cannot be involved in the planning or funding of your event. 

#5: Promote your fundraiser
The best way to get the word out about your event is by encouraging people to talk about it! The more you can get your audience excited about the event, the more likely they will engage with it. Encourage your team to share with their networks.
 
#6: Apply for Permits and Licenses 
If you are hosting a raffle or a silent auction you must obtain a lottery license for your event. 
If you are selling food of any kind (like a bake sale) make sure to follow the Region of Waterloo's food safety guidelines, and label allergens.

#7: Thank your participants / donors 
​Make sure you take the time to properly thank the people who helped to make your fundraiser a success! A short note or letter is all it takes to make someone feel appreciated! Download our thank-you letter template below for an example. 

Using CanadaHelps

SASC uses the online fundraising platform CanadaHelps to help manage our donations, and it’s also an excellent tool for you! You can visit our CanadaHelps profile by clicking on the button below. To start a fundraiser  click on the “Start a Fundraiser” button from our profile to create a peer-to-peer fundraising page. This will allow participants to send their donations directly to SASC through your donation page.

​If this works for the style of event you are planning (such as a trivia night, a run, or other ‘pledge’ based events) this will allow your participants to receive automated charitable tax receipts when they donate $20 or more. It is also an excellent way to keep track of your donation goals! 

SASC CanadaHelps Profile

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why do I have to fill out an application form?
A: The application form allows us to access whether or not your proposed event fits within our mission, vision, and values as an organization. SASC cares about where our donations come from, so we take every precaution to ensure that equitable fundraising practices are taking place with our third-party fundraising supporters.

Q: Can I receive a charitable tax receipt for myself / my business?
A: Yes. If you or your organization have made a donation over the amount of $20 you are eligible for a charitable tax receipt. 

Q: Can participants of my fundraiser receive charitable tax receipts?
A: Yes, but only if they did not receive any goods or services in exchange for their donation and as long as that donation met or exceeded $20.

Q: Can SASC Staff help me with planning my fundraiser?
A: No. SASC staff are not responsible for helping you plan your fundraiser. You can request a staff or volunteer member to attend your event as a liaison for SASC, but please note that not all requests can be accommodated.

Q: Do you have any promotional materials that I can use for my fundraiser?
​A: Yes. Upon request, SASC can provide organizers with brochures about our services to be handed out at your event.

Q: Can I use the SASC logo on my promotional material?
​A: Yes, with some conditions. Please contact us for more information if you would like to use the SASC logo in promotional materials for your event. 
​
Q: I want to hold a raffle or silent auction. Do I need a lottery license?
A: Yes. You can apply for a Charitable Lottery license through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

Downloadable Resources

Terms and Conditions

Event Checklist

Thank You Template

Third-Party Fundraiser Application Form

Questions

​If you have any questions regarding fundraising for SASC or about this toolkit, please do not hesitate to reach out to us! We will be more than happy to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have!

Laura Hill
Development and Communications Coordinator
donations@sascwr.org
519-571-0121 x112 ​