Mission Fundraising Procedures

The cost of the mission can be covered by several different methods:

• 1. Through donations/gifts which, once received, are property of CCO. However, if the mission fundraising goal is exceeded, you may be eligible to reimburse some costs related to mission, such as travel to and from the orientation city, stamps, vaccines, and thank you cards for your donors, etc.

  2. Through a personal donation/gift (formerly classified as a payment). If you need to meet a specific deadline, but haven't reached it through donations from others, you are able to submit money to CCO to meet this deadline. All gifts, including personal gifts, are non-refundable. This is different from past years where you were able to submit a personal payment and be refunded up to the amount you paid, depending on how far you exceeded the fundraising goal. Unfortunately, due to tax law, we are no longer able to offer this option.

If you plan to do any fundraising, keep reading!

FIRST OF ALL, figure out if you will need to raise money above the cost of the mission, as some mission-related expenses are eligible for reimbursement (see “How much do I need to raise”).

SECONDLY, make a plan of what you are going to do and who you will approach to ask for donations. Set goals for yourself and ask someone to keep you accountable to the tasks you have planned to do. This can be a CCO staff member, another mission participant or a friend.

THIRD, put your plan into action! Many people are encouraged by young adults who are taking initiative to share their faith and go on a mission project. Ask the Lord to give you the courage to take the first few steps in fundraising and you will be amazed by His generosity!

Since CCO is a registered Canadian charity, people can support CCO and the mission through a tax-deductible donation to CCO. There are three major ways to collect donations for your involvement in this mission:

• 1. Writing letters to individuals and/or organizations to ask them for donations.

  2. Speaking at your parish.

  3. Organized fundraisers.

1. Writing Letters:

• • Use your "Brainstorming List" to think up as many potential contacts as possible.

  • Look over the downloadable sample fundraising email provided and personalize it as needed.

  • Print your name and address on the donation form in the box where it says "Return this form with donation to:"

  • Enclose a donation form with your appeal letter to potential donors.

  • After 5-7 days, call the people that you sent the letter asking if they've considered supporting you on this mission project.

2. Speaking at your parish to ask for support:

If you have connections to a parish, making an announcement after the Masses or putting one in the bulletin can be a great way to raise money. However, this also means you will be representing CCO in a public forum and requires preparation. For guidance on how to do a parish appeal, click here.

3. Organized Fundraisers

You may wish to organize some fundraisers with others who are attending the mission project as well. Fundraisers can be a good way to raise money but keep in mind that people generally do want to support young people going on mission so don’t be shy about approaching people that you know for money as it will probably be the best way to raise your support. Here are some pointers when considering fundraisers:

• • • Arrange a time early on to brainstorm and plan some ideas with others going on the mission. If you work together you are liable to raise more and it will make the events less work in the long run.

    • Raffles or selling tickets requires a license. Please contact the CCO missions department before you undertake any of these fundraisers.

    • Remember that only donations attached to the appropriate forms will receive tax receipts so you should have donation forms available for people to fill out. DO NOT mail in cash.