Trellis Society Fundraising Toolkit - 2022

S O C IE T Y

FUNDRAISING TOOLKIT

THANK YOU

Thank you for thinking or the young people and families served by Trellis Society. By engaging in fundraising activities with team trellis you improve the lives of people right here in your community.

Once you decide what type of event you’d like to host – let us know! That way, you’ll have a contact here at Trellis Society who can help walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have along the way.

Trellis Society’s programs and services are only possible because of our incredible community of supporters. With your help, we are addressing social problems, transforming lives today and helping create the conditions necessary for generational change. You make this possible. One family, one child, one person at a time. Thank you!

If you have any questions, please reach out to donations@growwithtrellis

WHO WE ARE

Hi. We’re Trellis Society. We’re here to unlock human potential across generations.

Trellis is a Calgary-based social services agency that grew from the amalgamation of Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary and Aspen Family & Community Network Society. Growing from a combined history of 117 years, Trellis is building on the legacy of both organizations, offering a continuum programs designed to support and uplift young people, families and communities.

Trellis serves young people, families and communities from all circumstances including those with complex needs and backgrounds. With your help, we are working to end youth, adult and family homelessness, and creating space for belonging and exploration in community. We provide education and employment connections and support safe home environments for everyone we serve, including youth and children whether that be in their own home or through foster care or group care.

We support deeper connections by meeting people where they are, across all cultures, languages and diversity spectrums. Trellis is committed to empowering individuals and communities with the support they need to grow beyond life’s challenges and reach their dreams.

We’re Trellis Society — always growing.

Youth facing homelessness often carry the weight of family breakdown and trauma. At Avenue 15, the only youth emergency shelter in Calgary, every youth is offered a safe, supportive environment where they can heal and begin to build a strong future for themselves. This was the experience for one youth named Hashim.

When Hashim arrived at Avenue 15, he struggled with trauma and anxiety caused by an unstable family environment. It came to the point where Hashim’s mental health was affecting his daily life, responsibilities and overall happiness.

“I was having a hard time to see myself, open up to people and express my opinion,” Hashim says. “I was always thinking about why I got here, not what I should be doing to continue on.”

As Hashim began working with his case worker Ally, he was able to share honestly about his mental health and take steps towards his wellbeing. Hashim also started to think about his own happiness and what he wanted for his future.

Thanks to donors like you, team Trellis was there, with guidance and support, Hashim experienced transformational growth and healing. Today, Hashim is living independently and continues to work with our Youth Transitioning to Adult program as he pursues his dream of becoming a business owner.

“It made me feel like I had a sense of belonging that I could never have achieved without me being here … Any program that makes an impact on a youth’s life, emotionally or physically, should deserve all the support they need to help other youth achieve their goals and plan ahead for the future.”

- HASHIM

COMMUNITY SALES, RAFFLES, AND AUCTIONS: Garage/Car “boot” sale

Live auctions and raffles

Crafting events

COMMUNITY EVENTS: Block parties

Stampede breakfast/parties

Carnivals/haunted houses

Bottles drives and car washes

CORPORATE EVENTS/CHALLENGES: Social events and shared passions bring community together. Incorporate ticket fees, sales, silent and live auction opportunities as a way to raise money at your event.

Department challenges

Raffles: Be the boss for a day, boss as your driver for the day, parking spot raffle Company challenges: Scavenger hunts, office Olympics

FUNDRAISING IDEAS

Here are some event ideas to get you started!

SCHOOL EVENTS: Crazy hair day/themed outfit days

Classroom challenges

Dances

Concession stand at sporting events

Supply drive

Fundraise to experience a night of homelessness in your school gym

SPORTING EVENT: Golf/slow pitch/bowling tournament

Marathon/cycling event sponsor

Parlor games events

EVENING EVENTS: Concert/talent/comedy show

Games night

Paint and dinner night

WE

WILL:

Offer promotional material

Help with ideas and reviewing fundraising goals to ensure a positive outcome

Write an event endorsement

Provide support with payment collection on the event day if needed

Provide tax receipts where applicable

Offer online fundraising portal

WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

Decline involvement that does not meet Trellis approval standards

Cancel any agreement if the event or organization undermines the Trellis Society mission

Know if the benefit from the event will be shared with another organization

YOU WILL: Offer insurance, licenses, or permits

GUIDELINES

PRE - EVENT

Consider having the following:

Event chairperson

Event committee

Realistic budget

Event plan

Staff/volunteers

Webpage

Promotional material

Insurance/licensing

Create realistic timeline

DURING

Tasks to be completed:

Manage volunteers/staff ensuring people are in the right places doing the right jobs

Collect the funds! Whether this be via cash or card, this is important

Record necessary tax receipt information

Welcome and thank guests Have fun!

POST - EVENT

What to do after:

Ensure all event costs are covered

Submit funds and donation tracking sheet (if used)

Share your event on social media, tagging Trellis to inspire others looking to make a difference

Kick back, relax and enjoy the feeling of making positive community impact!

Thanking your donors and guests

Thank event attendees is important because it ensures they feel recognized for their generous contributions. A post-event email or card is recommended as a personal touch to say thank you. You could include some highlights such as the amount raised, a story, or photos from the event.

Accounting and submitting donations

Your Trellis Society event representative is happy to provide guidance on how to submit your donations and to answer any questions you might have on tax receipting prior to the event. They can also help arrange cheque presentations and tours for your event team and donors.

AFTER THE EVENT

https://bit.ly/3LAnEhL

APPLICATION FORM