Community

Fundraising

To o lkit

Your guide to doing

something about it!
 Welcome!
Thank you for raising funds to make a difference with Vinnies.
Your support will help people experiencing disadvantage and
homelessness rebuild their lives.
This toolkit is packed full of advice, ideas and tips to help you plan a
successful fundraising event that is fun for everyone.
For additional information, inspiration or guidance with your
fundraising, contact our Community Fundraising Coordinator
at (02) 9568 0211 or events@vinnies.org.au

Connect Facebook.com/VinniesNSW

with us Instagram.com/VinniesNSW
Twitter.com/VinniesNSW
Youtube.com/VinniesAU

WWW.VINNIES.ORG.AU/GETINVOLVEDNSW
 We need your help
One in every 200 people in Australia
doesn’t have a place to call home.
Here in NSW your help is needed
more than ever; our state has
the highest number of people
experiencing homelessness
nationwide. We are determined to
change this reality.
The St Vincent de Paul Society
(Vinnies) is a community-based
charity committed to actively
addressing the causes of
homelessness, poverty and inequality
on behalf of the people we serve.
Last year, with the help of our
supporters, Vinnies assisted nearly
300,000 people in times of crisis. We
offer ‘a hand up’ by helping people
rebuild their lives on their own terms.
At a local level we visit families in
their homes providing face-to-face
practical assistance to get them
back on their feet. We also offer
support services that focus on
early intervention and prevention,
providing crisis accommodation, case
management, life skills, education and
training to assist people transition
out of crisis and break the cycle of
homelessness and disadvantage.
Each year, thousands of community
members generously donate
their time and passion for events,
volunteering and home visits.
Thank you for supporting us. By
raising funds with
Vinnies you are
making a real
difference to our
mission to help
rebuild lives from
the ground up.
3
 You can make
a real difference

“ Last year I didn’t even want

to be here. Now I’m dreaming
about my future.” – Sally, 21
4
You have the power to
shape awareness and
$30
provides a bed for
inspire action in your
someone in need of
own community. crisis accommodation
for the night

$75
provides a course in
life skills: cooking,
preparing for a job
interview or basic
computer skills
$100
provides one week’s
accommodation for
women escaping
domestic violence

$200
enables a group
of children to
take part in school
holiday programs $1,000
prevents a family
from being evicted
from their home

5
 Get inspired
JOIN ONE OF OUR VINNIES EVENTS OR
BRING YOUR OWN IDEA TO LIFE.

VINNIES COMMUNITY IN CELEBRATION

OR SCHOOL SLEEPOUTS
At Vinnies Sleepouts communities
and students get a glimpse of
the realities of homelessness on a
personal level by sleeping rough
for one night. Raise awareness
and funds and help us secure
affordable housing for everyone.
OR IN MEMORY
There is no greater way of
celebrating a special occasion or
honouring a loved one than by
making a difference for others. You
can request donations to Vinnies
instead of gifts for a birthday,
wedding or anniversary or in lieu of
flowers in memory of a loved one.

FITNESS CHALLENGES
Whether fitness is your thing or
you cross the finish line in fancy
dress, make a difference with your
next run, walk, bike, swim or relay
by fundraising to break the cycle
of homelessness. Join Vinnies for
events like the City2Surf fun run
in Sydney and dedicate your gold
medal moment to making
a difference.
PERSONAL CHALLENGES
Challenge yourself to do
something tough (quitting sugar,
walking every day) or something
wacky (dye your hair, fancy dress)
to make a difference for people
doing it tough while having some
fun and accomplishing a goal
for yourself.

HAVE YOUR OWN IDEA?

From BBQs to bake sales and everything in between,
get creative and fundraise your own way. Why not
consider a dinner party, fashion parade, auction, raffle
or sporting event? Fundraising is a great way to get
your community together to have fun and make a
difference for people trying to get back on their feet.

6
 “ You don’t realise how much
you appreciate having a home
until you haven’t got one.”
– Phillip, 58

Do something about it
7
 1 O perfect fundraiser
steps to a
1 4
CHOOSE YOUR
FUNDRAISING EVENT
What type of activity
interests you most? Why are you
fundraising for Vinnies? When is the
best time and date? Where is a good
location with the right facilities?
Who do you need to involve to help
with planning, participating and
sponsorship? How will it all come
together?
2
COMPLETE YOUR
APPLICATION FORM &
WAIT FOR APPROVAL
Read through this Fundraising
Toolkit to understand your
responsibilities as a fundraiser for
Vinnies. Download and complete
our Fundraiser Application Form
and send it to Vinnies so we can
review your activity. Please do not
start fundraising or publicising
your event until you receive Vinnies
approval and an Authority to
Fundraise letter.
3 CREATE YOUR ONLINE
FUNDRAISING PAGE
Create your own online fundraising
page at vinniesnsw.gofundraise.
com.au. This is an easy way to get
the word out, raise awareness and
collect donations all online. The
website does half the work for you!
Download our Online Fundraising
Instructions and Tips to get started.
8
PLAN YOUR
FUNDRAISER
Create a simple event plan
covering the tasks that need
to be completed, when
and by whom. Download
our Organisers Checklist for a
Successful Fundraiser to help you
out.
5 SPREAD THE WORD
Tell everyone you know what
you’re doing and ask them to spread
the word to their networks. Post on
your social networks and local event
listings and contact local businesses,
schools, parishes, work connections
and local news outlets for support.
Anyone can donate and worthy
news travels fast.
6
SEEK SPONSORSHIP –
JUST ASK
Most people give to charity
simply because they are asked.
The more you ask the more you
receive – donated cash, prizes
and venues ensure a successful
event and keep your costs low.
Acknowledge significant
sponsors through logo
and/or verbal profiling
at your event and keep
track of donations and
expenses using our
downloadable forms.
7 MAXIMISE YOUR
FUNDRAISING
8 HOST YOUR EVENT
It’s time for your fundraising
Make it fun and easy to donate by event! Focus on why you’re hosting
having a variety of opportunities – this event and how participants will
both financial and material – to give. be making a difference through
• Oonline
nline fundraising – create your
fundraising page to collect
their attendance and donations.
Most importantly, have fun! If
donations quickly and easily. everyone’s having a good time,
it’s easier to raise more funds and
• Tsupporters
ax deductions – tell your
that donations over
make an even bigger difference.

$2 are tax deductable.

• entrance
Collection boxes – collect
donations or ask
local businesses to host your 9 SAY THANK
YOU
collection boxes pre-event to Fundraising is a
kick off your fundraising. community effort, so
• Memployer
atched giving – ask your
to dollar-match what
thank everyone who
supported you in any way
you raise. and share outcomes, photos and
memorable moments. Complete
• Cbusinesses
ost sponsorship – ask
to cover specific
our feedback survey at bit.ly/
vinniesfeedbacksurvey and send
event costs or donate event
photos to Vinnies so we can share
items.
your incredible contributions.
• Abyctivities – make your event fun
organising activities, a raffle,
stalls or food, all in exchange for

1O DEPOSIT
specific note donations.

•  aterial donations - you can

M
also provide an event area to
donate, swap or buy unwanted
material items or contribute new
items for hampers.
Download our Top 10 Fundraising
Tips for more success.
YOUR
DONATIONS
Please send your
donations and financial
forms to Vinnies within 14 days of
your event. Details of how to do
this are outlined on page 12.

You have hosted a fantastic fundraising

Congratulations!
event and supported Vinnies in NSW
to deliver vital services to the most
vulnerable people in our community.

9
 Safe and
legally sound
WITH SO MUCH FUN IN THE WORKS, MAKE SURE YOUR EVENT
IS SAFE AND IN LINE WITH ANY LEGAL REQUIREMENTS.
AUTHORITY TO FUNDRAISE
Once you’ve registered your
fundraiser, we’ll send you an Authority
to Fundraise letter. It’s a legal
requirement to have this letter to
fundraise for a registered charity.
FUNDRAISING GUIDELINES
Make sure your fundraiser complies
with Vinnies requirements and state
and local government regulations by
honouring the Terms and Conditions
stated on your Vinnies Fundraising
Application Form.
INSURANCE
Your fundraiser will be covered by
Vinnies insurance if you meet all of
Vinnies requirements as outlined in
the Vinnies fundraising application
form. Note: this does not include high
risk activities such as sky diving or
car racing.
TAX RECEIPTS
All donations over $2 are tax
deductible. Download our Guidelines
for Issuing Tax Deductible Receipts to
understand how this works.
10
LICENSES, PERMITS
& PERMISSIONS
Some activities like raffles or alcohol
sales require a licence or permit in
NSW. Check if you need one with the
State Office of Liquor, Gaming and
Racing at www.olgr.nsw.gov.au. If
you’re fundraising in a public place,
make sure you have permission from
the property owner or local council.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
•C
 heck your event for any hazards
and have measures in place to
minimise the risk of injury. Download
our Risk Registry Template to make
it easy.
•K
 eep a first aid kit onsite and
register your event with your local
emergency services including the
police station and local first aid
organisation, such as St John’s
Ambulance.
• If you sell food
in a public place,
make sure you
abide by food
hygiene laws.
 Spread the word
YOU ARE DOING AN AMAZING THING AND YOUR
FUNDRAISING EVENT DESERVES ALL THE ATTENTION IT CAN
GET. CHECK OUT THESE TIPS FOR GETTING THE WORD OUT
FAR AND WIDE FOR NO EXTRA COST.

EMAIL
Send an email about your fundraiser to your network of friends
and family asking for a donation. You can also add your online fundraising
page link in your usual email signature. Download our email message and
email signature to get started.

SOCIAL MEDIA
If you’re on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn or any other
platform, add your fundraising page link on your profile. Post
regular pictures and updates about your progress and ask for donations.

LOCAL PRESS
Local papers and radio stations are always looking for feel good stories
so why not ask your local media to cover your fundraiser? Download
our Media Guide and remember to give plenty of notice. If a journalist asks
you for any specific information about Vinnies NSW, please refer them
directly to us.

PHOTOS AND VIDEOS

Your fundraising activities can be an inspiration to others. Take
lots of photos and video to share on your social networks and
send us a copy to share too. Email your files to events@vinnies.org.au with
a completed Photographic Image Approval Form downloaded from our
website.

POSTERS AND FLYERS

Print posters and flyers and take them around to local
businesses, your school, club and workplace and ask for them to be
displayed. Download our free promotional materials to get started.

11
 The final touches
Thank you for your incredible fundraising efforts to change lives for
people experiencing homelessness. Please send your donations and
financial forms to Vinnies within 14 days of your event by using the
methods below:
TO VINNIES
SENDING YOUR DONATIONS
ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER: Bank your donations at any
Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) branch using our deposit details:
Account: St Vincent de Paul Society Appeals Account
Account number: 10057471
BSB number: 062193
Description: In the transaction description please include your surname
followed by CF e.g. SmithCF
Email remittance advice + description to events@vinnies.org.au.

ONLINE DONATIONS: Any donations made on your online fundraising

page go directly to Vinnies. You can deposit any cash donations by using
your credit card on your fundraising page.

CHEQUES AND MONEY ORDERS: Mail a cheque or money order, payable

to St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, to PO Box 5, Petersham NSW 2049,
Attn: Community Fundraising Coordinator.

12
IN PERSON: If you live in SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK
Sydney, you can stop by our
We can’t wait to hear about your
office to drop off donations,
exciting fundraiser. Share your
forms and fundraising materials.
best moments and learnings by
We’d love to meet you!
completing our online survey at
Our street address is
bit.ly/vinniesfeedbacksurvey. Send
2C West St, Lewisham 2049.
us your photos and videos along
SEND US YOUR FINANCIAL with completed Photographic
FORMS: Please complete and Image Approval Forms so we can
scan your Expenses Tracking celebrate your contribution.
Form, Donations Receipt Form
and Fundraising Outcomes
Summary to events@vinnies. SAY THANKS
org.au or post them to PO
Be sure to thank all your
Box 5, Petersham NSW 2049,
supporters and remind them what
Attn: Community Fundraising
a big impact their generosity has
Coordinator. You can download
had for people doing it tough.
each of these forms from our
website.
RETURN MATERIALS STAY IN TOUCH
TO VINNIES: Return any receipt
Don’t let the inspiration stop here,
books, unused pamphlets,
keep in touch with Vinnies on
banners or collection boxes to
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and
Vinnies by mail or in person.
YouTube.

13
 Youth homelessness:
Paige’s story
When most kids were getting ready for the HSC,
Paige was fending for herself on the streets. At just
15, Paige found herself totally alone. Her mother had
passed away, her stepmother was abusive and she had
very little support at school or elsewhere. Paige spent years
couch-surfing, sleeping rough and relying on the kindness
of friends. Now, thanks to Vinnies, Paige is studying, has found
employment and is feeling like herself again.

“Thank you for helping me build my life again. I just needed that support
which I’ve never had. Vinnies has saved my life.” – Paige

Family homelessness:
Sarah’s story
After being trapped in a violent relationship for
years, Sarah drove away from everything in the
middle of the night seeking a better life for her
kids. But Sarah and her children were homeless
and forced to seek refuge in her car. Finally, Sarah
connected with Vinnies. Vinnies helped find Sarah
a home, food, clothes and school supplies for
her children. Emotionally, Vinnies supported her
every step of the way and helped Sarah break out of
the abuse cycle. Sarah has been transformed into an
ambitious mother, who is currently studying at university
and volunteering at her son’s school. Even her children can
sense her newfound happiness.

“There was so much violence. It got to the point where I felt like
I would die if I stayed.” – Sarah

14
Sleeping rough: Victor’s story
Victor came to Australia as a young man, leaving his family,
friends, and even his qualifications. He worked hard
for many years, but after suffering a stroke his health
deteriorated, he lost his job and was unable to access
employment benefits. Despite Victor’s determination
and resilience, he found himself on the street. When
Victor came to Vinnies Matthew Talbot Hostel, he
found a safe haven. Through Vinnies and the help of
his caseworker, Victor secured a place to call home
and was able to access employment benefits, life
skills courses and extra medical support.

“I think I’d still be on the streets if it weren’t for

Vinnies. I am very lucky.” – Victor

Facts about homelessness

 he leading causes of
T  overty is growing in Australia;
P
homelessness in Australia 13.9% of people live below the
include domestic and family poverty line.
violence, financial difficulties
1 in 6 people are turned away
and housing crisis.
from Australian homelessness
1 05,237 people in Australia are services due to lack of resources.
experiencing homelessness.
 he experience of homelessness
T
 ver 402 children under 10 years
O can trigger and exacerbate
old are sleeping rough across mental illness.
Australia.
 NSW people can wait 10 years
In
 7% of Australia’s homeless
2 to be approved for social housing.
population are under 18 and many
 omen, children and older
W
are estranged from their families.
persons are more likely to
Aboriginal Australians are experience poverty than
15 times more likely than other age and gender groups
non-Indigenous Australians to in Australia.
be sleeping rough.
15
On behalf of the thousands of men, women
and children who turn to the St Vincent de
Paul Society NSW for assistance every day,
we extend our most sincere thanks to you and
your supporters for fundraising for Vinnies.
You have made a real difference for people
experiencing homelessness and disadvantage
in your local community.

Contact us
Community Fundraising Coordinator
Telephone 02 9568 0211
Email events@vinnies.org.au

WWW.VINNIES.ORG.AU/GETINVOLVEDNSW

Facebook.com/VinniesNSW
Connect Instagram.com/VinniesNSW
with us Twitter.com/VinniesNSW
Youtube.com/VinniesAU