Host a Fundraiser for FACS Foundation

Thank you for choosing to fundraise in support of children, youth, and families in Waterloo Region. Together, we can strengthen families and help prevent child abuse and neglect.

We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and kindness of our community. Whether you’re planning something big or small, every fundraiser is an opportunity to bring people together and make a meaningful difference.

Ready to get started? Hosting a fundraiser is easy. Just follow these four simple steps:

  1. Review our Fundraising Guidelines
    Take a look at our Fundraising Guidelines below for important information to help you plan a successful fundraiser.

  2. Tell us about your idea
    Once you have an idea, get in touch! We would love to hear what you’re planning and help you get started.

  3. Spread the word
    Once your fundraiser is approved, it’s time to promote it! We can provide resources such as sample messaging and the FACS Foundation logo to help you share your fundraiser and reach your goal. Please remember that any materials featuring FACS Foundation’s name or logo must be approved by us before being shared online or in print.

  4. Host your fundraiser and have fun!
    Rally your friends, family, colleagues, neighbours, or community and bring people together in support of children, youth, and families in Waterloo Region.

Have questions or ready to share your idea?
Contact SarahJane McNaughton, Events & Special Projects Associate, at SarahJane.McNaughton@facsfoundation.org.

Fundraising Guidelines

Thank you for choosing to support FACS Foundation! We’re grateful to have you helping make a difference for children, youth, and families in Waterloo Region.
Before you get started, please review these simple guidelines.

1. Tell Us About Your Fundraiser

We recommend submitting your fundraiser to FACS Foundation before you begin promoting or hosting it. Once we receive your idea, a member of our team will connect with you to discuss your plans, answer questions, and share resources to help make your fundraiser a success. Connect with us!

2. Plan Your Fundraiser

As the fundraiser organizer, you are responsible for planning and managing your event or activity, including:

  • Any costs or expenses associated with the fundraiser

  • Securing an appropriate venue, if needed

  • Obtaining required permits, licences or insurance

  • Managing volunteers, vendors and suppliers

  • Ensuring your fundraiser is conducted safely and responsibly

  • Collecting and submitting funds raised

FACS Foundation is not able to assume financial or legal responsibility for community-led fundraisers or enter into contracts on behalf of organizers.

3. Using FACS Foundation Name & Logo

We’re happy to provide approved FACS Foundation logos and information to help you promote your fundraiser. Any promotional materials using the FACS Foundation name, logo or branding must be approved by the Foundation before they are shared publicly, whether online or in print.
Your fundraiser should be described as being held “in support of FACS Foundation” rather than as an event hosted or operated by FACS Foundation.

4. Promoting Your Fundraiser

Once your fundraiser has been approved, spread the word! Depending on your fundraiser, we can provide:

  • Approved FACS Foundation logos

  • Sample social media and promotional messaging

  • Information about FACS Foundation and the impact of your support

  • Guidance for creating an online fundraising page

While we’ll do our best to support your efforts, FACS Foundation cannot guarantee promotion of community fundraisers through our website, social media, email lists or other communication channels.

5. Donations & Tax Receipts

FACS Foundation is responsible for determining whether a donation is eligible for an official charitable tax receipt in accordance with Canada Revenue Agency requirements.

Please speak with us before promising tax receipts to your supporters. Generally, payments where someone receives something of value in return, such as admission, merchandise, raffle tickets or certain event benefits, may not qualify as a donation or may only be partially eligible for a receipt. CRA guidance requires the value of benefits received by a participant to be considered when determining the eligible amount of a gift.

Only the registered charity can issue official donation receipts for donations made to it. Community fundraiser organizers cannot issue charitable tax receipts on FACS Foundation’s behalf. If tax receipts will be requested, please connect with us before your fundraiser so we can help you determine what information needs to be collected.

6. Raffles, Lotteries & Alcohol

Some fundraising activities may require licences, permits, insurance or other approvals. Fundraiser organizers are responsible for determining and obtaining any requirements that apply to their event. FACS Foundation cannot apply for gaming, raffle, liquor or other licences on behalf of community fundraiser organizers. Please let us know during if your fundraiser includes a raffle, draw, lottery, alcohol or another regulated activity.

7. Expenses & Fundraising Costs

Fundraiser organizers are responsible for all expenses associated with their fundraiser. FACS Foundation cannot provide funding or reimbursement for event expenses. We encourage you to create a simple budget before getting started so you have a clear understanding of your anticipated costs and fundraising goal.

8. Submit the Funds You Raise

Once your fundraiser is complete, please submit the funds raised to FACS Foundation as soon as possible.
Cheques can be made payable to: Family & Children’s Services (FACS) Foundation
And mailed or delivered to: Family & Children’s Services (FACS) Foundation 65 Hanson Avenue, Kitchener, ON N2C 2H6
If you would like to drop off funds in person, please contact us ahead of time so we can make sure a member of our team is available to welcome you.

And Most Importantly, Have Fun!

Your fundraiser is about more than raising money. It’s an opportunity to bring your community together and show children, youth, and families that they are surrounded by people who care. We are so grateful you’ve chosen to support FACS Foundation and can’t wait to hear your idea!

Questions or ready to get started?
Contact SarahJane McNaughton, Events & Special Projects Associate, at SarahJane.McNaughton@facsfoundation.org.

Fundraising Ideas

Not sure where to start? Here are some fun and creative ways to turn something you already enjoy into a fundraiser:

  • Game Night or Trivia Night
    Bring friends, family, or coworkers together for some friendly competition.

  • Workplace Challenge
    Challenge departments or teams to see who can raise the most.

  • Birthday or Special Occasion Fundraiser
    Celebrate your special day by asking friends and family to donate to FACS Foundation in lieu of gifts.

  • Social Media Challenge
    Get your online community involved by creating a challenge, sharing your fundraiser, and encouraging friends to help spread the word.

  • Share Your Skills
    Are you great at cooking, sewing, crafting, photography, fitness, or DIY projects? Host a class or workshop and collect donations to participate.

  • Take on a Personal Challenge
    Run, walk, cycle, knit, swim, read, or create your own challenge. Set a goal and ask friends and family to support you along the way.

  • Get Your Workplace Involved
    Bring your colleagues together through a fundraiser, gift card drive, workplace giving campaign, or Go Purple at Work during October. You can also invite FACS Foundation to speak with your team about ways to get involved.

  • Host a Sporting Event
    Plan a golf tournament, curling bonspiel, cricket match, hockey tournament, darts competition, bowling event, or another favourite activity.

  • Host a Dinner or Potluck
    Bring people together over great food and ask guests to make a donation to participate.

  • Host a Sale
    Are you a maker, baker, artist, or crafter? Sell something you love to create and donate some or all of the proceeds. Better yet, invite other local makers to join you!

  • Do Something Bold
    Set a fundraising goal and promise to do something fun or daring when you reach it. Dye your hair, wear a silly costume, take on a challenge, or come up with something uniquely you.

  • Create an Online Fundraising Page
    Create your own fundraising page through CanadaHelps and easily share it with friends, family, colleagues, and your online community. Watch this video to learn more, or set up your online fundraiser through CanadaHelps.

Have another idea?

We would love to hear it! Some of the best fundraisers start with someone taking something they already love to do and turning it into an opportunity to give back. Contact SarahJane McNaughton, Events & Special Projects Associate, at SarahJane.McNaughton@facsfoundation.org to get started.

How FACS Foundation Can Support Your Fundraiser

We want to help make your fundraiser a success! Once your fundraiser is approved, FACS Foundation may be able to provide:

  • Social Media & Promotional Materials
    Approved logos, graphics, sample messaging, and other resources to help you promote your fundraiser.

  • Event Attendance*
    A member of the FACS Foundation team may be able to attend your fundraiser to connect with guests and celebrate your efforts.

  • Community Engagement Speaker*
    Looking to help your guests, employees, or community learn more about FACS Foundation? A member of our team may be available to speak about our work, the impact of community support, and ways to get involved.

  • Cheque Presentation & Photo Opportunity*
    We would be happy to help celebrate your fundraising success with a cheque presentation and photo opportunity.

  • Fundraising Guidance
    Our team is available to answer questions and provide guidance as you plan and promote your fundraiser.

*Event attendance, speaking engagements, and cheque presentations are based on staff availability and cannot be guaranteed.