Third-Party Fundraisers

Interested in hosting a fundraiser for Calgary Public Library?

Are you part of a community group, a local business, or are you just a lover of all things Library? There’s no end to the ways you can help support your Library—and have fun while doing it!

What’s a third-party fundraiser?

Third-party fundraisers enable anyone to fundraise on behalf of Calgary Public Library Foundation. You can host an event specifically to raise money for the Library, or you can add a fundraising element to an existing event or celebration. It’s an easy way to support the community through the life-changing work of the Library.

How do I get started?

No matter the size or scope of your event, there are five basic steps in the process:

  1. Decide what kind of fundraiser you want to have.
  2. Contact the Library Foundation to have your fundraiser approved and registered.
  3. Hold your fundraiser.
  4. Submit your fundraising results and funds raised within 15 days of your event. 
  5. Fill out our 90-second survey to let us know how everything went.

Please take a moment to read through the FAQs and partnership guidelines below.

Frequently-Asked Questions

Hosting a dedicated fundraising activity is a great way to build community while supporting your community! Here are some ideas to help you get started:

  • Read-a-thon
  • Golf tournament
  • Pancake breakfast
  • Garage sale
  • Car wash
  • Bake sale
  • Block party
  • Barbecue
  • Potluck
  • Birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion

As fundraiser host:

  • You are required to sign an agreement, keep track of all donations and submit them in a timely fashion following the fundraiser, and complete a post-event survey.
  • You must receive permission from the Library Foundation prior to using its name and/or brand for any promotional activities.
    • We are unable to provide permission or usage approval for Calgary Public Library’s name and logo.
  • You may not raise money on commission.
  • You may not host an event that involves the promotion or support of a political party or candidate, or those which appear to provide political endorsement.

The Library Foundation can build a donation page that is customized for your event with photos and other content. We can also provide graphics and assets for you to use on social media to promote your fundraiser, as well as electronic “tap to donate” devices that you can use at your event.

The Library Foundation is unable to provide reimbursement for any expenses incurred while hosting your fundraiser.

Your fundraiser will provide vital support for the Library programs, services, and spaces used by Calgarians every day. 

If applicable, the Library Foundation will list your fundraiser on its calendar of upcoming events as well as on social media, as scheduling permits.

Yes, as long as you have collected the donor’s name and contact information on a pledge sheet, which the Library Foundation will provide to you. Donations submitted in bulk without donor contact information are not eligible for a tax receipt.

We are unable to provide general volunteer support for third-party fundraisers. Library Foundation representatives can be made available to attend your event as schedules permit.

Partnership Guidelines

Third-party fundraisers for the Calgary Public Library Foundation may not:

  • Raise money on commission
  • Involve the promotion or support of a political party or candidate, or appear to endorse political activities
  • Involve solicitation methods unapproved by the Library Foundation, such as door-to-door canvassing or telemarketing

The Library Foundation assumes no legal or financial liability related to the promotion or execution of any third-party fundraiser.

The host of the fundraiser is responsible for securing any required insurance, gaming or raffle licenses prior to the fundraiser, and is responsible for ensuring the event complies with any applicable statutes or regulations.

The Library Foundation is not responsible for any damage or accidents that occur during an event. We are unable to provide assistance in securing insurance, permits or licenses.

Donations made online directly to the Calgary Public Library Foundation receive an automatically-generated tax receipt by email.

Calgary Public Library Foundation can provide tax receipts to any donors who give through your fundraiser. Tax receipts for gifts of $10 or more will be issued following the fundraiser under the following conditions:

  • If individuals who donate do so without receiving a tangible item or benefit in return.
  • For donations made directly to the Library Foundation (i.e., cheques made out to the Calgary Public Library Foundation).
  • Once all funds raised have been delivered to the Library Foundation, along with a list of donors’ names, addresses, and the amount of each individual donation.

Cash donations received in bulk or without donor contact information are not eligible for a tax receipt.

We are unable to issue tax receipts for administrative or other expenses associated with the event.

Questions? Contact the Library Foundation anytime at info@libraryfoundation.ca or during business hours at 403-221-2002.

If you’re ready to start your fundraiser, fill out the form below and a Library Foundation staff member will be in touch.

“The Library Foundation created a special donation website customized with pictures and a birthday message. Our guests were delighted by the opportunity to support a cause close to everyone’s hearts.”

–Library supporter