Questions asked by event organisers

What have people done in the past?

Visit They did their Thing to see what other people have done in the past. If you want some more ideas, click on ‘Doogle’ - our yellow Do Your Thing mascot on the homepage.

Are there any Things I can’t do?

We try not to put any limitations on what you can and can’t do, but obviously common sense should prevail. There are fundraising guidelines you should be aware of - you can download these on any of the ‘Thing’ pages in the site.

How do I register?

Once you know what you want to do click the ‘Set up my Thing’ button on any of the Thing pages or Set up a new Thing on the homepage.

Why do I need to register?

So we can provide you help and guidance as and when you need it. Once you register your event we’ll send you a welcome kit containing the things you need to run a successful event. This kit includes your approval to raise funds on our behalf which you may need to show donors, sponsors and other event organisers.

How do I set up my personal fundraising web page?

Setting up your personal fundraising web page is easy, click here for a demo.

What is my personal website address?

Every organiser who registers to raise funds online is given a unique website address (URL) for their event. Please check your registration confirmation email for your URL or search for yourself from the 'Search an event' button on the homepage. When you have found your web page you will be able to see your URL in the address bar in the top of your browser.

What do I do if I have forgotten my username / password

Click on the 'forgotten your password' link within the My Fundraiser Web Page section on the homepage.

You can change your password at any time simply log into your account using your username / password and click on the 'Profile' tab and then 'Change Password'.

What support and help can I expect from Cancer Council?

Due to overstretched resources, the Cancer Council is able to provide minimal assistance for your fundraiser. Generally we can’t actually undertake tasks for you, but we can provide guidance and support. Of course, we can provide you with raffle books, donation containers, receipt books and pledge sheets.

If you’d like a representative from Cancer Council to attend your fundraiser or accept a cheque, we’ll try to get along, but please advise us of this as early as you can.

Can I get more promotional material?

We do have banners and other promotional material that we can provide on top of the materials you receive in your welcome kit. If you’d like additional material please contact your local Cancer Council office.

Will I need insurance?

All fundraisers should think about their exposure to personal liability for expenses, losses, shortfalls and claims arising from their events. Do you have access to public liability insurance that covers bodily injuries and property damage that could occur at your event? This is important, particularly when planning high risk events. Cancer Council NSW and its insurance policies do not cover liabilities arising fundraising events, including negligence.

Are there any rules about fundraising I should I know about?

Yes. There are rules for fundraisers to protect you, your donors and the charities benefiting from the funds raised. You need to be familiar with rules surrounding the Charitable Fundraising Act & Regulations, licences and permissions, running raffles, providing receipts etc. Our Fundraising guidelines will also give you more details about some Cancer Council requirements, such as proper logo usage, using the Cancer Council name etc.

To avoid mistakes and to prevent you unintentionally breaking any legal or Cancer Council requirements, please make sure you read the guidelines thoroughly and call your local office if you are unsure on something.

How do I prove that I am authorised to raise funds for Cancer Council?

When we approve your fundraising activity, we will send you an official letter of endorsement on Cancer Council letterhead, signed by a Cancer Council staff member. Your official event number will also be on this letter. This document is your proof that you are an approved fundraiser. If potential donors would like further evidence they can always contact their local Cancer Council directly.

How do I raise money?

The easiest way to raise money is to tell everyone what you plan to do and ask them to pledge their support on your personal web page. Ask them face to face or use your web page to send out emails to your network of friends, family and colleagues. See more at Boosting your funds.

Can I collect donations offline and pay using my credit card?

Yes. If some people pay you in cash, you can keep that money and either bank it at the end of your event or pay us using your credit card. In order to give them tax receipts, be sure you enter their name and email address.

My company wants to contribute, how can they do this?

Many companies like to support their employees’ fundraising efforts by matching the funds they raise. You might like to ask your manager if your company will consider this.

Can you spend funds raised to make more money for Cancer Council?

You can spend funds raised to make more money. The general rule is for every $2 you spend you commit to bringing in $5. Please contact us and we can explain this further.

How do I bank the money I raised?

Legally, funds must be given to Cancer Council within two weeks of your fundraiser. There are various ways you can deposit your money:

BANK: Deposit it directly to Cancer Council bank account using the deposit slips provided.

BPAY: Payment made from your bank account.

CHEQUE: Send a cheque to the Fundraising Co-ordinator at your local office.

CREDIT CARD: Call your local office directly to make a credit card payment.

CASH: Drop cash, cheque or money order into your local Cancer Council office.

ONLINE: On your personal web page.

We would like to thank you appropriately for your contribution, so no matter how you back your funds, please also complete the Return Slip and send it back to Cancer Council.

What if I am fundraising over a period of time – what do I do with the money?

Approved fundraisers will be given 3 bank deposit slips. This allows you to make 3 separate deposits into the bank – but you can always ask us for more deposit slips if necessary. Regularly depositing the funds is not only a legal requirement, but we recommend it for your own safety so that you are not storing money, and because your donors would also appreciate the money going to the Cancer Council as soon as possible. The total amount of funds raised must be given to Cancer Council within two weeks of your event.

Can I provide receipts for donations?

Yes. We can provide you with official Cancer Council receipts. You can provide a receipt to people who make donations to your fundraiser. Donations of over $2 are tax-deductible. For more information on issuing receipts, see our Fundraising handbook.

What do I do after my event?

Send us the funds you raised.

Legally, funds must be given to Cancer Council within two weeks of your fundraiser. There are various ways you can deposit your money:

BANK: Deposit it directly to Cancer Council bank account using the deposit slips provided.

BPAY: Payment made from your bank account.

CHEQUE: Send a cheque to the Fundraising Co-ordinator at your local office.

CREDIT CARD: Call your local office directly to make a credit card payment.

CASH: Drop cash, cheque or money order into your local Cancer Council office.

ONLINE: On your personal web page

We’d like to thank you appropriately for your contribution, so no matter how you back your funds, please also complete the Return Slip and send it back to Cancer Council.

Send us your photos

Your Thing can be an inspiration to other people, so remember to capture the event on video or photos and email them to (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) with a completed consent form for their use.

Say "thanks"

Make sure everyone feels recognised and appreciated for their help with fundraising and their financial contributions to fight cancer.

Send everything back to Cancer Council including your feedback

Please complete the online survey (sent to you after your event) and return any receipt / raffle books issued or donation sheets used along with the Return Slip. Completing the survey is your chance to tell us your ideas, suggestions and experience about being a Cancer Council fundraiser. Fundraisers make a significant and vital contribution to Cancer Council and we value your insight and feedback.

What if I lose my deposit slip?

A unique deposit slip is provided in the your welcome kit. If you lose your deposit slip you will need to call your local Cancer Council office so that we can issue you another one. They will mail one out to you straight away so you can bank your funds. Local Cancer Council Office.