Cancer Fighter fundraiser 2022: FAQ - Canadian Cancer Society - Become a Cancer Fighter

CCS has launched a new fundraising site! Fundraisers registered before June 27 remain active on this site and keep access to their Fundraising Centre.

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Frequently asked questions

If you have any questions about organizing a fundraiser in support of the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS), please take a look through the information on this page. If you still have questions, please get in touch with us at connect@cancer.ca or call 1-888-939-3333.

How should I fundraise for CCS?

Consider what you love to do and how you can turn that into a virtual activity. Online concerts, fitness classes or a game night are just some options! If you can dream it, we can help you do it. Visit our Get Inspired page for more great ideas!

Do I have to sign up online to do a fundraiser?

Yes, you need to sign up to fundraise online to get started. But we’re here to help every step of the way! When you register your fundraiser, you’ll receive a call from us to confirm your registration and answer any pressing questions you may have. You will also have access to a wide range of online fundraising tools that will help you set up your fundraiser and make it a success.

What will you do with the money I raise?

The funds you raise will be invested in groundbreaking cancer research and our nationwide support system for all Canadians affected by cancer. Read more about where your money goes.

Can I designate the funds I raise to a certain type of cancer?

Yes, when you sign up online you’ll have the option to choose how the money you raise is used. For example, if you select “breast cancer research,” the donations you collect will be designated to research and programs focused on breast cancer. In the event that donations received exceed CCS support of your designation type, your fundraising will be used to fund similar programs and research where the need is greatest.

Where can I host an online event?

Many organizers are now using Facebook or Instagram Live to broadcast online events in real time. These are easy-to-use, effective platforms for broadcasting all sorts of online events, such as virtual concerts, fitness classes, and much more.

I want to hold a ticketed event. Can I do that on my page?

Your online fundraising page is for donations and can’t support the sale of tickets. Once you register, you’ll gain access to a downloadable toolkit with tips for promoting and fundraising for online ticketed events. You can also contact us with your questions at connect@cancer.ca.

How will the Canadian Cancer Society help me with my event?

We have created a fundraising toolkit, which includes tips and resources to help you succeed! When you sign up online and log in to your Fundraising Centre, you’ll be able to access these tools. Please feel free to reach out anytime to connect@cancer.ca for additional support. You can also reach us through the live chat feature on the website.

Will the Canadian Cancer Society promote my event?

While we are so grateful that you’ve decided to support Canadians affected by cancer, we are unable to promote your online fundraiser. However, when you sign up online you’ll have access to a toolkit that has information, tips and tools to help with online promotion. CCS staff are also here to help, so please reach out to us at connect@cancer.ca if you require support.

Why can’t I use the Canadian Cancer Society logo?

The official Canadian Cancer Society logo is used to mark events run by the Canadian Cancer Society. You can find a logo detailing your support for CCS in your Fundraising Centre. Please contact us if you have any questions about where and how it can be used.

Will the Canadian Cancer Society attend my event?

We are honoured that you’ve decided to support us, but cannot guarantee attendance. If you have a staff partner, you may speak to them or contact us at connect@cancer.ca to request the attendance of a CCS staff person.

What if I don’t reach my fundraising goal?

When you sign up online, we ask you to set a fundraising goal. We encourage you to aim high while being realistic. That said, you’re not held to your initial goal and you can change your fundraising goal on your page at any time. If you’re struggling to fundraise online, consult your fundraising toolkit for online fundraising ideas and tips. Remember you can always reach out to your CCS staff partner with questions we’re here to help! Check your email for your introduction to your staff partner, or give us a shout at connect@cancer.ca.

Will the Canadian Cancer Society reimburse my event expenses?

The Canadian Cancer Society is not able to reimburse you for expenses incurred for your fundraiser. Keep in mind that the more expenses you have, the less (net) proceeds you will have to donate in the end. We encourage you to set a budget before you start fundraising. After signing up online, you will have access to your Fundraising Centre, where you can download your fundraising toolkit that has information on how to keep any online expenses low and an event budget template you can download and populate for your own event.

Will the Canadian Cancer Society help me raise money?

When you sign up to fundraise, we are happy to provide you with the information, support and tools you need to make your fundraiser a success.

  • Be sure to download the fundraising toolkit, which will provide you with tips and tools to help you organize a fundraiser from start to finish.
  • Contact us any time for tips and support we’re here to help you! Reach out to your CCS staff partner, email connect@cancer.ca or call 1-888-939-3333.
  • We can also provide you with a letter of support that you can email to potential donors, supporters, and sponsors to show you’re officially fundraising for CCS.

I’m having trouble reaching my fundraising goal. What can I do?

We encourage you to download the fundraising toolkit from your Fundraising Centre and make use of the tips for fundraising and promotion, but here are our top fundraising tips!

  1. Tell your story. Personalize your online fundraising page and tell your story! Share what has inspired you to host your fundraiser and make a difference. The story of why you want to change the future of cancer will inspire your friends and family to support you.
  2. Donate to yourself. Make the first donation to your personal fundraising page. This will show your commitment to the cause and help other people choose how much to give, so make a donation that you're proud of! On average, fundraisers who start with a self-donation raise $150 more than those that did not.
  3. Ask for donations. Send fundraising emails from your Fundraising Centre to everyone you know and share your fundraising link on social media to encourage your friends and family to donate and share your fundraiser. This is the secret of our top fundraisers! Ask everyone you know to support you because every donation helps and cancer affects us all.
  4. Send follow ups. A few days after you send your first emails or make your first social media post, send a reminder to anyone you haven't heard from yet. Most people need 2 to 3 reminders before they make a donation, so don't get discouraged if you don't hear from someone right away.

Do I get a tax receipt?

If you make a personal donation, you will receive a tax receipt. For instance, if you donate online to your own fundraising page, then you’ll be issued a tax receipt for the full amount of your personal donation by email within 48 hours.

When will my donors get receipts?

When donations are made directly to your online fundraising page, the donor will receive a tax receipt by email. You can also choose to collect donations in-person. You can find a donation form and instructions for submitting donations made by cash or cheque in your Fundraising Centre.

My donor didn’t get a receipt. What do I do?

Check with your Canadian Cancer Society staff partner or email Donor Care at connect@cancer.ca.

To ensure they are able to assist you, make sure you have the donor’s full name and all other available details. The more details you provide, the better.

What is the Fundraising Centre?

When you sign up online, your Fundraising Centre houses everything you’ll need for a successful online fundraiser! Once you’ve logged in to the site at www.cancer.ca/fundraise, your Fundraising Centre is your one-stop-fundraising shop! From here, you can edit and personalize your fundraising page, send fundraising emails out to your contacts, download the fundraising toolkit and find other helpful resources.

My fundraiser is over. How do I close my page?

Your fundraising page will remain open for the rest of the year and there is no action you need to take. If you no longer want your page to appear on our website, you can email us at connect@cancer.ca.

Is it safe to donate online?

When you or your supporters donate online to the Canadian Cancer Society, your information is completely secure. We use the highest levels of internet security and encryption to protect your credit card and personal information.

Will my information be shared or traded with anyone?

We collect your personal information in order to process your donation, issue a tax receipt, and provide updates about our impact and other ways to help. Your personal information will not be sold or traded with other organizations. For more information about our privacy practices, view our privacy policy at cancer.ca.