Fundraising FAQs
General
Why does Canadian Blood Services need to fundraise?
Financial gifts help save lives. Charitable donations to Canadian Blood Services support programs and initiatives outside of the day-to-day operations funded by the provincial and territorial ministries of health (except Quebec). Financial donations help us do more to support national programs and initiatives in blood, plasma, stem cells, organs and tissues and research and innovation.
What is your policy on administrative costs?
At Canadian Blood Services, we strive to maximize the impact of every dollar donated, meaning that as much as possible is directed to programs and initiatives that make a difference to Canadian patients. We are committed to ensuring no more than 20 per cent of financial donations go toward administrative costs.
What is your Charitable Organization Registration Number and official name?
Our official legal name is Canadian Blood Services and our charitable registration number is 870 157 641 RR0001.
Will I receive a tax receipt for my gift?
As a registered charity, Canadian Blood Services issues charitable tax receipts for all eligible financial donations ( over $10 CAD) as per Canada Revenue Agency guidelines.
About this community giving tool
What is the difference between a personal page and team page?
Everyone who registers an online giving campaign can set up a customizable personal page where you can share your campaign goals with others, track your progress, and thank those who have supported you. As the page administrator, you will be able to set a fundraising goal, add text, photos and/or videos, and create a custom URL to share with supporters in your network.
If you choose to start a team, the team captain will be able to set up separate team and personal pages. While the team page is meant to reflect the campaign's overall fundraising goal, each team member (including the captain) can set an independent goal on their own personal page.
ALL donations/gifts made on a team member's personal page will appear on both their personal and team pages and will count toward the team's overall fundraising goal.
Why do I need a minimum donation to send emails in my participant centre?
Once your personal page has received a donation of five dollars or more, you will unlock the email feature in the participant centre. This will allow you to easily email your contacts directly using the templates available via the participant centre. The minimum donation is in place as an extra level of security to avoid misue of the platform.
Can I use my own email to share my campaign?
As an alternative to sending messages through your participant centre, you are welcome to use your own email account to promote your campaign. If you choose to use your own email address, you do not need to add contacts to your participant centre address book.
Who do I contact if I have questions about my fundraising site?
You may contact the Canadian Blood Services' philanthropy team at philanthropy@blood.ca at any time with questions related to:
- Online registration
- Online contributions to your page
- Cash or cheque contributions to your campaign
- Resetting your login information
- Setting up and/or making changes to your personal or team page
Can I fundraise through social media?
Absolutely! We encourage you to use your preferred social media platform to invite your friends and followers to support your campaign. Be sure to post regular updates as you make progress toward your fundraising goal and thank your generous supporters online. Remember to add the hashtag #CanadasLifeline to your posts so that we can follow along!
How will the funds I raise help patients?
All funds raised through your community giving event or campaign will help strengthen Canada's Lifeline by helping us recruit more blood and plasma donors. The gifts you inspire people to give will also help fund important research and innovation led by Canadian Blood Services in transfusion and transplantation medicine, thereby supporting the patients of today and tomorrow.