*Please note that the YMCA is unable to secure sponsors or recruit, train, or manage volunteers for your event.
Host Your Own Fundraising Event
Whether you’re running a bake sale or a 5K, you can invite others to support your efforts for the good of your community.
How You Can Make A Difference
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity sparking positive change through critical programs at our 450+ locations. By fundraising for the YMCA, you can help people in your community overcome barriers and ignite their full potential.
How It Works
Step 1: Plan your event
Chose the type of fundraiser you’d like to host. It can be a party, barbeque, bake sale, or marathon — the sky's the limit!
Step 2: Set up your page
Create your fundraising page on our site. Customize it by adding photos and posting updates as you move closer to your goal.
Step 3: Spread the word
Share your fundraising page through email and social media. Invite your friends, family, and community to support your event!
What Your Support Makes Possible
Money you raise through your event helps the Y run vital programs, including:
Youth shelters
Youth experiencing homelessness can find a safe place to sleep and wraparound supports at YMCA Sprott House and The Wagner Green YMCA. From mental health counselling to help finding work, youth access supports they need to get on track to a healthier future.
Camping and outdoor education
For youth experiencing unemployment, low academic achievement, and inactivity, YMCA Camp Pine Crest and YMCA Cedar Glen help build confidence, teach leadership and teamwork skills, and help them realize their true potential.
Financial assistance
People of all incomes deserve the chance to be active and healthy. Our financial assistance program helps provide YMCA Health & Fitness memberships to those who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford them.
Frequently asked questions
My employer has a matching program to match employee charitable donations. Does this count towards my fundraising?
Yes, if your employer has a matching program for your charitable donations, they can make their matched gift on your fundraising page so you can double your impact!
Can someone from the YMCA attend or speak at my event?
If you would like someone from the YMCA to attend or speak at your event, please contact us a minimum of three weeks in advance.
Are there posters and flyers I can use?
We can provide you with customizable poster templates or you can design your own using an approved logo. Make sure you connect with us at least two weeks in advance!
Can I collect cash or cheque donations?
Absolutely! If you are collecting donations by cash or cheque, be sure to record:
- The donor’s first and last name
- Their home address
- Their method of donation (cash or cheque payable to The YMCA of Greater Toronto)
- The amount of their donation
This information is required in order for the YMCA to issue charitable tax receipts (gifts of $10 or more only).
Does every donor receive a charitable tax receipt?
Charitable tax receipts are issued for gifts of $10 or more. Please note that the following are not eligible for charitable tax receipts under CRA guidelines:
- Payment of a basic fee for admission to an event
- Purchase of a raffle ticket or other chance to win a prize, including amount given for silent auction prizes
- Purchase of goods or services from a charity
- Donations provided in exchange for advertising/sponsorship; Gift certificates donated by the issuer
Can the YMCA help promote my fundraiser?
Depending on your fundraiser, you can ask us to help promote your event on social media. Reach out to Ashley.Curcic@ymcagta.org at least two weeks in advance. You can also check out local online event calendars such as municipal, community centre, and community news websites and ask if they will accept a posting for your event.
Contact Us
To learn more about hosting an event or how the YMCA can support your fundraising goals, please contact:
Elisseos Kyrillou
Philanthropy and Events Associate
elisseos.kyrillou@ymcagta.org
T: 437-249-7680