Fundraising
Question
Can an association issue a donation receipt for tax purposes or are there specific requirements in place for this?
Answer
An association is only permitted to issue receipts if the association is tax-exempt. This means that the association must have submitted a corresponding application to the canton in which it is based and must have a written document that confirms it enjoys tax-exempt status due to its charitable activities.
If the association is really tax-exempt, the form that the donation receipt takes plays no role. The association is under no obligation to issue a receipt. Donors are happy, however, if they are able to directly enclose a donation receipt with their tax return. It is important that the organisation, the name of the donor and the relevant amount are stated on the confirmation.
Question
We are seeking a voluntary fundraiser for an adventure playground and want to advertise accordingly. We will place an advert in the local press and will publicise the position with the parents' association, parents' forum and the district association. Do you have any other ideas as to where it would be suitable to look for a suitable individual?
Answer
I doubt that you will find who you are looking for like this. In your case, I would task a committee member with taking on responsibility for the focus area of fundraising and also not delegate fundraising to just one person. For example, an interesting option might be a temporary working group made up of members in which different ideas on the topic of fundraising are sought, exchanged and subsequently implemented.
Question
We are looking for "sponsors" to offer financial support to low-income families so that they can send their child to a playgroup. The monthly parent contribution is often a hurdle. Would this be suitable for a crowdfunding project?
Answer
For a crowdfunding project, it is important that it is presented as a specific and clearly distinguishable project, for example the project "Playgroup attendance for ten families". In this case, you are not looking for individual sponsors. With crowdfunding, many individuals tend to make small contributions in order to collectively allow these ten families to send their children to the playgroup. In return, the donors receives "goodies", i.e. a small token of appreciation in the form of a product, experience or service.
Crowdfunding platforms provide support, tips and tools for the development and assistance of a crowdfunding campaign It is important, however, that both personnel and time resources are planned for the campaign. Ideally, you should seek somebody within the association who feels at home in the area of social media and would enjoy launching such a campaign.
