INTRO TO FUNDRAISING, SPONSORSHIP, AND MARKETING
As a grassroots organization, Special Olympics Ontario relies on fundraising, sponsorship, and effective media outreach to support all initiatives, ranging from administrative support to hosting competitions. With SOO’s structure of Provincial Office and local Community Councils with the sport club as its foundation, fundraising and media engagement are key at every level of the organization.
This section outlines suggestions for raising funds at the local level, explains provincial and national initiatives with established partners, and provides resources for media outreach and promotion. SOO’s Manager of Community Fundraising and Sponsorship, marketing staff, and the Program Consultant for each region are available to provide further support as required.
You can use the search box to look up a specific resource:
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Language and TerminologyLANGUAGE AND TERMINOLOGY Language and Terminology Twenty-three thousand Canadians participate weekly in Special Olympics community-based sport training clubs. Additionally, Special Olympics athletes compete in their chosen sport at the local, conference and chapter level. Newspaper or media articles will be found almost daily in some part of the country, that describe a Special Olympics athlete, or cover an event or activity about the local Special Olympics program.
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Language GuidelinesLANGUAGE GUIDELINES Words matter. Words can open doors to cultivate the understanding and respect that enable people with disabilities to lead fuller, more independent lives. The following language guidelines have been developed by experts for use by anyone writing or speaking about people with an intellectual disability to ensure that all people are portrayed with individuality and dignity.
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Social MediaDEVELOPING EFFECTIVE SOCIAL MEDIA POLICIES Creating an effective set of social media conduct guidelines demands that we listen to users, resolve conflicting needs and remain both open and engaged with internal and external communities. Defining and developing guidelines and policies as it relates to the development of an organic social media code is critical for Special Olympics Ontario as the social media presence increases dramatically on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
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Provincial CorrespondencePROVINCIAL CORRESPONDENCE Not only is it important for the Community Council to keep in touch with its constituents but it is equally as important for the Provincial Office to keep in touch with the Community Councils and all Stakeholders of the organization.
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MEDIA DOs & DON’TsThis document is currently under review by Special Olympics Ontario MEDIA DOs & DON’Ts Make sure your event or story is newsworthy. Never use pressure to get publicity for your event. Keep your news releases as short and concise as possible.
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MEDIA RELEASEThis document is currently under review by Special Olympics Ontario MEDIA RELEASES The media release, which provides details about your event or activities, can be an important vehicle in gaining valuable publicity for your community. The appearance of your news release is important.
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CORPORATE PARTNERSCORPORATE PARTNERS Current Partners: https://www1.specialolympicsontario.com/our-partnerssponsors/ Our Partners Corporations that partner with Special Olympics share our brand values. We are a trusted, inclusive organization reaching deep into local communities around Ontario. Our programs succeed in changing lives, building advocacy networks and creating a lasting, positive impact.
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PROVINCIAL AND NATIONAL CAMPAIGNSPROVINCIAL AND NATIONAL CAMPAIGNS Special Olympics Ontario has several established partnerships which raise funds at the provincial or national level. All funds raised through national partnerships are directed into program support that directly affects all community Special Olympics Ontario (SOO) programs.
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ONLINE FUNDRAISINGONLINE FUNDRAISING Special Olympics Ontario currently utilizes the CrowdChange (soocommunity.crowdchange.ca) online fundraising tool that communities can use to raise funds via the internet. Similar to individual fundraising pages used by other major charitable organizations, the CrowdChange platform allows communities or clubs to set up a page, creating a link that can be provided to potential donors.
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Sample Letter to Request SupportSample Letter to Request Support (SOO-Community Logo) (Date) Dear Representative, Special Olympics Ontario-(Community) is the local level of Special Olympics Ontario, which is part of a dynamic world-wide, not-for-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of people with an intellectual disability through involvement in sport.
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FUNDRAISING AT THE COMMUNITY LEVELFUNDRAISING AT THE COMMUNITY LEVEL Communities can develop excellent relationships with local sponsors as they raise funds for programs in their area. Using specific initiatives such as an upcoming competition or uniform purchase allows the sponsor to clearly see how their donation is being used.
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IMPORTANT FUNDRAISING FACTS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSIMPORTANT FUNDRAISING FACTS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Frequently Asked Questions Q: Can I get a receipt for something I bought at a silent auction? A: Receipts are not issued to those purchasing an item through a silent auction. Q: Do I need a licence for a silent auction?
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SOO Community Sponsorship Template for ClubsSOO Community Sponsorship Template for ClubsDownload
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