Fundraising tips & tools

This is your resource hub for everything you need to succeed at fundraising. Log in to your Participant Centre for more tools, tips and tricks!

Fundraising tips & tools

This is your resource hub for everything you need to succeed at fundraising. Log in to your Participant Centre for more tools, tips and tricks!

Fundraise your way

Use these proven tips to take your fundraising to the next level!

Who to ask

  • Family and friends
  • Ask someone you've donated to or helped out
  • Coworkers and teammates
  • Clubs, associations, or social groups you're involved with

Fundraising ideas

  • Focus on 10 people you’d like to get a donation from
  • Let your supporters know they can save on stamps this year. Donors receive a link to our card store to send a free custom e-card with information about the latest Heart & Stroke research 
  • Donate $50 to yourself and dare others to match it
  • Think of fun and interesting incentives to entice donations
  • Ask your donors to each ask one of their friends to support you
  • Share your fundraiser on social media

Choose something you love

When you’re passionate about both the “why” and the “how” of your fundraiser, that passion becomes contagious, sparking interest and encouraging donations.

Set a goal

The most successful fundraisers have a clear goal. Be realistic but set the bar high. Don’t be afraid to build momentum by making the first donation yourself it’s a sure sign of your commitment, and can inspire others to follow your lead!

Take 3 steps to maximize your impact:

Download  everything you need to make your fundraiser a success, including helpful tips, fundraising tools, event resources (like our editable poster and budget manager) and much more!

Fundraise with social

Want an easy way to significantly boost your fundraising? Try social media.


Even if you’re not very active online, your network is powerful and ready to help.


Or if you are interested in starting a Facebook Fundraiser, please read these guidelines. Alternatively, you can post on Facebook using the text available when you click on the red Facebook button.


Make the most of Facebook

Facebook is your virtual bulletin board! Keep your Facebook community updated with your progress by sharing your event highlights, photos and fundraising goals. Don’t forget to tag us in your posts (@heartandstroke) along with our hashtag, #HeartAndStrokeBeatAsOne. Use your Facebook account to post key event information and promote your event.


We’ve put together a few basic posts to get you started. Update your cover or profile image to promote your fundraising efforts, then post a message on Facebook with a link to your personal fundraising page. Need help finding your personal fundraising page link? Click here to login to your participant center. You'll find your personal page link on your Home page.


Sample Post # 1 (for individuals)


I am fundraising for @HeartandStroke to help invest in the next medical breakthrough. My goal is [$XXXX] because together, we’ll beat heart disease and stroke. Please help me reach my goal by donating on my personal fundraising page [insert your personal fundraising page link here].


Sample Post # 2 (for individuals)


I am halfway to my @HeartandStroke fundraising goal of [$XXXX]. Did you know that every 5 minutes, someone in this country dies from heart disease, stroke and related conditions? Help fund breakthrough research to save lives. Please donate. [Insert your personal fundraising page link here]


Sample Post # 3 (for event promotion)


[Insert the name of your event], is a fundraising event for @heartandstroke! Help me fund the next medical breakthrough that can save lives. Please contribute to my goal of [$XXXX] on my personal fundraising page [insert your event fundraising page link here]


Sample Status #1 (First ask)


I’m fundraising for Heart & Stroke. Their research and initiatives promote health, save lives, and enhance recovery in our community. Please cheer me on by sharing this post and donating today: [Insert your personal fundraising page link here]



Sample Status #2 (Second ask)


Good news! I’m halfway to raising for Heart & Stroke! Help me get the rest of the way by donating today. The funds we raise support lifesaving research. Every beat counts! Together, we’ll beat heart disease and stroke: [Insert your personal fundraising page link here]



Sample Status #3 (Final ask)


I’m so close! Time is almost up to raise for Heart & Stroke. This is your last chance to support me and fund lifesaving research. Every beat counts! Donate today: [Insert your personal fundraising page link here]


Be Social with Instagram

Instagram is a visual platform, catching the attention of your followers with strong images and videos. Use it to build interest amongst your friends and family by sharing visuals of your event preparation. You can also share the #HeartandStrokeBeatAsOne message of Heart & Stroke (@heartandstroke) by highlighting everyday moments that drive you to raise funds for lifesaving research.


In your Instagram profile, add the link to your personal fundraising page!


Need help finding your personal fundraising page link? Click here to login to your Participant Centre. You’ll find your personal page link on your Home page.


Sample Caption #1 (first ask)


Let’s help #HeartAndStrokeBeatAsOne! I’m fundraising for Heart & Stroke. Their research and initiatives promote health, save lives, and enhance recovery in our community. Please cheer me on by liking this post and donating today. Every beat counts!  [insert your personal fundraising page link here].


Sample Caption #2 (second ask)


Good news! I’m halfway to raising [Insert your fundraising goal] for Heart & Stroke! Help me get the rest of the way by donating today. The funds we raise support lifesaving research. Let’s help #HeartAndStrokeBeatAsOne:  [insert your personal fundraising page link here].


I’m so close! Time is almost up to raise funds for Heart & Stroke research. This is your last chance to support me —let’s help #HeartAndStrokeBeatAsOne. Every beat counts! Donate today:  [insert your personal fundraising page link here].


Sample Caption #4 (thank you)


Thank you everyone who supported my Heart & Stroke fundraiser we successfully helped #HeartAndStrokeBeatAsOne! The donations we raised will help fund research and other initiatives that promote health, save lives, and enhance recovery across Canada.


Stay LinkedIn

LinkedIn will allow you to promote your fundraising goals with your professional network! We suggest an introductory post and then one later in the month highlighting your progress with a last call for donations. If you really want to highlight your participation to your network, you can change your Header Image to one of the options provided below.


To get you started, find post suggestions below. You can simply copy and paste along with your personal fundraising link to ensure donations go towards your goal! Tag us (@HeartandStroke) and use the hashtag #HeartandStrokeBeatasOne to keep us posted on your goal so we can celebrate your success with you.


Need help finding your personal fundraising page link? Click here to login to your Participant Centre. You’ll find your personal page link on your Home page.


Introductory LinkedIn Post #1


Did you know someone in Canada dies every 5 minutes from heart disease, stroke, and related conditions? I am fundraising for Heart & Stroke to help fund the next medical breakthrough to beat these diseases. My goal is [$XXXX] because I want to help support lifesaving research. Please help me reach my goal. Every beat counts! [insert your fundraising page link]


Sample Post #2 (second ask)


I’m halfway to raising in support of Heart & Stroke! Please support me and lifesaving research by donating today. Together, we’ll beat heart disease and stroke: [insert your fundraising page link]


Sample Post #3


I am halfway to my fundraising goal of [$XXXX]. I hope you’ll help me fund lifesaving research. Together, we can beat heart disease and stroke. Every beat counts! [insert your fundraising page link]


Sample Post #4 (thank you)


Thank you everyone who supported my Heart & Stroke fundraiser! The donations we raised will help fund research and other initiatives that promote health, save lives, and enhance recovery across Canada. #HeartandStrokeBeatAsOne

Tweet With Heart

Twitter is the place to find out what's happening right now. It is a quick and easy tool for promoting your fundraiser to your social community as well as Heart & Stroke (@HeartandStroke). In 280 characters or less, you can share your fundraising journey. Tweet directly from your event or simply send quick updates on your goals.


Below are a few tweets to get you started. Copy and paste to Twitter with an image and your personal fundraising page link. Don’t forget to tag @HeartandStroke in your tweets along with the hashtag, #HeartAndStrokeBeatAsOne. We want to see your progress and promote your goals!


Need help finding your personal fundraising page link? Click here to login to your Participant Centre. You’ll find your personal page link on your Home page.


Sample Tweet # 1 (for individuals)


Did you know someone in Canada dies every 5 minutes from heart disease, stroke, and related conditions? Help me reach my fundraising goal with @HeartandStroke and help fund lifesaving research by donating [insert your personal fundraising page link here] #HeartAndStrokeBeatAsOne


Sample Tweet # 2 (for teams)


[Insert fundraising team name] are fundraising for @HeartandStroke. Our goal is $XXXX! Help us fund lifesaving medical breakthroughs [insert your fundraising page link here] #HeartAndStrokeBeatAsOne


Sample Tweet # 3 (for event promotion)


[Insert your event name] is halfway to our @HeartandStroke fundraising goal! Help fund medical breakthroughs and save lives. Donate now [insert your fundraising page link here] #HeartAndStrokeBeatAsOne


Sample Tweet #1 (first ask)


I’m raising to help @HeartandStroke fund the next lifesaving research breakthrough. Please cheer me on by retweeting this and donating today. Every beat counts! [Insert Page Link] 


Sample Tweet #2 (second ask)


Good news! I’m halfway to raising in support of @HeartandStroke! Support me and lifesaving research by donating today: [Insert Page Link] #HeartAndStrokeBeatAsOne


Sample Tweet #3 (final ask)


Thank you everyone who supported my @HeartandStroke fundraiser! The donations we raised will help fund research and other initiatives that promote health, save lives, and enhance recovery across Canada. #HeartAndStrokeBeatAsOne



Show your support by adding a Heart & Stroke profile picture or cover photo or sharing by posting an image.


Note: Click one of the images below to download multiple image sizes for Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

    • Don't forget to follow us on Social

    Fundraise with email

    Use one of the customizable email templates below to tell your supporters why you're fundraising, recruit members to your team, or thank your donors. Remember, you can copy and paste the templates into your preferred email provider or deploy email templates from your Participant Centre, by logging in now.

    Subject Line: Help me promote health & save lives

    Hello friends and family,


    Would you like to help me fund lifesaving research? If so, I’d love to have your support in raising funds for Heart & Stroke.


    It’s important to me to support Heart & Stroke because [insert personal reason here].


    That’s why I’m [describe event/fundraising activity].


    Did you know? 


    Every five minutes, someone in this country dies from heart disease, stroke and related conditions.  With 3.5 million Canadians living with heart disease stroke and vascular cognitive impairment 


    the need to treat these diseases is more urgent than ever


    Can I count on you to donate $25 toward my fundraiser to help me reach my goal of [xxx]? Your donation will help save lives.


    Just click the link below to my personal page, where you can make a secure donation.

    [Insert Fundraising Page URL]


    Together, we’ll beat heart disease and stroke. 


    Thank you for your generous support!

    Subject Line: Will you help me reach my goal for Heart & Stroke?

    Dear friends and family,


    Are you ready to help save lives?


    I started a fundraiser to help Heart & Stroke fund the next research breakthrough. The funds I raise will support initiatives in my community that promote health, save lives, and enhance recovery.


    Heart & Stroke, and the work they do, really matters to me because [write your “why” or your experience with heart disease and stroke].


    I’m committed to raising [$$$] for lifesaving research.


    Will you help me reach my goal?


    Just click the link below to my personal page to give today.


    [Insert Fundraising Page URL]


    Thank you for your donation. It means a lot to me, and to those I’ll be helping. Together, we’ll beat heart disease and stroke.

    Subject Line: One last request: Will you please give?

    Hi, it’s me again!


    My Heart & Stroke fundraiser is coming to an end and I wanted to make sure you had the opportunity to give.


    I’ve made great progress toward my fundraising goal of [$$$], with just [$$$] left to go and [XX] days to get there.


    This is my last chance to ask for help to make a difference in the lives of the 1.6 million people in Canada touched by heart disease and stroke.


    Please click the link below to my personal page and make a secure donation.


    [Insert Fundraising Page URL]


    Thank you for your support, together, we’ll beat heart disease and stroke! 

    Subject Line: We’d make a winning team

    I’ve created a fundraiser called [Fundraiser Name] in support of Heart & Stroke. I’m raising money for this amazing cause, and I’d love to have you join me!


    If you’d like to join, search for it here using the name of my fundraiser: [Fundraiser Name].


    As you may know, Heart & Stroke is dear to me because [insert reasons here].


    Their mission — promote health, save lives, enhance recovery — helps millions of people in Canada in one way or another. And I wouldn’t be surprised if you or someone you care about is one of them.


    If you’d rather support me personally with a donation, you can do that as well! Every amount helps fund lifesaving research.


    Please click the link below to access my personal page and make your gift securely.


    [Insert Fundraising Page URL]


    Thank you for your support, together, we’ll beat heart disease and stroke! 


    Thanks a ton,


    [First Name]

    Subject Line: Team News

    Hi Team!


    Time for a quick update on our Heart & Stroke fundraiser, [Fundraiser Name].


    We’ve set a goal of [$$$] to be raised by [X] fundraisers, and we’re making great progress. As of today, we’re at [$$$] and I couldn’t be prouder! If you’re looking for fundraising tips and inspiration, these ideas will help:

    • Always start with your nearest and dearest.
    • Buddy up by asking friends to ask their friends.
    • Bring it full circle by calling on people you’ve helped in the past.
    • Call on your work colleagues and your community, like your virtual book club or parenting group.
    • Try donating to yourself and invite others to follow it shows your commitment to the cause.
    • Remember to share your fundraiser on social media.
    • If you connect your donation request to your personal reasons for supporting [Fundraiser Name], we can make an even bigger difference in the lives of people across Canada.

    Thanks for joining me, I couldn’t do this without you.


    Together, we’ll beat heart disease and stroke! 


    [First Name]


    P.S. Don’t forget to send a thank-you note to your donors. They need to hear how much their support matters!

    Subject Line: Thank you for helping save lives!

    Dear [Donor Name],


    Your donation to my Heart & Stroke fundraiser means so much to me. Thank you for your incredible support.


    Heart & Stroke has already made huge strides in the fight against heart disease and stroke. And your donation helps to fund 891 researchers whose breakthroughs could save lives and improve outcomes of survivors.


    Survivors such as: 

    With your donation, Heart & Stroke can keep making a real difference in the lives of people like Courtney, Paul and Katherine and their families.  

     

    Together, we’ll beat heart disease and stroke.  


    Gratefully yours, 


    [First Name]

    Subject Line: Thank You!

    Dear [Donor Name],


    Your donation to my Heart & Stroke fundraiser means so much to me. Thank you for your incredible support.


    Heart & Stroke has already made huge strides in the fight against heart disease and stroke. And your donation helps to fund 891 researchers whose breakthroughs could save lives and improve outcomes of survivors.


    Researchers such as:

    • Dr. Yu Tian Wang, who is working on drugs that could save your brain cells after a stroke
    • Dr. Guillaume Paré, who is working on the ACE2 protein receptor, which plays an important role in both heart and brain health
    • Dr. Richard Swartz, who is has launched an international study of COVID-19 survivors to help understand the cognitive impacts of the virus

    These studies are urgently needed right now.  


    At a time when science has proven to be our greatest ally, the pandemic stopped or slowed critical heart and brain health research. 


     With your donation, Heart & Stroke can keep making a real difference. Together, we’ll beat heart disease and stroke. 


    With gratitude,


    [First Name]

    FAQs

    Got questions? We’ve got answers.

    About Fundraise Your Way

    • What are some of the features available on your site for event organizers?

       Here are some of the exciting features available on our website:


      • Creating your own fundraising event  in a self serve model by picking the template that best suits you

      • Adding in your own event details and in information for your participants.

      • Live-streaming integration to create a dynamic online event 

      • E-commerce integration to sell items

      • Option to sell tickets for your event and collect attendee information

      • Option to sell sponsorship packages

      • Ability to register and manage multiple fundraisers 

      • Access Manager that will allow you to have multiple event admins to help manage your event


    • Who is CrowdChange?

      CrowdChange is a Heart & Stroke partner and the fundraising platform for Fundraise Your Way. CrowdChange provides an easy and safe way to raise funds online for Heart & Stroke.  They assist Heart & Stroke in everything from developing the site to providing technical customer service support to our participants and donors.  

    • What should I do if I'm having problems or have a question that wasn't answered here?

      For any technical website support, CrowdChange will be happy to help you get it sorted out - please send an email to support@crowdchange.co 


       For all other questions, please email fundraiseyourway@heartandstroke.ca and we will be happy to help!   

    Registration information

    • Is there a registration fee to create an event?

      Creating a fundraiser in support of Heart & Stroke on the Fundraise Your Way website is absolutely free!


    • I was a past Fundraise Your Way event organizer. Can I use my previous username and password?

      Yes! If you created an event on our site last year, you can use the same login credentials to create and manage any fundraisers/events.


      If are new or have not created an event with us prior to October 2021, You must create a new profile with us, but it is a really simple process and once you do it this year, it can be re-used in future years.

    • Is it difficult to start a fundraiser?

      Not at all!  We've teamed up with our friends at CrowdChange to make the process as simple as possible. Start by picking from the options of how you would like to fundraise for Heart & Stroke.


      For Virtual Canvass, pick your location and then click on “Fundraise” to start the process.   


      For all other events, choose the fundraising activity that works for you and then begin entering your event details which includes providing basic information such as time and date, set a fundraising goal, upload an image, write a description and you’re all set.   


      Handy tip - Read through our tips and tools on how to get started and get your fundraising going.  

    • I forgot my password or I’m having trouble logging in even though I’m entering the correct password.

      The easiest fix is to request a new password. Simply click on the login button and follow the steps to request a password reset. 

    • Can I use the Heart & Stroke Logo for my event?

      Yes, you are more than welcome to use a Heart & Stroke logo for your event.  Please fill out this form here and you will be sent our brand guidelines and the English and French logos.  

    • What is the difference between ticketing and registrations?

      The primary difference between tickets and registration is that upon the purchase of a ticket, the donor will get a pdf copy of the ticket along with their receipt.  A registration is when you are creating your own event or fundraiser or joining another existing event to participate as a fundraiser.  You will receive an automated email upon completion of your registration, and access to your personal profile .

    • I am interested in running a raffle as a fundraiser. Are there any rules I need to know about?

      In order to run a raffle, you will need to obtain a raffle license. Only licensed charitable or religious organizations may conduct raffles and must apply for a license from either the Alcohol and Gaming Commission or the local municipality. Where the total value of the prizes is less than $50,000, the license is issued by the municipality where the event will be administered. Heart & Stroke is not able to obtain licenses on behalf of individuals. 

    • Why didn't I receive an email confirmation?

      You should receive an automatic email confirmation when you have made a donation, purchased a ticket, or registered for a fundraiser/event. If you have not, please try the following: 

      1. Check your spam folder to ensure the email wasn't accidentally filtered out. 

      2. Login to your profile and ensure you entered the correct email. 

      3. In your profile, see "Receipts" for a log of all your donations and tickets. If your donation/purchase went through, it will be recorded here. 


      If none of the above works, please contact us for assistance at support@crowdchange.co


    Donation information

    • Will donors receive a confirmation email and a tax receipt?

      Yes! When donations are made, the donor will receive a confirmation email and a tax receipt if the donation was over $5.


      Also, as a Fundraise Your Way Participant, you will be able to see a record of your donations made through our new website.  When you are logged in, you can click "Profile" and "My Receipts" to view a history of contributions. 

    • How do I collect money?

      You can collect donations by reaching out to your networks with your personal fundraising page link and asking them to make a donation directly to your page. You can do this via email or social media. For suggested content and tips, click here. 

    • Someone I know would prefer to donate with cash or cheque. Is this possible?

      Our easy-to-use online tools are the best way to collect donations. This helps us to keep track of how much you have raised and issue instant tax receipts to donors to avoid any processing times. However, we know that some people may prefer to donate to your fundraising efforts by other methods.


      You can enter all the details into your Participant Centre in the offline donations section.


      If you receive a cash donation, you can enter your donor details and pay the donation with your credit card. Your donor will receive a thank you and a tax receipt for their donation.   


      If you receive a cheque donation, mail your donations to: 


      Heart and Stroke Foundation 

      Attention: Accounts Receivable 

      2300 Yonge St., Suite 1200, 

      Toronto, Ontario M4P 1E4 


      Inside the envelope make sure to provide: 

      • Donor Information - First name, last name, full address of the person making the donation. 
      • Your Participant info, if applicable - First name, last name, email,  
      • Program name (Choose Fundraise Your Way or Virtual Canvass)  
      • Amount included in the mailing. 

    • I lost my tax receipt or my tax receipt has the wrong information on it. Can you resend it?

      Yes, we can definitely help with this.  Please email support@crowdchange.co with the information that you require, and we’ll help you out. Thank you for your donation to Heart & Stroke!   

    • What is the $2 administration fee?

      To help cover the credit card fees associated with your donation, you have the option of adding an additional administration fee of up to $2 to your donation in order to maximize the funds going to Heart & Stroke.

    • Does CrowdChange get a portion of the $2 administration fee?

      No. The administration fee goes towards covering credit card fees.

    • How are e-commerce funds handled?

      All funds raised from e-commerce will go directly to Heart & Stroke. Heart & Stroke cannot reimburse the cost of the apparel or merchandise at this time.  We are currently working on how we can better support event organizers in terms of expense re-imbursement for e-commerce items that raise funds for Heart & Stroke, and will be happy to share when we have more information. 

    • Are ticketed events eligible for tax receipts?

      No, ticketed events are not eligible for tax receipts. We are also unable to offer split receipting for events. 

    • Can I donate on someone else’s behalf?

      If you are donating on someone else’s behalf, make sure you are logged out of your Virtual Canvass or Fundraise Your Way account before starting the donation process.


      On the donation form, input the donor’s name, email, and address info as well as your credit card number, expiry and CVC.  This will issue a tax receipt to the donor’s email address and charge your card for the transaction.

    • Can I be reimbursed for event costs from funds that have been raised through the Fundraise Your Way website?

      All funds raised through the website will go directly to Heart & Stroke. Heart & Stroke cannot reimburse event organizers for event costs (e.g. venue rental fees, food and beverages, apparel, and merchandise etc.). 


      If your event requires any events costs to be covered by funds raised, we recommend you use a third-party payment vendor to collect funds and submit the net proceeds as a lump sum online at the conclusion of your event.  Heart and Stroke does not endorse any particular vendor, but some services available in Canada for ticketing and payment collection include  Square, PayPal, GoFundMe, and Eventbrite.

    Participant Centre

    • What is the purpose of my Participant Centre?

      Your Participant Centre is your gateway for fundraising online! Use your Participant Centre to: 

      • Share your story - Customize your personal page, using compelling pictures, text, even video! 
      • Shout it from roof tops - Share your page via email. Make it known that you’re helping save lives! 
      • Make the first donation a self-donation - lead the way and kick off your fundraising! 
      • See your fundraising stats – Keep track of your fundraising and see a list of all of your donors!   

    • How do I send emails from my Participant Centre?

      It’s easy to send emails from your Participant Center to ask for donations, share team messages and thank your donors. We’ve created templated emails for you to use or you can create your own.  Here’s how to do it: 

      1. Log in to your Participant Centre 
      2. Click on "view page," then click "Mailing list" Above your event image." 
      3. Click on “Send email” and then you can select one of our templated emails or create your own custom message. 

      For any custom emails you create, you can also save them for future use, and you can find them in “My custom templates”. 

    • How do I add contacts to my Participant Centre?

      It’s easy to do! To add contacts to your Participant Centre, you should: 

      1. Log in to your Participant Centre 
      2. In Virtual Canvass, go to “Mailing list” or for all other event streams, click on "Advanced," then select "Email Templates." 
      3. Click on “My contacts”  
      4. You’ll be able to import your contacts from Gmail, MS Outlook, from a CSV file or through a manual import.   

    • I was advised that a friend made a donation to my fundraiser, but the donation is not appearing my list of supporters.

      We can help you with that!  Please contact us at fundraiseyourway@heartandstroke.ca.

    • My friend went to www.HeartandStroke.ca to make a donation, but wanted it to be linked to my fundraising efforts. How can this donation be credited to my fundraising progress?

      We can help to have the donation credited to your fundraising progress. Please contact us at fundraiseyourway@heartandstroke.ca and we can make this change for you.   

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