Brainstorm your idea
You can fundraise in whatever way you can imagine! Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Birthday parties and other lifecycle events
- “athons” (run, walk, hike, marathon, etc.)
- Bake sales and jelly bean guesses
- Art sales
- Pub nights
- School/group fundraisers
Start your fundraiser
Use Facebook Fundraisers
Are you on Facebook? You can start a fundraiser right on your Facebook page and 100 per cent of donations you collect will go straight to the David Suzuki Foundation.
Set up your fundraiser here.
- Click on “Select Nonprofit” and search for “the David Suzuki Foundation.”
- Set your goal. Don’t be afraid to set a stretch goal! If you don’t achieve your goal, all donations will still go to the Foundation. Every gift helps, no matter the size.
- Choose your currency and end date.
- Give your fundraiser a title and tell your friends why you’re raising money. You can use the suggested text or write your own.
- Click “Create.”
Use CanadaHelps
A CanadaHelps fundraising website accepts credit card donations so you don’t have to worry about collecting any forms.
Set up your fundraiser here.
- Click “Create Your Fundraiser.”
- Sign in or click “Create one” if you don’t have an account.
- Set “the David Suzuki Foundation” as your charity.
- Include “the David Suzuki Foundation” and your name or organization in your fundraiser title, e.g., “Jane Smith’s 10K Run for the David Suzuki Foundation.”
- Donate to yourself first before you ask people to contribute. Your supporters will see others have donated when they visit your page.
Don’t want to use Facebook Fundraisers or CanadaHelps?
You can also collect cash and cheques.
Let us know
Once the details of your fundraiser are complete, please let our team know what you want to accomplish by filling out this form:
Spread the word
- Ask yourself: Why are you fundraising for the David Suzuki Foundation? Your story will inspire donors.
- Use social media: Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, etc.
- Email potential donors. Personalize your story as much as possible. Include direct links for donating. People donate when asked, so don’t be afraid to ask!
- Promote your event with posters, school announcements and advertisements.
- Repeat your message. People may not donate the first time they hear about what you’re doing. (Many will appreciate your reminder.)
- Edit your email lists as you go. Avoid soliciting funds from people who’ve already donated.
- If you hit your financial goal, increase it!
- Give donors an incentive e.g., “I’m only $200 away from my $1,000 goal! Will you help?”
Host your event
- Make a list of all the things you’ll need in advance.
- Make sure you’re set up to receive donations.
- Print out donation collection forms for your event if donors need tax receipts.
- After you event is over, let everyone know how it went! Sometimes interested donors forget. They’ll appreciate the reminder.
- Thank your donors!
Submit funds collected
If not using Facebook Fundraisers or CanadaHelps:
- Collect cash, cheques (payable to the David Suzuki Foundation) and forms.
- Please do not send cash in the mail. Tally the cash and either submit a cheque payable to the David Suzuki Foundation for the total or submit a donation for the entire amount by credit card using the donation collection-form.
Important: On the memo line of the donation form, note that this donation is a collection of cash from several people.
- Put all donations and forms together in an envelope. Include a note with your fundraiser details. Mail to:
David Suzuki Foundation
Attention: Community Giving
340 – 1122 Mainland Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 5L1
Thank your donors
- Respond to donations as soon as possible.
- Make your messages personal.
Feel terrific
Raising money is challenging and rewarding. Be proud of what you’ve accomplished!