The fun of theatre inspiring kids in need!
VIP Fundraising Event
Before you start planning your event, have you done the following?
• Review the Fundraising Guidelines.
• Complete and
submit the online Event Request Form.
• Read and sign our Volunteer Fundraising Agreement.
• Receive and review the rest of your Tool Kit, including the Fair Market Value Guide, OMB OnePager, VIP One-Pager, Only Make Believe Official DVD (via web link or electronic format) and VIP
Fundraising Donation Form.
• Check out our FAQ page for answers and tips.
Ok, let’s get started!
Determine how you are going to raise funds
From hosting an awards show party to organizing a spare change drive, we’ve got lots of ideas.
See our Fundraiser Ideas page for more suggestions. (Hint: pick a fun name for your event!)
Set your fundraising goal
How much money do you hope to raise for OMB?
Build Your Team
Identify friends and family who want to be involved and find out what talents or skills they can
contribute to help you accomplish your plan.
Create a plan
Create a detailed list of tasks and a timeline. Assign the tasks along with due dates. Google
calendars and documents are a great way to easily share information with your friends.
• Set a date and time for your fundraiser.
• Confirm your venue.
• Create a budget.
• Set a price for admission or suggested donation.
• What materials will you need to buy or get donated?
• Who is staffing your event?
• Follow up on your tasks and deadlines!
• Consult our Resources Page for ideas for free event planning tools.
Only Make Believe: 121 W. 27 Street, Suite 1002  New York, NY 10010
th
Phone: 646-336-1500
Web: www.onlymakebelieve.org
The fun of theatre inspiring kids in need!
VIP Fundraising Event
Promote Your Event
How will you promote your event?
• Create invitations and guest list
• Send any event updates to Program Consultant, Channie Waites, for our Online
Event Calendar.
• Share what you are doing on your social networks or blog. Tweet about OMB or post
on Facebook. (Still need to determine Facebook page options).
• Want to use our logo? Don’t forget, permission is required. Please contact Program Consultant,
Channie Waites at cwaites@onlymakebelieve.org or 646-336-1500.
• If you receive any media inquiries, please direct them to Managing Director, Maricha
Miles at mmiles@onlymakebelieve.org or 646-336-1500.
Increase Your Impact!
Reach out to local businesses and sponsors who may match your contributions to double your
fundraising efforts.
Track contributions
Use the VIP Fundraising Donation Form to track progress towards your goal and keep donor
information in one central location. Add any offline donations (e.g. checks given directly to you)
to your FirstGiving page. Consider collecting your donations online. You can create your own
individual Only Make Believe fundraising page on FirstGiving to document, promote and track
your fundraising efforts.
Send your contributions to Only Make Believe
Submit your donation with a VIP Fundraising Donation Form within 30 days of the event.*
*Not applicable if you have a FirstGiving campaign for this project or event
Once your event is over…
Spread the OMB Love!
• Thank
your donors, volunteers and sponsors.
your story and photos with us – we want to hear about your success! You could be
featured on our website, Facebook or a future newsletter.
• Share your success on Twitter, Facebook, or your blog. Don’t forget to tag or link to OMB.
• Share
Only Make Believe: 121 W. 27 Street, Suite 1002  New York, NY 10010
th
Phone: 646-336-1500
Web: www.onlymakebelieve.org
The fun of theatre inspiring kids in need!
Fair Market
Value Information
Sheet
VIP Fundraising
Event
I want to plan a VIP fundraising event, but I have no idea what this Fair Market Value thing is. Help!
Fair Market Value (FMV) is not as confusing as it sounds - promise! Read the Q&A below.
Why do I need to figure out the Fair Market Value?
When a person makes a donation to a non-profit and receives nothing in return, it will likely be 100% tax
deductible. If a person receives a good or a service in exchange for that donation, only part of the donation
may be tax deductible. To figure out how much of the donation might be tax deductible, OMB and the IRS
need to know the value of the good or service they received - aka the FMV.
Okay, I think I understand why you need to know the FMV, but how do I figure out what it is?
Ask yourself: How much would people normally pay for the goods or services received? It is that simple!
Example:
Melissa is hosting her VIP fundraising dinner at Jaime's Restaurant. Normally a person would pay
$20 for the dinner being served at Jaime's Restaurant. Melissa is charging her guests $50. Since a
person would normally pay $20 for the dinner being served at Jaime's Restaurant, the FMV is
$20. (FYI in case you are curious - The tax deductible portion is the remainder - $30, but you don't
need to worry about that)
Okay, but Jaime is a really nice guy and he donated all the food and the cooks and waiters all worked for
free! It cost me nothing! All the money will go to OMB! Does that mean the FMV is zero?
Nope - the FMV is still $20. This sometimes confuses people, but remember the question is - “How much
would people normally pay for the goods or services received?” Just because the event didn't cost you
anything, doesn't change the fact that people would normally pay $20 for the dinner at Jaime's Restaurant.
Got it! I want to have a raffle at my VIP fundraiser, how do I figure out the FMV of a raffle ticket?
Raffles are a great way to raise money at fundraisers, but the cost of a raffle is not tax deductible. People
who purchase raffle tickets cannot claim it as a tax-deductible donation. Good news—there is no need to
calculate the FMV for a raffle ticket.
Only Make Believe: 121 W. 27 Street, Suite 1002  New York, NY 10010
th
Phone: 646-336-1500
Web: www.onlymakebelieve.org
The fun of theatre inspiring kids in need!
VIP Official Fundraising Guidelines
About the Only Make Believe VIP Program
Thank you for your interest in hosting a VIP Fundraising event! Only Make Believe is so grateful for your
support. The following Volunteer Fundraising Guidelines will provide you with the information, ideas, tools
and forms so that you can raise funds to donate to Only Make Believe. They have been developed to make
this process as efficient and straightforward as possible and also to ensure that you have fun while supporting OMB’s mission.
VIP
VIP stands for Volunteer Initiated Philanthropy. The purpose of VIP is to provide an outlet for volunteers
who are interested in hosting fundraising events to benefit Only Make Believe.
About Only Make Believe
Only Make Believe is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that creates and performs interactive theatre for
children in hospitals and care facilities, free of charge. We are dedicated to the principle that freeing a
child’s imagination is a valuable part of the healing process. Volunteer initiated fundraising efforts will help
us to achieve our mission and expand our reach to even more children in more hospitals each year.
Please remember that your fundraising event will not be an Only Make Believe event, but an event to raise
funds for Only Make Believe. A suggested way of promoting your event is “Funds raised will go to support
the work of Only Make Believe.”
All fundraising organizers must read and follow our established fundraising guidelines. Please make sure
that your event is in keeping with the mission and image of Only Make Believe, Inc.
How many imaginations will you touch this year?
Only Make Believe: 121 W. 27 Street, Suite 1002  New York, NY 10010
th
Phone: 646-336-1500
Web: www.onlymakebelieve.org
The fun of theatre inspiring kids in need!
VIP Official Fundraising Guidelines
Plan Your Event
• Review our Event Checklist
and our Fundraising Guidelines (this document!)
• Complete the online Event Request Form with all your event details and read
and sign our Volunteer
Fundraising Agreement.
Checklist again to help plan a fun and successful VIP event!
• Consult the Event
Donations
• Keep
accurate records – utilize our VIP Fundraising Donation Form to track and submit donations.
fundraising, Only Make Believe accepts donations via cash, check, money order or credit card. All
checks must be made payable to Only Make Believe. Credit card donations may be made securely
online. Our preferred method of fundraising is via FirstGiving where you can open a free account!
• It is recommended that you send your donation in a traceable format – registered mail, FedEx or UPS.
• All contributions must be submitted to the Only Make Believe, Inc., within 30 days following the event.
Send to: Only Make Believe, ATTN: VIP, 121 W. 27th Street, Suite 1002, New York, NY 10010.
• For
Tax Receipts and Acknowledgements
• Send
a thank you to everyone who helped make your event a success – the donors, the volunteers and
the sponsors. A personal thank you goes a long way!
• If your donors would like an official tax receipts, please contact the Only Make Believe Staff.
Acknowledgement is also automatically generated through our preferred online site, FirstGiving.
• Please be aware that the following items are not tax deductible: raffles or payment for gaming-style
activities, donations for goods, services or auction purchases. We encourage you to check and comply
with your local gaming authority about any special conditions. Please consult our helpful Fair Market
Value Guide for more details.
Promotion
• Once
your event is approved, we can add your event to our Online Event Calendar.
• Utilize online social media and free local media to raise awareness for your fundraising activity. We
encourage you to post about your event on our official Facebook page!
• If any media outlets contact you regarding your event, please direct all inquiries to Maricha Miles,
Managing Director of Only Make Believe at 646-336-1500.
Only Make Believe: 121 W. 27 Street, Suite 1002  New York, NY 10010
th
Phone: 646-336-1500
Web: www.onlymakebelieve.org
The fun of theatre inspiring kids in need!
VIP Official Fundraising Guidelines
Only Make Believe Name and Logo
• If
you wish to use the OMB Logo, you must contact Channie Waites, Program Consultant, for permission
at cwaites@onlymakebelieve.org or 646-336-1500.
• Only Make Believe reserves the right of approving the use of its name and logo on all event promotional
material, including such things as flyers, posters, promotion on websites, etc.
Costs, Permits & Budgets
Fundraising activities and events where 100% of the proceeds are donated to Only Make Believe are
usually easier to organize and manage.
• The event organizer(s)/VIP is responsible for all expenses related to the event (e.g. rental space, catering).
If planning an event that will incur costs, we encourage you to set a realistic budget, where you’ll be able
to minimize costs and maximize the amount of donations to Only Make Believe.
• The event organizer(s)/VIP is responsible for all sales tax requirements.
• The event organizer(s) /VIP is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits, licenses or insurance.
• The event organizer(s) /VIP agrees to hold Only Make Believe, Inc. harmless from all claims and liabilities
in any way related to the event.
• If you are selling tickets to an event that includes food, entertainment or other benefits, you must
calculate the Fair Market Value and communicate this to your donors. This basically means: how much
would people normally pay for such an event? Please consult our Fair Market Value Guide for more
information.
•
Please be aware that we are unable to:
Solicit sponsors, prizes or publicity for your events.
• Endorse any events that include telemarketing, door knocking or face to face collections, violent or
dangerous activities, the sale or promotion of tobacco products or illegal drugs.
• Share e-mail or mailing lists of donors, vendors, staff or OMB participants.
• Promote your event in addition to our online event calendar.*
• Provide on-site staff support for your event.*
*Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis
•
Still have questions? Please contact Channie Waites at cwaites@onlymakebelieve.org or call
646-336-1500, M-F 10AM-6PM EST.
Only Make Believe: 121 W. 27 Street, Suite 1002  New York, NY 10010
th
Phone: 646-336-1500
Web: www.onlymakebelieve.org
The fun of theatre inspiring kids in need!
VIP Fundraising
Idea
Guide
VIP Official
Fundraising
Guidelines
Donate a Class
Do you know somebody that teaches or do you attend yoga, pilates, a dance class, soccer, martial arts/self
defense, a gym, volleyball? Ask the studio or gym to donate the space and the instructor to waive their
fee. Invite your friends and charge a fee to attend. It’s a win-win!
“Cocktails for a Cause”
Do you frequent a particular bar or club – do you know somebody that works at one? Coordinate with them to
choose a night that is normally quiet, and invite all your friends down for a social gathering. The bar then
donates a percentage of the profits or the “cover charge” to OMB.
Babysitting
Pick a day where you and some friends provide childcare for an afternoon all proceeds benefit OMB.
Spare Change Challenge!
Ask a group of friends to save their spare change for a week and donate the loot to OMB. Empty those
pockets and look under that couch cushion!
DIY Jeopardy
Host a game of Jeopardy in your office; ask your friends to pay to play.
Bake Sale
Bake some treats and sell them to your coworkers. All the sweet profits go to OMB!
Dress up!
Organize an event at work where your coworkers pay to dress up. It could be a silly costume, evening wear,
or favorite sports attire. It’s like Casual Fridays…only better!
TV with Friends!
How often have you had people over to your place to watch the Superbowl, the Oscars, Mad Men or other major
television events?! Next time, charge a small fee to attend and the proceeds can go straight to
OMB. You’ll have a fun evening AND do a good deed!
Only Make Believe: 121 W. 27 Street, Suite 1002  New York, NY 10010
th
Phone: 646-336-1500
Web: www.onlymakebelieve.org
The fun of theatre inspiring kids in need!
VIP Fundraising
Event Request
Form
VIP Official
Guidelines
VIP Name:
Email:
Phone:
Name of Event:
Date:
# of Attendees:
Time:
Location:
Brief Description of Event:
Estimated Cost:
Fundraising Goal:
Fair Market Value*:
*If applicable, please see Fair Market Value Information Page for help in determining this amount.
Will this event be open to the public or private guest list only?
Would you like this event listed on the VIP calendar?
Do you plan on using media/press to promote your event?
*If applicable, please review our media policy in the Fundraising Guide.
Additional Information:
OMB Approval:
Only Make Believe: 121 W. 27 Street, Suite 1002  New York, NY 10010
th
Phone: 646-336-1500
Web: www.onlymakebelieve.org
The fun of theatre inspiring kids in need!
Official Fundraising
Fundraising Guidelines
VIP VIP
Volunteer
Agreement
Name:
Address:
Phone:
Email:
I,
, agree to the following:
1.
I will wait to receive approval from Only Make Believe before I host an event and will have all
2.
I will not represent myself as an employee and/or official agent of Only Make Believe and will not
Make Believe.
3.
I will provide all proceeds of the event to Only Make Believe. I will provide OMB with the donations and the VIP
Fundraising Donation Form within 30 days of the event.
4.
I will provide Only Make Believe with photos and/or stories from the event, if possible.
5.
I agree that I am acting as a volunteer and I am not receiving compensation from Only Make Believe in connection
with this VIP event.
6.
I agree that I will, at all times, act in an ethical, open, communicative and honest manner, and in full compliance
with all applicable regulations and laws.
7.
I have read and agree to the terms of the OMB Fundraising Guidelines for VIPs.
8.
By signing this Agreement, I, the VIP, hereby agree to indemnify, defend, cooperate with and hold harmless OMB, its
respective officers, directors, employees, and agents from all fines and penalties, and all claims by or liability to any
third party from loss, damage, or injury to persons or property based on or arising out of the VIP event or VIP
agreement.
9.
I will be proud of my contribution to help chronically ill and disabled children in the New York area!
By signing and/or initialing this document, you signify that you have read and agree to the OMB Fundraising Guidelines
for VIPs. Please return this completed document to Only Make Believe via email or mail.
Signature
Date
Only Make Believe: 121 W. 27 Street, Suite 1002  New York, NY 10010
th
Phone: 646-336-1500
Web: www.onlymakebelieve.org