Thank you for your interest in supporting Refuge House by sponsoring an event. We appreciate your support. Refuge House provides the following information and guidelines to ensure that your proposed activities and the entities involved are in solidarity with our mission: to provide direct services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and to their children and families, as well as to eliminate such violence through community education and public advocacy.
Who can conduct a fundraiser on behalf of Refuge House?
Individuals and organizations can fundraise independently in support of Refuge House. They can be grateful clients and families, civic organizations, churches, schools, and businesses. Anyone in the community can fundraise to support the areas of greatest need at Refuge House or a specific program of your choice.
The sponsoring individual must state in all publicity what percentage of the “net proceeds” or flat amount will be contributed to Refuge House. The term, “net proceeds” refers to the funds remaining after the deduction of expenses for your special event or activity.
Where will my donation go?
All donations made to Refuge House will be unrestricted and go to our area of greatest need unless you designate a specific program or area.
How can Refuge House help me with my fundraiser?
- Provide a letter of authorization to validate the authenticity of the fundraiser
- Offer feedback on your fundraiser and/or event
- Provide and approve the use of our logo on materials related to your fundraiser
- Help you select an area of Refuge House for your donation to support
- Coordinate a check presentation
We are here to support you. However, there are some services we are unable to provide:
- Our tax exemption number
- Insurance or liability coverage
- Permits and/or licenses
- Mailing list of donors and/or vendors
- Refuge House letterhead
- Funding or reimbursement of your expenses
- Publicity (e.g. newspaper, radio, television)
- Guaranteed attendance of Refuge House staff, board members or volunteers
- Anything that would “spotlight” our clients and compromise their identity and/or confidentiality
Can I use the Refuge House name and logo?
Once your fundraiser is approved, we will provide you with our logo for your marketing materials. We must review everything with our name and logo before it’s printed or distributed. This includes the use of the Refuge House logo on your website or your company’s website. All Refuge House logos added to websites must be removed no more than 30 days after the conclusion of your fundraiser.
Can someone from Refuge House help me plan my fundraiser and attend and/or speak at my event?
We are happy to provide guidance, but we do not have the staff to handle the organizational and administrative tasks associated with third-party fundraisers. We do our best to attend events supporting Refuge House, but we cannot guarantee the attendance of staff, board members or volunteers at your event.
Can Refuge House help me get a permit and/or license for my fundraiser?
The organization and execution of the fundraiser are the responsibility of the organizer. The organizer must obtain any necessary permits or licenses.
Can Refuge House provide insurance for my fundraiser?
Because Refuge House is the beneficiary and has no direct involvement with running the fundraiser, we cannot provide insurance certificates. The event organizer is responsible for obtaining insurance if necessary.
Can I use Refuge House’s Tax Exemption Number?
Because Refuge House is not the host, it is considered a third-party fundraiser. For this reason, you will not be able to use Refuge House’s IRS 501(c)(3) charitable classification, federal tax ID number, or tax-exempt certificate.
Will each of my donors get a receipt?
Refuge House cannot issue charitable tax receipts for donors or sponsors who make payments directly to your third-party fundraiser. If your donor wants a receipt, please be sure the check is made payable to the Refuge House and leave the check in its original form before sending it to us.
Please note that there are complex regulations around the distribution of charitable tax receipts. This includes donations of money, in-kind items, and services. Issuing an inappropriate receipt can put our charitable tax status in jeopardy so please do not promise any kind of receipt. For more information about charitable tax receipts, please contact the Refuge House Development Director at 850-922-6062 ext. 1011.
Can I pay myself back for expenses I’ve incurred?
Refuge House cannot fund or financially support community fundraisers. Coordinators are responsible for covering all expenses and cannot be reimbursed by Refuge House. For these reasons, as you start to collect money, you may want to keep some funds on hand to help pay your expenses.
Can we have a check presentation?
Yes, we can arrange for a check presentation to be held at Refuge House or an agreed-upon location after your fundraiser. Please contact the Refuge House Development Director at 850-922-6062 ext. 1011 to schedule a time.
