Host an Event
Sponsoring an event to support the Bow Valley SPCA will make you a local hero - especially to the cats and dogs at the Carla Cumming Sojonky Adoption Centre. If you wish to sponsor an event to benefit the BVSPCA, there are some great options.
What Type of Events Can I Host?
Your imagination is the limit! There are so many types of events and fundraisers that can be used to help raise funds for the BVSPCA.
Some examples include, but are not limited to:
- Community Events (i.e. garage sale, bake sale, yard sale, car wash)
- Company Events (i.e. golf tournament)
- Birthday Parties
- Silent Auction or Auction
- Concert/Play
- Bingo
- Pet Wash
- BBQ
How Do I Get Started?
In order to start a fundraiser for the BVSPCA, we ask that you email us at events@bowvalleyspca.org to express your interest and propose your idea. We will send you an event application form, and once returned our team will review the application and once approved you can start organizing and promoting your event.
Access to our logo and advertising on our social media channels can be requested for events targeting $500 or more. Where applicable, donation receipts may be issued.
What are the Guidelines?
As a not-for-profit organization with deep roots in the Bow Valley community, we require events and fundraisers to be such that they will maintain and promote good relations with local businesses and individuals. As such, we require all proposed third party fundraising events (TPFE) to adhere to the following guidelines:
- Fundraisers must fully and truthfully state the portion of the proceeds which will be donated to the Bow Valley SPCA in all advertising, promotions and in all contact with donors, sponsors, and participants.
- Fundraisers must comply with all provincial/federal charitable solicitation regulations including obtaining the appropriate licensing or permits, if applicable.
- All proposals must comply with the Society’s Gift Acceptance Policy which states: The Bow Valley SPCA gratefully appreciates gifts of time and money, where and when the gesture is given sincerely to support the work of the Bow Valley SPCA.
- The BVSPCA will not accept gifts based on the unethical exchange of recognition where the BVSPCA does not support in principle, the intentions or the reputation of the donor or where the reputation of the BVSPCA is at risk.
- The BVSPCA will not be held responsible for any costs or liabilities neither incur any expenses nor provide any funds for a TPFE.
- Use of the BVSPCA name and logo in conjunction with all TPFE promotional material must be approved by the BVSPCA in advance. Our correct name, the Bow Valley SPCA, must be used in all advertising and promotion and include our correct address, phone number, and web site. Access to our logo and advertising on our social media channels can be requested for events targeting $500 or more. Please email for permission.
- The BVSPCA must receive a list of sponsors including individuals, businesses, groups and/or organizations that the host organizer(s) wish to approach. A review of the targeted sponsors will help minimize overlap with other BVSPCA events/campaigns.
- All net income must be received by the BVSPCA within 30 days, or as specified in the BVSPCA/TPFE agreement.
- Official tax receipts will only be issued in accordance with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) guidelines, if applicable.
How Do I Collect Funds?
Cash is a great way to collect money at your event. If you have the ability to accept credit or cheque, you can transfer the money to us via cheque or cash payment. It's that simple!
Please note that we are unable to accept e-transfers for raised donations.
Other Tips & Tricks
After you've received approval from the Bow Valley SPCA for your event, you can follow these tips and tricks to help make your event successful:
1) Recruit friends, family and/or colleagues to help you plan your event.
2) Create a “To Do List” with a timeline to plan your event from start to finish.
3) Create your event budget – think about costs and revenue.
4) Book your event! Think about your needs for venue, audio/visual, catering, décor, photography, etc.
5) Determine if you need any permits or licenses (i.e for raffle, 50/50 draw, special event license, etc). Apply for all permits/licenses as needed – make sure you allow time for them to be approved.
6) Think of ways to promote your event – social networking, free listings, posters, public service announcements on the local radio station, etc. If you are web savvy, you can create your own webpage to fully explain your event and why you are raising funds.
7) Investigate sponsorship possibilities for your event. Compile a list of potential sponsors you plan to approach and submit them to the Bow Valley SPCA to check if these sponsors are already involved with us.
8) Put an invite/guest list together and send out invitations.
Our brochure, attached below, provides a general overview of our mission and purpose at the Bow Valley SPCA, which can be helpful in planning your event.