Introduction
The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) has been very vocal in the fight against cancer especially in Canada and has had great success for the past years since its inception in 1938. The CCS funds research, advocates for social changes, educate the public on how to live healthily and gives cancer information, as well as offers support through individual and group programs. However, the “door-to-door” fundraising program has been invaded by scam artists thereby requiring a new approach to obtain funds from well-wishers. This paper explains fundraising methods that CCS doesn’t currently use, detailing how to implement each plan locally, with recommendations on which method is more suitable to use.
Alternative Fundraising methods to be adopted by CCS
The method to be used by CCS will be required to raise maximum funds with minimum costs. According to Ayer, Hall & Vodarek (2009 p.12), the Canadian registered charities use sixteen fundraising methods and out of the sixteen, three methods reported to be common include; collection plates and collection boxes, fundraising dinners, galas and concerts, and fundraising sales. The use of telephone solicitations and door-to-door have however been reported to be uncommon although CCS has been using them (CCS Website, 2009). However, there are other fundraising methods adopted by other charity organizations which include, draws and lotteries, planned giving programs, advertisements/posters/flyers/radio or TV, mail campaigns, auctions, tournaments/sporting events, bingo/casino nights, and walk-a-thorn/bike-a-thorn (Registered charity information return, n.d.).
In their report ‘Perspectives on Fundraising What Charities Report to the Canada Revenue Agency’, Ayer, Hall & Vodarek (2009 p.28) include targeted corporate donations/sponsorships and Fundraising dinners/galas/concerts as the events that give the highest revenue when used by charity organizations. The strategy to use when using targeted corporate donations/sponsorships will be targeting individual people and donors, companies, government, and other charitable groups through very well laid down initiatives that are workable and beneficial to society (Donations and Sponsorship, n.d). The donors will be found through searching the library advertising, plugging the communities, direct appeals, awareness-raising, and market research. Companies approached may include alt software inc. Air Canada, BC5 technologies, and several banks; government agencies will also be approached. The companies can support through funding research, events, or awareness weeks through their charity departments.
For Fundraising dinners/galas/concerts, they will be organized with a concept of awareness about cancer. Invitations will be made to corporate and individuals who will help in the fundraising (Fundraising Essentials for Your Non-Profit: How to Raise All the Money You Want, n.d.). The galas and concerts will also act as a platform to teach the public about cancer’s dos and don’ts. There will be plans for corporate tables at hotels that will be paid by the attending guests’ from companies. Concerts will be organized by inviting celebrities to events thus attract people. Sale of items at the events and pledge books availed so that people can pledge towards the projects.
Conclusion and recommendation
Cancer is a killer disease and if it is not checked in time, it may be disastrous to human health. However, the treatment process is expensive, and not many locals can afford it. Various fundraising methods can be used not only to raise funds but also to create awareness about how to live healthily and avoid cancer. Therefore recommending the fundraising dinners/galas/concerts would be the most appropriate since it may take both the fundraising and educative role towards the elimination of cancer.
References
Ayer, S. M., Hall, M. H. & Vodarek, L. (2009). Perspectives on Fundraising What Charities Report to the Canada Revenue Agency. Imagine Canada: The Muttart Foundation. Web.
CCS Website. (2009). CCS Website. Web.
Donations and Sponsorship. (N.d.). Corporate Communications, city of Burlington. 2010. Web.
Fundraising Essentials for Your Non-Profit: How to Raise All the Money You Want. (n.d.). E-Business Series. 2010. Web.
Registered charity information return. (N.d). Registered charity information return. 2010. Web.