“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”
First and foremost, THANK YOU! You’ve made your way to this section of our website for a very special reason and we want to let you know of our appreciation!
You have a heart filled with care and the desire to make an impact on your community! Please take some time to read through the information provided below, and familiarize yourself with the tools, process and limitations of hosting your own fundraising event to benefit the programming at Options!
Scroll to bottom to contact us!
General questions- overview
What is a third-party fundraiser?
A third-party fundraiser is an independent event, program, or initiative undertaken and executed by a corporation, local business, community organization, or individual for the purpose of raising funds in support of a charity! In this case, funds would be raised to benefit Options.
Do i need to contact options in advance?
Yes! We want to set you up with tools and resources to equip you for a successful fundraiser, as well as to guide you through the process and clarify expectations and limitations. There are some important legal issues to discuss as well, as a registered charitable organization.
What are examples of Third-party fundraisers?
Any type of organized, volunteer-driven fundraiser ranging from large-scale events; such as a golf tournament or gala to smaller-scale initiatives such as car washes, bake sales, or a percentage of proceeds from the sale of an item. See idea lists below!
How much responsibility do i have as a facilitator?
A fundraiser is a pretty big deal, no matter how small or low-key. The responsibility of developing the fundraising idea, organizing, managing and financing is assumed by the person or group hosting. Options will provide some guidance, tools and support, however, is not responsible for the event in any way.
General questions- money matters
Since you are a non-profit, will donors get tax receipts at my event?
No. Or at least, not usually. Options is a part of the charitable organization, Montreal Youth Unlimited, and can only give official tax receipts for donations made directly to our organization, and NOT to a third-party. Donations made to you through your event will not trigger a tax receipt. See the following questions for more info.
Can I get a tax receipt if i make one big donation with all the funds collected?
No. A tax receipt can be issued only in the name of the individual or organization that actually gave the gift. See: Issuing complete and accurate donation receipts, from the Government of Canada.
If someone absolutely wants a tax receipt, can we make that happen?
Yes. Should an individual wish to receive a tax receipt for their own true donation (not a combined gift from others), they must make their gift to Options made by check, direct online giving (DONATION PAGE ) or by handing in cash to an Options team member in person.
What is my obligation?
As a supporter who cares about the work we do at Options, we trust that you also want to run your event with professionalism. Because we will not be implicated and involved in the collecting of funds, no oversight will be provided for accountability. You are entrusted with donations and are expected to handle funds with care and respect.
Think about your event
What type of event will you hold in order to raise these funds? When and where might it be held? Collect as much info as possible in preparation. Here’s a great resource with a bunch of neat ideas!
contact options
Contact our Director of Communications and Community Development, Sue to schedule a time to discuss your fundraising hopes, as well as to get some tools and resources for your event. Together you will create a more concrete plan to ensure that your event is a success.
SHARE your EVENT
Spread the news! After you have spoken to someone from the Options team, you will have a plan in place as to the types of publicity that would be best suited to your fundraiser. This would include proper wording and info about the Options mission, tax receipts etc. Sample texts are shown below, but you will be provided with customized support when you meet with the Options Director of Communications and Community Development, Sue to plan this together.
Decide upon YOUR GIVING platform
Depending on what has been agreed upon, you may direct donations straight to the Montreal Youth Unlimited giving platform or collect cash and checks directly.
Do your thing!
People may have questions, so be sure to give out pamphlets and share about what Options means to YOU!
Transferring of funds
When the fundraiser has come to an end, monies can be given to Options in person, online (DONATION PAGE ) or via check made to Montreal Youth Unlimited with “For Options” written on the memo line. Ensure that you indicate that these funds have been collected by a group effort, so no tax receipt will be triggered upon its arrival.
Fundraiser ideas:
baby shower
birthday
funeral, in memory
bake sale
car wash
bbq
sporting event
garage sale
selling of homemade gifts
a % of the sales from your store or business
course or workshop
craft fair
production
carnival
silent auction
and more…
The following info can be helpful in making sure that you are accurately communicating the heart of what we do at Options, while also ensuring individuals know that your event is not being run by the Options team, as well as parameters surrounding tax receipts.
About us:
The Options mission:
Options empowers youth and their families by offering holistic support: physical, mental, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual, as they navigate unexpected pregnancy, young parenthood, and sexual health.
The Options Vision:
To see youth and their families equipped and encouraged, living a life of holistic health, fullness, and empowered independence.
Montreal youth unlimited
Options is run by the charitable, faith-based, organization Montreal Youth Unlimited, which sees the hope and potential in every young person. MYU provides community-based programs that connect passionate people to the aspirations of Quebec youth.
See our frequently asked questions page for more info, and to become even more familiar!
IMPORTANT TERMINOLOGY
Please ensure that you do not attach Options to political terminology: ie the terms “Pro-choice”, “Pro-life”, etc. Please see our FAQ section for more info about who we are and what we do.
Examples:
text to include related to TAX receipts:
As this is an independent fundraising initiative, and not run by Options, no tax receipts will be issued with your donations. If you would like to receive a tax receipt, donations must be made directly to Options via web donation, or by check.
in-Trust:
Money donated to me will be donated to Options in-trust, as no Youth Unlimited staff member will be managing this event.
GENERAL all together:
Thank you for supporting my (event type), which is being held as a fundraiser benefiting Options! This organization means so much to me because …. (your own words)…
Money donated to me will be donated to Options in-trust, as no Youth Unlimited staff member will be managing this event.
As this is an independent fundraising initiative, and not run by Options, no tax receipts will be issued for your donations. If you would like to receive a tax receipt, donations must be made directly to Options via web donation, or by check.
Thank you for caring about our community and for making a difference!
(Add details about your event here)
What is Options?
Options empowers youth and their families by offering holistic support: physical, mental, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual, as they navigate unexpected pregnancy, young parenthood, and sexual health. To learn more about Options, visit www.centreoptions.org
Poster that should be displayed:
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