Want to learn more about fundraising for UNICEF Canada? Here are some of the frequently asked questions we receive. We hope the responses will be helpful.


Questions about organizing an event

How do I get involved with UNICEF Canada?

A great way to support UNICEF Canada is through hosting your own fundraiser. Register and create your fundraising page online to get started.

What are some ideas for hosting a fundraising event?

There are plenty of ways you can support children through UNICEF Canada at your school, in your community or in the workplace. Here are a few fundraising ideas to inspire your upcoming UNICEF Canada fundraiser.

Can I use the UNICEF Canada logo?

UNICEF Canada fundraisers have access to our “In Support of UNICEF Canada” logo. This logo will be available for use once we approve your fundraising event.

How do I make sure my event follows UNICEF Canada’s policies?

UNICEF Canada follows certain event guidelines and policies. Please review the Community Events Terms of Agreement. You will be asked to agree to these policies when you register your event.


Questions about support from UNICEF Canada

How can UNICEF Canada support my fundraising event?

UNICEF Canada is here to help make your fundraiser the best it can be, while at the same time following the guidelines laid out by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

UNICEF Canada can provide the following:

  1. Online tools to host your own fundraising webpage
  2. Permission to use the “In Support of UNICEF Canada” logo
  3. A support letter to validate the authenticity of your event, by request
  4. A post-event thank you letter to recognize your hard work

UNICEF Canada is unable to provide:

  1. Funding or reimbursement of expenses
  2. Selling of event tickets or securing sponsors
  3. Mailing lists or donor information
  4. Application for insurance, or gaming or liquor licenses
  5. Prizes, auction items or awards
  6. Tax receipts for cash or in-kind goods not directly received by UNICEF Canada
  7. Promotion or advertisement

How do I explain what UNICEF does?

UNICEF is the world’s leading humanitarian organization for children, working in 190 countries and territories. We defend the Right to a Childhood so kids everywhere can grow up safe, healthy and able to reach their incredible potential. With support from Canadians like you, we are reaching the world’s most vulnerable children with healthcare and vaccines, education, nutrition, safe water and sanitation, and protection. Discover more about what we do here.

Can someone from UNICEF come to speak at my event?

Our staff dedicate as much time as possible to helping children, so unfortunately are unable to attend your fundraising event. However, we can help you by providing a letter that you can publish in your event program or a statement that you can read aloud, thanking everyone for their hard work and explaining how the donations will be spent.

Can I show UNICEF Canada videos at my event?

Absolutely! Take a look at our UNICEF Canada YouTube channel where you will find videos to help you showcase UNICEF’s work for children and promote your fundraiser.

Can I have UNICEF-branded supplies or merchandise?

We are unable to provide you with UNICEF-branded supplies at this time. Feel free to check out the UNICEF Market for UNICEF branded materials available for purchase.


Questions about collecting and sending in money

What is the best way to collect money and donations for a fundraising event?

The best way to get people to donate money is to set up an online fundraising page. This way, everyone that donates will automatically receive a tax receipt. Donations that are mailed by cheque must be a minimum of $25 to receive a tax receipt unless it is requested.

How do I submit funds raised?

After completing your fundraising event, you can remit funds directly on your online fundraising page or through submitting a cheque to UNICEF Canada along with your event details to the following address:

UNICEF Canada
Attn: Community Engagement
Suite 400, 90 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, ON  M4P 2Y3

What if my donors would like a tax receipt?

If your donors would like to automatically receive tax receipts, the best way to collect funds is through the online fundraising page. If you choose to collect cheques or cash, be sure to record the donor’s full name, address, phone number, email and donation amount.

How do I know that my money and donations have reached you?

If you send something by mail, it can take us a few weeks to process your donations, but as soon as we do receive your donation, we will send you a thank you letter by way of receipt.

What are UNICEF Canada’s tax receipting guidelines?

UNICEF Canada is committed to following the rules and regulations regarding tax receipting as set out by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). It is important for you to understand the rules about tax receipts before you plan your event.

For a donation to be eligible for a tax receipt, ALL of the following conditions must be met:

  1. Voluntary donation
  2. No advantage/benefit (good, service or privilege) to be received by the donor or anyone designated by the donor
  3. The donor cannot expect anything in return


Questions about how money is spent

How will the money we have raised be used?

UNICEF provides healthcare, vaccines, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education and protection for children with the donations it receives from fundraisers. We work in the world’s toughest places, doing whatever it takes to make a lasting difference in children’s lives, helping them to survive and defending their rights. Your donations will be directed to where help is needed most.

Children count on UNICEF, but they really count on you as our work relies entirely on voluntary contributions. Every single dollar helps us to help children. The money and donations you raise enable us to carry on our life-saving work across the globe. For more information on UNICEF Canada’s work for children and how funds are used, you can view our latest donor impact report.

Can I donate the money I raise to a particular country or project?

We aim to reach children who are in greatest need, so “unrestricted” donations are especially helpful. Providing unrestricted funds means we are able to direct them towards highest priority needs. They allow UNICEF to respond quickly and effectively whenever and wherever the children we serve are most in need or at risk.

When you register your event, you can choose to direct unrestricted funds in the areas of healthcare and vaccines, education, nutrition, water and sanitation, child protection or children in emergencies.

If you still have any questions about starting your fundraising event for UNICEF Canada, please contact communityevents@unicef.ca.