Fundraising
toolkit:
community events
Charitable registration #11883 0744 RR001
Fundraising toolkit: community events
1
Table of contents
Thank you for choosing to raise funds for the Canadian Diabetes Association!
This fundraising toolkit provides a step-by-step guide that will help you organize an event in your community
which will make a valuable contribution to our mission: lead the fight against diabetes by helping people with
diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure!
About the Canadian Diabetes Association
What we do and why we need your support
2
Your event
Getting started
Event ideas
Planning checklist
Registering your event
3
4
6
7
Stronger Together
u Today, there are more than 9 million Canadians living with
diabetes or prediabetes. With more than 20 people being newly
Across the country, the Canadian Diabetes Association is leadin
with diabetes
live day,
healthychances
lives while are
we work to find a cure. O
diagnosed with the disease every hour
of every
helps us provide education and services to people living with d
that diabetes affects you or someone
you know.
groundbreaking
research toward a cure and translate research i
Stronger Together Your donation counts
Stronger Together
Every dollar is gratefully received and wisely invested in the fig
examples
of what
your
donations
mean topeople
those we help.
Across the country, the Canadian Diabetes Association is leading
the fight
against
diabetes
by helping
with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure. Our community-based network of supporters
Acrosstothe
country,
Canadian
Diabetes
Association
is leading
helps us provide education and services
people
livingthe
with
diabetes,
advocate
for our cause,
investthe
in fight against diabete
diabetes
live healthy
we work
to find a cure. Our community-based netw
groundbreaking research toward a with
cure and
translate
researchlives
intowhile
practical
applications.
helps us provide education and services to people living
with diabetes, advocate for our c
Provides 25 health-care professionals
groundbreaking research toward a cure and translate
research into practical applications.
with tool kits so they can help
$50
Your donation counts
Every dollar is gratefully
received and wisely invested in the fight against diabetes. Here are just some
Your
donation
counts
their patients understand diabetes
Together
er Every
examples of what your donations mean to those we help.
dollar is gratefully received and
wisely
invested
in
the
fight
against
diabetes.
Here
just some – supporting
andare
its management
Your donation counts
examples of what your donations mean to those we help.
literally hundreds of people with
Every dollar is gratefully received and wisely invested
in the fight against diabetes. Here a
diabetes.
examples
what
your diabetes
donations
to those
, the Canadian Diabetes Association is leading
the of
fight
against
bymean
helping
peoplewe help.
$
$
healthy lives while we work to find a cure. Our community-based network of supporters
ducation and services
people
living with diabetes, advocate for our cause, invest in
Providesto25
healthSends up
a child
one with
of
Provides 25 health-care professionals
Provides
to 75to
people
search toward a cure and translate research into practical applications.
50
$50
200
$100
$200
$50
care professionalswith
withtool kits so they can help
our diabetes
support
for
questions
Sends
a child
tosummer
onerelated
of our to
diabetes
Provides 25 health-care professionals
their patients understand diabetes
diabetes
programs
summer
camps
forto
a day
to learn
tool kits so they can
campsmanagement,
for
a day
about
diabetes
self-management in
with tool kits so they can help and
services.
help their patientsand its management – supporting
learn
about diabetes
an
enjoyable
environment
with
their patients understand diabetes
literally hundreds of people with
understand
self-management
in an
support
from
other
kids
also
living
efully received and
wisely diabetes
invested
in
the
fight
against
diabetes.
Here
are
just
some
and its management – supporting
diabetes.
with
type
1
diabetes.
and
its
management
enjoyable
environment
your donations mean to those we help.
literally hundreds of people with
– supporting literally
with support from other
diabetes.
hundreds of people
kids also living with type
with diabetes.
1 diabetes.
ation counts
$200
$50
Sends a child to one of our diabetes
Provides 25 health-care professionals
summer camps for a day to learn
with tool kits so they can help about diabetes self-management in
their patients understand diabetes
an enjoyable environment with
support from other kids also living
$
and its management
– supporting
literally hundreds of people withwith type 1 diabetes.
$500
$100
Count me in!
$200
100
diabetes. Provides up to 75
$1
Prov
supp
diabe
and s
$5
Provides up to 75 people with Funds a diabetes research lab for
support for questions related
tohalf a day, bringing us closer to
Call
(226-8464)
o
Sends1-800-BANTING
a child to one of our
diabetes to make your donation by phone,
Fund
finding a cure.
diabetes
management,
programs
summer
camps
for
a
day
to
learn
more information. We’re thrilled to have you join us!
half a
and services.
about
diabetes self-management$in
findi
an enjoyable environment with
500
support from other
kids also living
Funds a diabetes
DONATE
with type 1 diabetes.
research lab for half a
RAISE FUND
people with support
• Donate by phone, by mail,
• Walk, run or cycle as a m
for questions related to
day, bringing us closer
in person or online.
of Team Diabetes.
diabetes management,
to finding a cure.• Host a fundraising event
• Make a one-time, monthly
or planned gift.
community.
programs
services.
Sends
a child
to one ofand
our
diabetes to make your donation by phone,Funds
Call
1-800-BANTING
(226-8464)
or visit
diabetes.ca/donate
and
a diabetes
research lab for for online giving
•
Visit
diabetes.ca/donate
•
Visit diabetes.ca/dona
summer
camps for aWe’re
day tothrilled
learn to have you join us!
more
information.
half a day, bringing us closer to
about diabetes self-management in
Call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464)
make your donation by phone, or visit diabetes.ca/donate fo
findingto
a cure.
an enjoyable environment with
more information. We’re thrilled to have you joinThe
us!Canadian Diabetes Association is a registered charitable or
support from other kids also living
Count
$200me in!
DONATE
with type 1 diabetes.
• Donate by phone, by mail,
in person or online.
• Make a one-time, monthly
Count me in!
$500
RAISE FUNDS
• Walk, DONATE
run or cycle as a member
of Team Diabetes.
• Hostbya phone,
fundraising
event in your
• Donate
by mail,
2
• Donate
your
reusable
clothing
RAISE FUNDS
or household items to – or volunteer
torun
helpor–cycle
our Clothesline®
• Walk,
as a memberprogram. • Donate yo
Fundraising toolkit: community events
Your event: getting started
Here are a few important things to consider before you start planning your event:
• Share your story: People are more likely to donate or volunteer their time to help if you let them know
why the cause is important to you and the Canadian Diabetes Association needs their support.
• Set realistic goals: Setting a realistic fundraising goal helps motivate your team, gives supporters
something to work towards and manages expectations. Create a budget and think of some costs you might
incur (rental fees, printing, decorations, etc.) and always track your spending.
• Timing is everything: Review our Community Event Listings (www.diabetes.ca/get-involved/community)
before committing to a date to see if there are competing events in your area. Think about scheduling your
event to coincide with a special day like World Diabetes Day, Banting’s birthday, Diabetes Awareness
month, etc.
• Know your audience and use your network: Who do you want to attend your event and how will you
secure their support? Be mindful of who is in your network and solicit accordingly. Think about who you can
ask to support your fundraising efforts. Tailoring the size of your event to your potential audience helps you
narrow options for suitable events and venues.
• Have a question? We are happy to help you! Please visit www.diabetes.ca/contact/regional-offices
to locate a Canadian Diabetes Association location near you.
Tip: try soliciting
sponsors to help keep
expenses in check!
Fundraising toolkit: community events
3
u Since 1975, the Association has
awarded more than $120 million
in research grants to scientists who
have dedicated themselves to
the fight against diabetes.
Event ideas:
No idea is too big or too small! Check out this list below for some great event ideas.
Think about your skills, network and interests!
• Car wash
• Penny drive
• Casual dress day at work (Ask your co-workers to dress
Tip: Make sure you have
casual at work one day in exchange for a donation)
looked into possible safety
• “A-thon” (dance, bike, swim, zumba, etc.)
or legal issues like whether
• Bake sale
or not permits are required!
• Cook Off
• Fashion show
• Pool party
• Dinner party (Host a group of friends for dinner and ask each person for a donation.
Visit www.diabetes.ca/diabetes-and-you/recipes/ for some tasty recipes)
• Gala
• BBQ
• Sports tournament (Ask family, friends and co-workers to register a team and
have their registration fee be the donation)
• Craft sale
• Comedy show
• Birthday party (Consider asking for a donation in lieu of presents)
u Remember: A lottery licence is required to conduct a raffle and regulations may vary province by
province. For more information, please contact your regional Canadian Diabetes Association office at
www.diabetes.ca/contact/regional-offices
Fundraising toolkit: community events
4
Start fundraising!
Once you have decided what event you want to host, when you want to host it, who you want to attend and
what your goal is, it’s time to start fundraising!
How to register your event
Please visit: www.diabetes.ca/how-you-can-help/fundraise/my-diabetes-fundraiser to register your event and
use the tools on this site to help you along the way.
Collecting donations online
Canadian Diabetes Association has the tools available for community events that will allow for online
fundraising; you can even build a group of fundraisers! The online resource can be used to solicit donations in
an easy and secure way, track fundraising progress and communicate with donors and fellow fundraisers. To
create your own personal or group fundraising page online, please follow these steps:
1. Visit: www.diabetes.ca/how-you-can-help/fundraise
2. Click on “My Diabetes Fundraiser”
3. Select “Create a New Event” or “Create Your Own Event”
4. Enter your postal code
5. Register an Individual, Group or join Group of fundraisers
6. Complete event information
7. Accept the Waiver
8. Personalize your page
9. Solicit donations, send e-mails and share your event
10. Keep track of donations, and watch the donations rise
Collecting offline donations
You can collect pledges, cash or cheques, in person at your event (cheques payable to the Canadian Diabetes
Association). Please make sure to record the donations and donor information accurately.
u R
emember: Download the Donation Form from “My Diabetes Fundraiser” to get started! Collect all of
your donations and send these along with your donation form to your local Canadian Diabetes Association
office within 30 days of the event.
Fundraising toolkit: community events
5
Planning checklist
Planning an event can be fun and easy if you’re organized! Consider using the
checklist below to ensure you are on track to making your event a success!
Before your event
✓
£ Brainstorm fundraising event ideas – refer to the list of “Event Ideas” for some great ideas
£ Look into possible safety issues – specifically if your event requires a permit or licence
£ Determine how many people you will need to help organize your event and start recruiting volunteers.
£
£
£
£
£
Depending on your event, you may wish to establish a planning or organizing committee
Contact your regional Canadian Diabetes Association office to provide details about your event
Find a suitable date and location
Secure permits and insurance if necessary (keep a copy on hand during your event)
Promote your event and share your story
Safety first! Always have a first aid kit available for emergencies
u Remember: if you wish to place the Association’s name and/or logo on your promotional materials, you
must provide a sample to your regional Canadian Diabetes Association Coordinator.
During your event
£ Assign someone to be responsible for handling all donations
u Remember: have the donation form handy for those who wish to make a donation and receive a tax receipt!
£ Display/distribute Canadian Diabetes Association materials
£ Make closing remarks and thank everyone for their participation
After your event
£ Thank donors, sponsors, and volunteers by sending a thank you letter once you have finished
collecting funds
u Remember: let them know how much your event raised! It’s important to make your donors feel part
of your achievement!
£ Meet with your volunteers and committee to discuss successes and challenges
£ Compile all of the money you collect along with any donation forms and send to your regional Canadian
Diabetes Association Community Engagement Coordinator within 30 days of your event
£ Contact your regional Canadian Diabetes Association Community Engagement Coordinator with an
update on how your event went and send in photos so we can share your success
Fundraising toolkit: community events
6
Community events guidelines
Tax receipting
Donations made online will be issued an electronic tax receipt and will be sent directly to the donor via e-mail.
For all other donations (cash/cheque) of $15 or more, the Canadian Diabetes Association will issue an official
tax receipt upon request. Please use the donation form to track offline donations as full name and address,
telephone number and amount of donations are required for each individual or corporate donor.
To learn more about
the Canadian Diabetes
Association please visit:
www.diabetes.ca
Fundraising toolkit: community events
7