Fundraising

Projects are responsible for raising sufficient funds to support their activities.

Fundraising may occur through grants, events,  donations, membership fees, and fee-for-service work. Generally, only donations are eligible for tax receipts. 

In addition to these traditional revenue streams, Projects might be interested in exploring other fundraising opportunities, such as the sale of goods or sponsorship. Projects that are interested in pursuing these types of revenue streams should consult with their Project Specialist to ensure they are allowed under charitable guidelines and to determine eligibility for a tax receipt.

Project Directors must review all fundraising plans with the Support Team. The Project Specialist must review all fundraising materials before they are publicly shared.

The Project, through its relationship to MakeWay, is part of a Canadian registered charity and is required to abide by relevant Canadian tax laws. It is critical that Projects understand the following:

  • The Project must clearly and transparently identify its relationship to MakeWay in all fundraising communications, such as letters, brochures, grant proposals, etc.
  • Fundraising cannot occupy the majority of the Project's activities.
  • Not all items that are donated are eligible for a tax receipt.

In addition to relevant legislation, Projects must follow MakeWay’s Fundraising Policy.

It is important that Projects know that as a charitable initiative there are types of fundraising that are not acceptable. According to the CRA, fundraising activity is not acceptable if it:

  • Is a purpose of the charity (a collateral non-charitable purpose).
  • Delivers more than incidental private benefit (a benefit that is not necessary, reasonable, or proportionate in relation to the resulting public benefit).
  • Is illegal or contrary to public policy.
  • Is deceptive.
  • Is an unrelated business.

Refer to the CRA’s website for detailed examples of these prohibited activities.

Fundraising Resources

MakeWay has several fundraising resources available for your use and reference. Subject matter includes prospect ranking; fundraising readiness, fundamentals, and toolkits; as well as AFP's Code of Ethics and Donor Bill of Rights.