Frequently Asked Questions Are you thinking about fundraising? Please familiarize yourself with the following definitions and tips! Should you have any questions, please contact Bojana Jankovic, MUS VP of Sponsor and Donor Relations (bojana@interchange.ubc.ca). For tax receipt policy inquiries, you may also contact Kendra Pryor, Development Coordinator, UBC Development Office (kendra.pryor@ubc.ca, phone 604.822.7087). 1.What is a case statement? A brief, clear explanation of why your organization needs money/gifts/services. 2.What is a donor? An individual, company, institution or organization that makes a contribution (e.g., monetary, or in the form of goods or services) to a cause or fund and satisfies the following criteria, according to UBC Development Office Policy: A voluntary transfer of property from a donor to UBC must be made The donor neither expects nor receives any material benefit (e.g., via advertising) in return 3.What is an in-kind gift? By definition, these gifts may include items such as books, works of art, equipment, furniture, securities, valuable documents, or any other nonmonetary gift. 4.What is a sponsor? An individual, company, institution, or organization that finances a project or an event carried out by another person or group. Sponsor offers aid in the form of cash donations, donations of goods, or services in return for free advertisement and exposure. Sponsors are NOT entitled to a tax receipt. 5.What are the ways to professionally approach potential sponsors or donors? Direct mail: Once you mail a letter, you should follow up with a phone-call Phone call: Identify a contact person within each sponsor/donor organization – ask the receptionist who is in charge of sponsorship or use your contacts within the organization It is suggested that email not be used for the initial contact 6. Why is it important to maintain a good working relationship with sponsors and donors? To ensure continuity of support Often, existing sponsors and donors are excellent sources of obtaining new sponsors and donors and establishing new networks People and organizations like to be acknowledged for their contributions
7.What are some of the ways to maintain a positive working relationship with a sponsor or a donor? Mail out thank you cards or make a phone call to personally thank them and acknowledge their contribution Provide them with a small gift Ensure that all donors receive tax receipts (if applicable – some donors may not wish to receive tax receipts) Host events to recognize donors and sponsors and acknowledge their contributions Ask for feedback from sponsors whether they are receiving adequate exposure 8. When can tax receipts be provided to donors? Please review this in the “UBC Fundraising Policies and Guidelines” document 9. How long before my event/sponsorhip “deadline” should I approach a sponsor? Typically, this should be done 3-6 months before your event/fundraising activity. 10. How and why should I outline a budget to a sponsor and show them what their money will be used for? Donors and sponsors often want to know exactly what they are contributing to and the direct results achieved with their money. Please refer to the “Sample Letter for Sponsors and Donors” document for strategies for outlining various aspects of the cause that donations are going toward. 11. Should I create sponsorship categories based on the magnitude of the contribution? It is often a good idea to prepare suggested donation amounts when requesting monetary funds from organizations or individuals. This gives the potential donors/sponsors an idea of how much they should give. Acknowledging generous donors and sponsors is another way of maintaining a positive working relationship and is a great way to show your appreciation for their contribution! Suggested categories: o Platinum sponsor o Gold sponsor o Silver sponsor Still have questions? Please refer to one of the specialized documents, and if these still do not address your question(s), you can contact me, your VP of Sponsor & Donor Relations, Bojana Jankovic (bojana@interchange.ubc.ca) – I would be happy to help you!