Fundraiser Day Camp?

Question

A friend and I would like to have a fundraiser for the Make a Wish Foundation.

We want to basically do a 3 day daycamp this summer where there is no fee, but donations are appreciated.

We both know a lot of families because we babysit a lot, so I believe we'd have a decent turnout. We also have parents to help out (as well as other high school students), so supervision should not be an issue.

It would take place in my home.

I just wanted to make sure about one thing. There isn't any law against me having a fundraiser like this in my home right? Or any restrictions?

Thank you so much for your help! I would appreciate any information you can give me.

Answer 1

It is wonderful that you and your friend would like to help Make A Wish.   Your questions about law and restrictions are asking for a "legal opinion", which you shouldn't rely on over the internet.   You need to talk to a local attorney.  Call one and ask if she/he would donate 30 minutes of their time to talk to you about your charitable plan.

I have worked for eight and a half years as the Executive Director of a nonprofit organization that helps other nonprofits connect with funding information, education and other resources they need to do their work.  

My first recommendation is that you talk to Make A Wish...they fundraise all the time and are familiar with any requirements.  They have a vested interest in making sure if you are raising funds with their name that all is done correctly.  In fact, you can't use their name to raise money without them knowing about it first.

Running something out of your home is always tricky.  There could be city regulations on what is a business or operating a nonprofit service out of your home.  Call your city council or mayor's office for direction.

When you are talking about having people watch and work with children, I do know you should have background checks done, which all nonprofits conduct if they have employees and/or volunteers working with children.  One, even false, accusation could have legal liability for you and your parents.

One thing I do know is that your friends that contribute have to make out their checks to Make A Wish and not you.  They would not qualify for a charitable contribution on their taxes if they don't.  You should not be accepting contributions unless they are made out to the organization; this would keep questions from arising in the future about total funds raised and total funds you actually gave to the organization.  

And, yes, there certainly are insurance liability considerations. If someone falls or is seriously injured, you and/or your parents could be liable.

The answer to your question is YES there are laws and regulations about fundraising, charitable contributions, criminal background checks, operating a business or service out of your home, insurance and others.  You are not going to get complete answers on the internet.  Find an attorney and my best wishes to you for whatever you can do to help MAW.

My best, Teresa

Answer 2

I don't know where you live, but, generally, it would be like holding a garage sale where you provide a service that people buy.

The only caveat is insurance should someone get hurt.  If a waiver could be signed by parents so you don't get sued and every precaution was taken to make the camp safe, I think you would be ok.