Frequently Asked Questions

“Do-It-Yourself” fundraising is an exciting way for you to make an impact and help our organization to carry out our mission. Hosting your own fundraiser can entail something simple like having a yard sale or something bigger, like hosting a concert, golf tournament or other big event. Any effort you make on behalf of Fidelco is greatly appreciated and helps to move our mission forward. The key is to find an event or activity that you are passionate about and that you think your friends, family and colleagues will support.

What type of fundraiser can I create?
Try to find a fundraising event that will not directly compete with other successful and long-standing benefit events in your area. Here are some ideas to get started:

• Sports: Participate in a cycle, race, or host a tournament.
• Birthdays/Holidays/Special Occasions: Ask for donations in lieu of gifts, or donate on behalf of your event attendees instead of giving favors.
• Parties: Bring your friends and family together for the cause. You can host a casino night, happy hour, pancake breakfast, potluck dinner or any type of party.
• Use your local community contacts to kickstart your fundraiser, such as your office, place of worship, gym, or school. Engage those who already share a common interest with you.

How do I get started?
Click register to begin your DIY fundraiser. You will receive your own personal page and tools to help maximize your success.

What steps should I take to maximize donations?

• Go first: Make a donation to your page. Others are more inclined to give when they see you are dedicated to the cause.
• Get personal: Add a photo and share a story about why you are raising funds for our organization. By telling your story, your friends and family will feel more connected to the cause.
• Send emails: Use the tools to send emails to your network of contacts, telling them why you are raising funds for our organization and make the ask for donations.
• Get social: Did you know that fundraisers raise 40% more by using social media? Let all your friends and followers know that you are raising money and share why the cause is important to you.
• Follow up: Did you know that it takes on average three asks to result in one gift? Once you have received a donation, don’t forget to thank your donor.

How do I spread the word about my fundraiser?
There are tools within the Participant Center that will assist you in emailing your contacts to announce your event and ask for donations.

Consider sending a “Save the Date” for physical events.

Use your social media networks to drive people to your fundraising page. Create an event on Facebook or invite all your friends and Tweet about your campaign.

How do I send in the money collected at my event?
Mail your donations within 30 days of your event to the address listed for our organization.

Are donations tax-deductible?
Any contribution to Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation qualifies as a deduction under Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code. Payments made to the third-party fundraiser to cover expenses are not tax-deductible. Difficulty could arise when an independent, outside organization wishes to raise money for our organization. If the payments are made to this independent organization, and it is not a qualified organization, the payments will not be deductible for income tax purposes. If the payments are made to our organization, then they qualify to the extent by law.

Do you impose any guidelines for the fundraiser?
We reserve the right to decline association with any activities or third-party fundraisers if we believe the activity may have a negative effect on our reputation.

All events must comply with federal, state and local laws, including fundraising rules and regulations.

The activity will be promoted and conducted in a manner to avoid the appearance of our organization endorsing any product, firm, organization, individual or service.

Our official organization logo should be appropriately used in conjunction with such an activity but may not be altered in any way.

Our organization operates under the Better Business Bureau guidelines for charitable giving. In compliance with these guidelines, the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation requires full disclosure on all packaging, advertising or promotional materials when funds are raised.

Who should I contact if I need more information?
If you need assistance with logos or have general questions about creating your own fundraiser, contact us today.