Community Fundraising
What is Community Fundraising?
Raise money for a great cause – and have a great time doing it. Turn your passion into action by participating in a fundraiser to support Mass Eye and Ear.
This exceptional group of go-getters and difference-makers support the hospital in variety of ways. From golf tournaments, dinner parties, lemonade stands, Galas, car washes, athletic events, there are many fun and easy ways to participate in our program. Use your creative mind and passion to raise funds that can be directed to a specific doctor or area of the hospital. These fundraisers can contribute to the hospital’s fundraising strategy.
We are here to help make your efforts a success by talking with you though your ideas, sharing best practices, advice and helping to set you up for a successful fundraiser.
Best Practices
It is important for community fundraisers to align with the mission and image of Mass Eye and Ear. Each third party event needs to meet specific criteria to be considered for approval.
Registration: If an individual or group wants to promote that their activity benefits the work happening at Mass Eye and Ear, and then we must register and approve it. They can register here.
Branding: Once registered and approved, you will gain access to certain logos, a fundraising page through Crowdrise, promotional materials, and most important a dedicated staff person to help you through the process.
Fundraising Guidelines
Here are a few things to consider before getting started.
- Read more
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Approval:
- Approval by Mass Eye and Ear must be obtained before you advertise or hold your event.
- We reserve the right not to approve an event if it doesn’t align with the mission of the hospital.
Marketing and Promotion:
- All promotional materials with our name or logo on it need to be reviewed and approved by the events or communications director prior to distribution (e.g. flyers, tickets, brochures, posters, etc.). Mass Eye and Ear many only be identified as your event’s beneficiary. For example, your fundraiser should be called “Golfers with a Vision benefiting Mass Eye and Ear”
- If Mass Eye and Ear is one of several beneficiaries, the percentage or amount of proceeds that benefit the hospital must be clearly stated on all materials.
- We would love to share your fundraisers! Please contact Stacy Kelly to discuss sharing your event photos and success on Facebook. Please note, we do have guidelines and posts are at the discretion or our communications team.
Planning:
- Mass Eye and Ear will not reimburse organizer for any costs or expenses. You are responsible for covering event expenses. If you are paying for expenses, please deduct these from the funds raised prior to sending your donation check.
- Suggestions to reduce event expenses:
Secure donated goods and services
Negotiate reduced costs - You are responsible for obtaining any required permits as well as a certificate of insurance for the event.
- Mass Eye and Eye will not solicit our donors, patients/families, and staff on behalf of your event.
Event Income:
- The event organizers are responsible for maintaining accounting for the event.
- All proceeds need to be made payable to Mass Eye and Ear and mailed to the hospital within 30 days of completing your fundraiser.
- Only checks payable to Mass Eye and Ear, and cash donations clearly labeled with the donor’s information will be provided with a tax deductible acknowledgement letter in accordance with IRS and state tax regulations.
Getting Started:
Planning an event takes work, but it is also really fun! For many of you, this may be your first fundraising event; listed below, you will find a few steps to help you get started. The steps are simple and the information is designed to help you plan a successful event to benefit Mass. Eye and Ear.
- Step one: Check out our Toolkit (coming soon!)
- Step two: Complete the registration form
How can Mass Eye and Ear help with your event?
- Advice and suggestions on event planning and soliciting your network
- Provide logo for your marketing materials
- Help determine which doctor or area of the hospital to support
- Resources to help with your event planning and execution
- Provide a fundraising page to collect online donations
Mass Eye and Ear is unable to provide the following:
- Assistance in soliciting donations, handling mailings, attending committee meetings, and collecting monies
- The use of our tax-exemption number for making any purchases related to your event
- Guarantee volunteer, Board member, or staff attendance at the event
- Access to donor lists or contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you are a first time fundraiser or a seasoned one, your likely have questions about registration, logistics, and how to make your event a success. Below is a list of frequently asked questions that will help you along the way.
How do I get started?
Please fill out this form to get started. Once the form has been submitted someone from the events office will be in touch on next steps.
How will I know when my fundraiser is registered?
Stacy Kelly, Director of Special Events, will be in touch with you within a few business days after you submit the form.
Are there restrictions on fundraisers?
We reserve the right not to approve an event if it doesn’t align with the mission of the hospital. We will let you know if we have concern with your fundraiser during our initial conversation.
Can I host an event to benefit a specific hospital program or doctor?
Absolutely! We would be happy to discuss designation of funds to a specific doctor or area of the hospital.
Will I get a fundraising page?
Yes, once registered and approved, you will gain access to a fundraising page through Crowdrise.
When can I host a fundraiser?
Whenever you would like; our program runs year-round.
Who will help me manage my fundraising event?
Our events staff will provide advice and guidance. However, we are unable to actually plan or manage your fundraiser. We recommend you form a committee of friends, family members, or others to help you plan and execute your event.
How do I fundraise?
Take it in steps; first set up your Crowdrise fundraising page to edit and share your story, then create a budget, set a fundraising goal and an event planning timeline. You will also have staff support and guidance along the way.
May I use the Mass Eye and Ear logo?
The Mass Eye and Ear logo may only be used by permission. Any use of the logo needs to be approved. The use of the logo may not be altered in any way.
Can someone from the hospital attend or speak at my fundraiser?
We can facilitate invitations to physicians and/or staff, but due to their schedules and commitments, we cannot guarantee participation.
Will Mas. Eye and Ear cover my expenses?
No, event organizers are responsible for covering all expenses for their fundraisers and will not be reimbursed. You can deduct costs associate with your fundraiser prior to submitting proceeds to us.
Does Mass Eye and Ear provide event insurance?
You, the fundraising coordinator, would be responsible for obtaining any permits or insurance for the event.
Do I need to create a 501c3 (non-profit) organization to host a fundraiser?
No, you just need to register online for our approval.
Will Mass Eye and Ear provide letters and receipts to my supporters?
Yes, we will issue acknowledgment letters containing IRS-compliant, charitable tax receipts for gifts made payable directly to Mass Eye and Ear. Please note, we are unable to provide tax receipts for any donations that are not made directly to Mass Eye and Ear
How can matching gifts increase donations to my fundraiser?
Many companies match charitable donations by their employees. Remind your donors to reach out to their company’s HR department to learn more about how the company matches employee donations.
How do I collect donations and submit the money raised through my fundraiser?
There are two ways to collect donations:
- Online – the easiest, fastest and most secure way to collect donations is through your personal fundraising page on CrowdRise, a free online fundraising platform. Once you set up your page, send the link out to your friends, family, etc. so they can support your efforts online. Donations will be posted to your page in real time.
- Checks – All checks should be made payable to Mass Eye and Ear and reference the name of your fundraiser on the memo line. We can’t accept checks made payable to the event organizer.
Mail to:
Foundation of Mass Eye and Ear
Attn: Stacy Kelly, Director of Special Events
243 Charles Street
Boston, MA 02214
