4 Inspiring Examples of Charities Rising Up to the Great Canadian Giving Challenge

Every June, the Great Canadian Giving Challenge brings together charities and donors for a summer of engagement and fundraising. While each charity’s participation is unique, a successful campaign incorporates authentic messaging to supporters and talks about the genuine impact that their donations could make.

Learn how the following four charities in this year’s giving challenge are engaging their supporters with creative fundraising campaigns:

1. Friends of Presqu’ile Park rallies supporters to #RaisetheBoardwalk

The “Raise the Boardwalk” campaign from Friends of Presqu’ile Park directly asks supporters to help raise the necessary funds to restore the Marsh Boardwalk, as part of their Great Canadian Giving Challenge campaign. The Marsh Boardwalk is Presqu’ile’s most popular trail, but high water levels have submerged sections of the boardwalk, causing structural damage that makes it impassable. Friends of Presqu’ile Park’s fundraising campaign clearly communicates how donations will help support the work required to elevate low-lying areas, ensuring safe public access to the boardwalk, and minimizing future damage.

To do this, they leverage ready-made graphics for the Great Canadian Giving Challenge to create social media images accompanying their message asking for support. Their social media posts include a strong call-to-action to their campaign landing page, which contains updates on their fundraising progress and—more importantly—an embedded custom donation form so that supporters can easily donate. To date, Friends of Presqu’ile Park has raised $13,000 towards its $15,000 target for the campaign, via social media posts,  2 direct mail letters, plus weekly media releases to the local papers and radio station.

Highlights of Friends of Presqu’ile Park’s giving challenge campaign:

• A clear message about why they are fundraising;
• Mention of what they would do if they won the $20,000 grand prize;
• A compelling image that shows the current dilapidated state of the Marsh Boardwalk, so that supporters know exactly how their donations will make an impact on restoration efforts;
• A strong call-to-action asking their supporters to donate and spread the word;
• Use of the hashtags #GivingChallengeCA and #RaisetheBoardwalk to amplify their campaign on social media; and
• Plans for more outreach closer to the end of June to encourage last-minute donations, plus a post-campaign follow-up thank you which will go on their website and Facebook page.

2. Rossbrook House lets everyone know that #SummerIsOn

Although many activities are paused due to COVID-19, Rossbrook House has reached out to their supporters, reminding them that “summer is not cancelled”, and that their donations can support summer activities for kids to grow and learn before heading back to school. Their social media posts include videos and compelling images showing the kids in their summer outings, along with a creative tagline and hashtag.

Additionally, their social media posts include a strong call-to-action to their campaign landing page, which contains information telling supporters why their help is important in getting ready to shift back into safe, fun activities and outings for the kids. The campaign page also elaborates on what Rossbrook House could do if they won the Great Canadian Giving Challenge, and drives supporters to donate using a link to their branded custom donation form.

Highlights of Rossbrook House’s giving challenge campaign:

• Vivid images of their program participants, directly showing potential donors who and what they will support with their donations;
• A catchy hashtag (#SummerIsOn) paired with #GivingChallengeCA to amplify their campaign on social media;
• A landing page with a timely message letting supporters know how Rossbrook House is addressing the challenges from the global pandemic by planning smaller group activities and safer transportation options for kids; and
• A clear call-to-action asking their supporters to donate (one-time or monthly) to the campaign via their customized donation form.

3. Saskatoon SPCA encourages supporters to donate and to show their pets

Social media photo-sharing campaigns are simple, easy, and great ways to get your supporters involved and to have some fun while donating. Saskatoon SPCA’s campaign highlights a story about an animal at their shelter in need of help, provides instructions on how to donate, and asks supporters to share photos of their pets as well. To collect donations, they provide a clear call-to-action to donate using their pre-made giving challenge page in their social media posts.

Highlights of Saskatoon SPCA’s giving challenge campaign:

• A great social sharing campaign idea that is personal, and allows supporters to easily be part of the giving challenge excitement;
• A compelling image showing a shelter animal in Saskatoon SPCA’s care accompanied by an eye-catching graphic that serves as a direct call-to-action;
• A clear call-to-action asking supporters to donate using a customized donation form designed specifically for the Great Canadian Giving Challenge; and
• Use of the #GivingChallengeCA paired with their own social media handle that encourages supporters to directly engage with Saskatoon SPCA and keep the conversation going online.

4. Windsor Residence for Young Men calls on fellow Canadians for support

Tying your campaign to Canada Day is another good way of bringing supporters together across the country, as the Great Canadian Giving Challenge ends on June 30th. Windsor Residence for Young Men’s (WRYM) mission to end youth homelessness incorporates their organization’s principle of active citizenship. Through their “Together, We are Community” giving challenge campaign,  WRYM calls on their supporters to be caring citizens by donating to help young men find employment, get an education, and live independently. WRYM’s social media posts leverage relevant ready-to-use giving challenge images, with call-to-action to their campaign landing page highlighting how supporters’ contributions can empower everyone in their community.

Highlights of Windsor Residence for Young Men’s giving challenge campaign:

• A clear message asking supporters to help end youth homelessness;
• A compelling image courtesy of GivingChallenge.ca that conveys a direct ask to help;
• A creative video highlighting the people they serve, along with details on how supporters’ donations can help young men learn important life skills and access community resources;
• Hashtags relevant to their organization, along with #GivingChallengeCA to raise awareness on social media about WRYM’s fundraising campaign; and
• A landing page containing a strong call-to-action asking supporters to help vulnerable homeless youth by donating to their fund.

What kind of campaign have you launched for the Great Canadian Giving Challenge this year, and what you would do if you won the $20,000 grand prize?