FUNDRAISING 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. 

When to Fundraise

Ongoing Programs

• With sport programs active at least weekly in each season throughout the year, costs associated with facility rental and equipment are ongoing. Funds might be raised at the start of, or throughout, the season.

Major Games

• Communities are responsible for various fees depending on the level of Games being attended by local athletes. Provincial Games typically have a $50 athlete registration fee, and a District Team Uniform will be purchased for each athlete and coach or volunteer. If the community has the funds to cover part or all of these fees, there is a reduced burden on the athlete.
• Communities are responsible for the Games fee for athletes attending National Games. Again, if the community can raise funds to cover most if not all of the fee (often in excess of $1200 per athlete) there is a reduced burden on the athlete.

In the lead-up to National Games, Special Olympics Ontario prepares and makes available sponsorship packages which athletes and communities may use in order to raise funds for this purpose. These packages are updated based on timelines and costs, and include sponsor recognition information current to the Games.

How to Run a Fundraiser

There are various types of fundraising that can be tried. Some are as easy as a letter-writing campaign to service clubs or major businesses (please see Resources Hub for a sample letter), while others require more time and planning, such as a dinner and dance with auction. Some are ongoing, such as regularly scheduled time slots at the local bingo hall, while others such as a lottery raffle are a one-time or annual event.

In planning a fundraiser, soliciting a Fundraising Co-ordinator on the community council will allow for a focused approach to fundraising in the community. For more elaborate initiatives (a major fundraiser, raising funds for a competition) a fundraising committee may be appointed.  Please visit HERE for the job description of Community Fundraising Co-ordinator.

When developing a community Special Olympics fundraising plan there are a number of issues that should be kept in mind before pursuing fundraising opportunities, including:

• How much money does your community or club need to operate your programs for the year?
• Do you have the necessary volunteer support to raise funds?

Success Factors in operating a successful fundraising program include:

• Establishing a fundraising committee that is focused on that task.
• Consideration of the time and effort to perform a fundraising activity and what type of return it provides, ie. recruiting 15 volunteers to work weekly bingos that only produce minimal return is not worth the time and effort. The same amount of funds might be generated at a one-time event.
• Involving athletes in fundraising activities.  Fundraising events are excellent opportunities to generate awareness for Special Olympics athletes and programs.  Having an athlete assist, or speak, at a fundraising activity will only add to its success and help attract media coverage.
• Maintaining your present supporters.  It is easier to maintain excellent relationships with your present sponsors and supporters than to find new avenues of funding
• Providing benefits for individuals or companies to be involved with your Special Olympics program. “What is in it for me?” is a common question you will run into when fundraising.  Include your supporters in all press releases, media coverage, photo opportunities etc.  Show them the benefits of being involved with Special Olympics.
• Thanking all sponsors, supporters and volunteers who assisted with the success of a fundraiser. This will keep you in their mind for next year!

Examples of Fundraisers

Please contact your Program Consultant or the Manager of Community Fundraising and SPonsorship for any fundraisers that have proven successful so that these ideas may be shared. Virtual Community Fundraising Roundtables are also regularly held, which allow for the sharing of ideas and best practices among communities.

• Sales of Goods (cookie and muffin dough, toothbrushes, pizza kits, poinsettias, etc.)
• “Fill in the blank” – a – thon (walking, bowling, dancing, etc.)
• Garage or rummage sale
• Dinner Dance with Silent Auction
• Car Wash
• Barbecue
• Community Fun Run
• Spaghetti Dinner at a local restaurant
• Sports Tournament (perhaps with local semi-pro sports clubs or other celebrities)
• Selling concessions for events organized by service clubs
• Bingo (in an agreement with the local hall)
• Raffle (may require a license)
• Golf Tournament

Note: Please consult your Program Consultant to determine if your fundraiser requires a license and how to proceed with that.

Preparing for your Large-Scale Event

• Prepare a letter that will be used for all donation requests (refer to resources hub or contact the Manager of Community Fundraising and Sponsorship)
• Find a venue at a no-charge or reduced rate 
• Approach the caterer to reduce the fee charged (or use a local cooking school or college food prep program)
• Solicit donations of items for a gift bag for each person attending (voucher, product samples, etc.)
• Seek out entertainers that will provide their music, dance, etc. at no charge
• Ask local print shops for support with designing and printing flyers, tickets, programs, etc.
• Send thank you notes after the event, which will serve as a reminder in case this becomes an annual event

Soliciting Sponsorship

Local service clubs or major business may be approached with a request for sponsorship. Such a request is usually made by a letter (see the resource page or contact the Manager of Community Fundraising and Sponsorship for templates, examples, or assistance), or the local council may be asked to have a representative from the local program(s) attend a meeting to provide a presentation about Special Olympics and the reason for the request. The provision of funds may become an annual tradition for the service club, and thus an important source of funding for the community.

Service clubs should be approached in early fall, when they are setting their budgets for the year. It’s recommended to approach businesses in the spring, as that is when they are looking for charities to donate to in order to be eligible for tax credits.

Sponsors may request that their logo be included on team uniforms. Please be reminded that competition uniforms may not bear the logo of any sponsor. Other forms of recognition include mention in press releases, logos in event programs, or signage at an event.

Grants

There are a number of public grants available to organizations who are involved with youth, health and fitness, or people with intellectual disabilities. Communities are encouraged to apply for such funding sources. SOO will circulate new opportunities as they become available, and may provide information on existing grants.

Other Sources

Communities or Special Olympics Ontario may have the opportunity to receive donations of shares, or be included in Planned Giving (donations through bequest). Such discussion should involve staff with SOO’s Finance Department.