When should I use a Fundraising page?

Fundraising can take on many shapes and forms, from accepting donations to hosting an event, or selling raffle tickets. Whilst it may be tempting to jump straight into setting up a Fundraising page, it's important that you choose the right option to maximise your fundraising efforts and make the best use of the TryBooking platform.

To assist we have put together the below guide to help you make the right choice as to whether should be using a Fundraising page or an Event page for your fundraising cause.

Summary 

What can I use a Fundraising page for?

Fundraising pages are to be used to take donations towards a particular fundraising campaign or general donations towards your organisation. Donations are classified as voluntary gift or contribution that isn't in exchange for goods or services.

There are strict laws around accepting donations, so it is important that you check and adhere to legislation.

Do I need to be registered as a charity?

Whilst you don't need to be registered as a charity or not for profit, you do need to have an ABN to utilise this feature. The ABN must match the organisation on the TryBooking account, and the funds being raised must go directly to that organisation.

Don't have an ABN? Not to worry, you will still be able to utilise our Event pages for your fundraising efforts. 

Accepting donations towards a 3rd party

All donations taken through the Fundraising page must go to the organisation on the TryBooking account, that also matches the ABN entered. It is up to that organisation as to how those donations are then distributed, allowing you to disburse them onto either an individual or charity of your choice. 

To accept donations on behalf of a 3rd party, you must have authority from that organisation. To ensure that you comply, it is recommended that you avoid using the phrases such as "on behalf of 3rd Party Name" or include the name of the 3rd Party in the name the Fundraising page. Instead, you will need to be general as to the cause you are raising funds for, and in the page description simply express that the funds will be directed to the 3rd Party.

Use of the 3rd party's Intellectual property on your Fundraising page without permission is also not allowed. This includes uploading images with their logo and linking to their social pages.

Can I enter the 3rd Party's ABN on my TryBooking account? 
No. For the Charity's ABN to be used the TryBooking account must be one that is managed by the charity directly.

What if I don't have an ABN, does that mean I'm not able use Trybooking for 3rd party fundraising? 
TryBooking can still provide you with a platform for your fundraising efforts, it's simply the Fundraising pages that you will not be able to utilise.  Charities rely on 3rd party fundraising to help raise awareness and funds for their cause. TryBooking has been assisting individuals and organisations with their fundraising efforts for more than 12 years through our Event pages.

Pay as you feel live-streamed events

COVID19 has changed the live music, festival and theatre industry. Promoters, venues and organisers are now turning to live-streamed performances as a way to support the industry and performers during this time.

Should you be taking a donation in exchange for access to the live-streamed performance then a Fundraising page may work for you. However, you may find the additional features of an Event page better for managing payment and bookings as a whole.

Event Features:

• Donations: Using the event Donation feature you will still allow your patrons to submit a donation in exchange for access to the performance. Or you may choose to have a fixed rate using Ticket Types, and enable the Donations feature to allow patrons to submit an additional donation on top of the ticket price.
• Online Events: Setting up an Online Event allows you to provide your patrons with the link for accessing the live-streamed performance upon completion of booking.
• Session Times: Have the date and time of the performance clearly stated in the customer's confirmation email.
• Email Buyers: Allows you to communicate with your patrons any changes to the performance, and help drum up excitement with reminders.
• Follow Up Email: Send a customised email to your patrons on completion of booking. Whether it be personalised thank you for their support during this time, instructions for accessing the live stream performance or artist bios.

Can I use a Fundraising page for the sale of merchandise?

The Fundraising page can not be used for the sale of good or services. This is true even if the funds raised from sales are going towards a particular fundraising effort.

The Fundraising page should only be used for accepting donations that aren't in exchange for goods or services.

You will be able to use our Event pages for selling merchandise. To get started, see: Setting up to sell merchandise 

Can a  Fundraising page be used for the sale of raffle tickets/prize draw entry?

No. Whilst raffles can be a great way for an organisation to raise funds towards are particular project or cause, the customer isn't technically making a donation through this sale. Rather they are gambling on the chance that they have the winning ticket. The cause the funds are going towards is simply providing the customer with some additional incentive to make their purchase. 

TryBooking can still assist you with your raffle tickets/prize draw entry sales through the use of our Event pages.