Third-party fundraising events

What type of event will you host?

A third-party fundraising event (or TPFE) is an event organized by an individual, group or organization who is NOT affiliated with the Canadian Lung Association (CLA), for the purpose of raising funds for (or on behalf of) CLA.

First, decide what type of TPFE you will host. There are two different options:

• You can host an event and make the Canadian Lung Association the beneficiary of any net profits or donations OR
• Add a fundraising element to an existing event (such as an annual corporate event, a wedding or a birthday) and direct the donations to the Canadian Lung Association.

When will your event take place?

• Schedule your event far enough ahead so that you have time to properly plan and promote it.
• Take into account national and provincial holidays.
• Make sure your event is not competing with another event happening in your community.

Where will you hold your event?

• Municipal facilities (such as community centers or arenas) are often affordable, central locations that can be rented for events.
• Remember that many facilities have their own requirements for rental contracts, including liability insurance.
• If your event in outdoors, make a plan for bad weather. If it may be hot outside, make sure you have water and shade available.
• It's also important to ensure the event location is accessible

Who will be involved in the planning and execution?

• Organizing a successful event takes hard work and planning. You don’t have to do everything yourself. Depending on the type of event you are holding, you may want to consider forming an Organizing Committee.
• Recruit a team of enthusiastic volunteers with different skills and experience who can help you with the various aspects of your event. Individuals with experience in project management, event management, communications and marketing and administration can be particularly helpful!
• Do you need people to help you on the day of the event? Determine what duties you need volunteers for and recruit and assign roles and responsibilities. Use social media to reach out to people you know.

How much will it cost to run your event? How much do you hope to raise?

• Set a fundraising goal and create a plan to reach that goal.
• Create a budget to track your expenses and projected income. Your budget should include all foreseeable expenses as well as an estimation of any revenues generated. Creating a budget will help you determine whether your fundraising tactics and goals are realistic.
• If you need help creating a budget, please let us know!

Why are you doing it?

• Think about WHY you are raising money for the Canadian Lung Association.
• Sharing the personal story behind WHY this cause is important to you and your community can go a long way to inspire donations and support!

• Post about your event on Facebook or your other social media accounts. Pin the post to the top of your page. Remember to post a reminder a few days prior to the event.
• Consider creating a Facebook page specifically for event and share the page in your feed.
• Use local online community event calendars and post to community-focused Facebook groups.
• Consider setting up an online fundraising page (contact us for more information on how to do this).
• We may be able to share your event on our social media channels. Contact us for more info.

• Create and distribute posters, flyers or postcards to or at local businesses.
• Remember to get their permission before you post or distribute anything.
• Note that you must receive permission from the Canadian Lung Association prior to using our name and/or logo for any promotional materials.

• Local media are often eager to cover positive, human-interest stories. Reach out to them ahead of your event to let them know.

• No TPFE may raise money on commission.
• No TPFE may involve the promotion or support of a political party or candidate, or those which appear to endorse a political activity.
• No TPFE may involve direct solicitation (including but not limited to door-to-door canvassing or telemarketing).
• The Canadian Lung Association will not assume any legal or financial liability related to the promotion or execution of a TPFE.
• You must receive permission from the Canadian Lung Association prior to using our name and/or logo for any promotional materials.

The Canadian Lung Association is unable to provide the following:

• A refund or reimbursement of any event expenses
• Any Canadian Lung Association donor or sponsor lists
• Guaranteed attendance of staff or volunteers at your event
• Solicitation of individuals or companies for donations or sponsorship for auctions or raffles
• A gaming license or insurance for your event
• Guaranteed posting or other form of promotion before the event or coverage following the event.

• The Canadian Lung Association is not responsible for any damage, accidents to persons or property at an event.
• The Canadian Lung Association cannot provide a gaming license or insurance for your event.
• The venue you are using may require event or rental insurance. As the host, you are responsible for securing this insurance. The Canadian Lung Association will not secure or assist with securing insurance for any TPFEs, nor will the Association be held liable in any way regarding a TPFE.
• It is your responsibility to ensure that your event complies with all applicable gaming and licensing laws.
• Note that gaming licenses must be obtained for all raffles, 50/50 draws and draws of chance BEFORE any tickets can be printed or sold.

The Canadian Lung Association is registered charity, adhering to the Canadian Revenue Agency’s (CRA) rules and regulations to protect our charitable status and our donors. CRA conditions must be met ahead of time in order for us to issue tax receipts. We will provide receipts for gifts-in-kind only when we have previously discussed the acceptance of the goods and agreed on a fair market value.

Tax receipts WILL be issued:

• Only to individuals who donate without receiving a tangible item or benefit in return.
• For donations made directly to the Canadian Lung Association (i.e., donation cheques must be written directly to the Canadian Lung Association).
• Once net funds are remitted along with a list of donor names, addresses and the amounts of individual donations.

NO tax receipt will be issued:

• To an individual who has donated in exchange for a tangible item or benefit in return (e.g., a raffle ticket, a 50/50 ticket).
• For funds used to cover the costs of the event or other administrative expenses incurred as part of organizing or hosting the TPFE.

The CLA does not release or share donors’ names or information.