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A third-party fundraising event is any fundraising activity by a non-affiliated group or individual where the American Red Cross Pikes Peak Chapter has no fiduciary responsibility and little or no staff involvement.

The path to launching a third-party event typically begins with an idea and plan of action that is presented to the American Red Cross. The group or individual must complete an application and submit a signed Third Party Contract. Upon careful review, we will assist the potential organizers in examining a variety of factors to determine if in fact the proposed event is viable. Although we actively encourage third-party fundraising events, all such events must be approved by us in advance. This is an important safeguard to preserving the integrity of the American Red Cross name and our commitment to raise the funds necessary to fulfill our mission in a cost-efficient and effective manner. While we are able to provide guidance for your event, we do not have the personnel to handle the organizational and administrative tasks associated with third-party events. Therefore the event sponsor is responsible for all details of the event including:

- underwriting all of the related costs
- recruiting volunteers to help out at the event
- creating flyers to publicize the event
- working at the actual event.

Guidelines

1. Organizers must sign a Third Party Event contract. Click here for a contract application.
2. The event will be promoted in a manner to avoid statement or appearance of the American Red Cross endorsing any product, firm, organization, individual or service.
3. The American Red Cross must approve all promotional materials, including but not limited to advertising, letters, brochures, flyers and press releases prior to production or distribution.
4. All promotional materials must clearly state the percentage of proceeds that will benefit the American Red Cross.
5. American Red Cross should receive a list of targeted sponsors for the event before they are approached to minimize overlap with other Red Cross events and/or fundraising campaigns that may be underway.
6. American Red Cross can provide collection canisters and informational materials promoting the organization, its goals and accomplishments. Advance notice is needed regarding the quantities needed for the event.
7. Event organizers are responsible for obtaining all permits especially those for raffles and/or games of chance.
8. Event organizers must obtain their own liability insurance to cover the event.
9. Under no circumstances should third-party event revenue and expenses flow through American Red Cross books. Only the final net proceeds from the event are to be processed by the American Red Cross.
10. American Red Cross should receive a complete accounting of all funds collected and expenses related to the event. We reserve the right to inspect all event financial records.
11. American Red Cross is not financially liable for the promotion and/or staging of third-party events.

Reminder: First Complete and submit an application giving us information about the proposed event. Once the application has been submitted, we will review it. We will do our best to contact you within approximately 7 days with our decision. Please do not move forward with your plans, however, until you have been notified of our decision. Thank you for your support of the American Red Cross.

Fundraising Ideas

- Chili Cook off: Charge entry fee and for samples
- Ice Cream Social: Charge admission to sample this sweet treat
- Lemonade Stand: Set one up on a hot summer day!
- Candy/Gumball Machine: Put this in your office for everyone to purchase
- Wear Red Day for the Red Cross: Pay $1 to wear red to work for the Red Cross
- Crazy hat/sock day for the Red Cross: Pay .50 to wear crazy socks or a hat to work
- Recycle Cans: Keep an extra trashcan in the break room for cans only
- Loose Change: Put containers out at retail businesses for loose change
- Baskets (Theme) Auction: Put together theme baskets to be auctioned off
- Parents Night Out/Christmas Shopping for Parents: Charge parents for babysitting
- Pampered Chef Party, Tupperware, or Partylight: Donate a portion of the sales
- Car Wash
- Bake Sales: Sell sweets at work or outside a local store
- Crafts Auction: Make and sell all kinds of crafts
- Yard Sales: Have a community wide sale
- Face Painting: Charge for face painting at a community event