Fundraise
Not sure how to get started with fundraising?
That’s totally okay, it’s completely normal to feel unsure or even nervous. The idea of organizing a fundraiser can feel big at first, but it doesn’t have to be complicated or perfect. This can be a great way to take a first step, connect with others, and support a cause that matters. To help spark ideas, here are some things others have done in the past to support Rainbow Refugee’s mission. Let them inspire you, and remember: every effort counts.
Birthday Fundraiser
Don’t want gifts this year? That’s totally okay.
Instead, use your birthday to support LGBTQIA+ people fleeing violence and persecution. By asking friends and family to donate, you can help provide safety, support, and community to someone who really needs it.
It’s a simple way to turn your celebration into something meaningful, no matter how much you raise.
Donate a Portion of Your Sales
Support LGBTQIA+ refugees by contributing a percentage of your sales. Whether you’re running a small business, launching a campaign, or selling creative work, you can turn everyday sales into real impact.
Partner with us, because every sale can make a difference.
Host an Event or Performance
Are you a drag artist, performer, or business owner? Use your platform to make a difference.
Host a show, fundraiser, or community event to support LGBTQIA+ refugees seeking safety and belonging. Whether it’s a drag night, art showcase, open mic, or community gathering, your event can raise both funds and awareness.
Every ticket sold, every story shared, every guest who shows up helps create a path to safety for someone fleeing persecution.
Workplace Campaign
Many organizations have Pride or DEI committees. This is a great moment to come together in solidarity.
Host a fundraiser, organize a team challenge, or invite colleagues to give through payroll or donation matching. Your workplace can help support LGBTQIA+ refugees as they rebuild their lives in safety and community.
It’s a simple act of collective care that can create a lasting impact.
Run a Digital Campaign
There are many creative ways to support LGBTQIA+ refugees online. You might share a personal story and invite your network to donate, host a livestream performance or art session, or set up a birthday fundraiser instead of receiving gifts. Some people organize raffles or auctions with donated items, launch fun donation challenges, or create team goals with friends or colleagues. Others simply add a donation link to their bio, email signature, or website, or dedicate a personal project, like a song, zine, or video, to raise awareness.
Bring Your Own Idea
Have a unique idea for how to show support? Go for it! Whether it’s a creative project, a small gathering, or something entirely your own, there’s no one way to stand in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ refugees. Your voice and creativity can spark awareness, connection, and impact—on your terms, in your way.
Fundraising Guidelines and Donation Procedures
Thank you for your interest in supporting Rainbow Refugee. If you are planning a fundraiser, please review the following guidelines to ensure transparency, consistency, and alignment with our values.
Planning Your Fundraiser
If you are organizing a fundraiser on behalf of Rainbow Refugee, please contact us as early as possible, ideally before your event takes place. This helps us maintain accurate records, respond to donor inquiries, and prevent confusion, especially around tax receipts and donation processing. If advance notice is not possible, we ask that you contact us no later than two weeks after the event.
Cash Donations
If your fundraiser involves cash donations, you must notify us in advance. For accountability and safety, we require two Rainbow Refugee staff members to be present when receiving and documenting cash. Please do not deliver cash to our office without prior coordination.
Cheques and Mailing Address
Cheques should be made payable to Rainbow Refugee Society and mailed to:
Rainbow Refugee Society
620–1033 Davie Street
Vancouver, BC
www.rainbowrefugee.ca
Please indicate in the memo line whether the donation is intended for general support or for a specific Circle of Hope sponsorship group. This ensures funds are directed appropriately.
To issue a tax receipt, we also require a separate note that includes the donor’s full legal name, email address, phone number, and, if applicable, the name of the Circle of Hope being supported. Without this information, we may not be able to provide a tax receipt or confirm the allocation of your donation.
E-Transfers
If you would like to donate via e-transfer, please contact us in advance to confirm the correct email address and receive specific instructions. This helps ensure your donation is properly tracked and receipted.
Donating Through CanadaHelps
Donations can be made securely through CanadaHelps. If your fundraiser is not linked to a specific Circle of Hope sponsorship group, please direct your donation to the general Rainbow Refugee Society profile on CanadaHelps. These contributions support our overall work with LGBTQIA+ refugee claimants and sponsorship initiatives.
If your donation is intended for a specific Circle of Hope that is currently fundraising, you should still direct the funds to Rainbow Refugee Society through CanadaHelps. Please ensure that the name of the Circle of Hope is clearly noted in the message or dedication field when making the donation.
To help us correctly allocate the funds and issue a tax receipt, you must also submit a separate document that includes your full legal name, email address, phone number, and the name of the Circle of Hope your donation supports.
If you're unsure which Circles of Hope are currently fundraising, please contact us or refer to the list available on our website or campaign materials.
Tax Receipts
Tax receipts are automatically issued by CanadaHelps for donations of $25 or more. For cheque and e-transfer donations, please ensure we receive full donor information (name and email) for each individual gift. If you are collecting on behalf of others, please provide a list with each donor’s full legal name and contact information.
Custom Fundraising Links
If you wish to track the donations raised through your fundraiser, you may request a custom CanadaHelps fundraising link. This can help you follow your campaign’s progress and celebrate your impact.
Logo Use and Communications
If you would like to use the Rainbow Refugee logo in your materials, you must request permission in advance. Once approved, we will provide high-resolution logo files and guidelines for appropriate use.
All messaging must align with Rainbow Refugee’s mission and values. Please avoid language or imagery that is sensationalized, stereotypical, or not rooted in dignity and care.
Charitable Status
Rainbow Refugee Society is a registered Canadian charity. Our Charitable Registration Number is 833497209 RR 0001.
Donations are eligible for tax receipts in accordance with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) regulations.
Thank You for Your Support
Your effort to fundraise for Rainbow Refugee plays a critical role in creating safety, belonging, and opportunity for LGBTQIA+ individuals fleeing persecution. We are deeply grateful for your support. Please contact us with any questions as you prepare your event or campaign.
We’re Here to Support Your Fundraiser
If you're planning a fundraiser in support of LGBTQIA+ refugees, please fill out our Fundraising Interest Form.