1. What is a third-party fundraiser? A fundraiser that is organized and run by a business or organization where dollars are raised to benefit the American Red Cross. A third-party fundraiser may be an event, collection drive, employee campaign, or donation of proceeds below $10,000. Anything above a guaranteed contribution of proceeds from a product or service of at least $10,000 is considered a cause-related marketing event.

2. Does the American Red Cross provide donation receptacles? No. We rely on third-party fundraisers for purchasing their own collection bins.

3. Does the Red Cross provide signage (posters)? If yes, how do I get them? Yes, the Red Cross can provide you with posters to display at your fundraiser. Posters are available for pick up from the Red Cross headquarters (100 Mack Avenue at Woodward).

4. Does the Red Cross provide representatives (spokespersons) for the event? Unfortunately we are unable to attend all of the events. If you are interested in having someone present please make this request on your application and we will check availability.

5. Will Red Cross staff be able to help me organize my offline fund-raising event? Unfortunately, we don't have the resources to assist, as the Red Cross staff work year-round in support of our community-wide events.

6. Can the Red Cross assist in covering any costs associated with my event? Unfortunately, the we do not have the funds to pay any costs associated with third party events.

7. Does the Red Cross provide receipts for the donations? The Red Cross is not equipped to provide receipts to be used at your event. However, if contributors to your event make their donation using a personal check, tax receipt letters will be mailed to donors after processing. Given the large scale of processing that the Red Cross is experiencing, please be advised that this may take up to four weeks.

8. How should checks be made out? Checks may be made payable to “American Red Cross.” In the event that one person writes a check to cover the contributions made at the event, only the person/company on the check will receive gift credit per IRS guidelines. Indicate on the memo line the specific donation area of intent (i.e. Local Disaster Relief).

9. Will Red Cross pick up the money after the event? Unfortunately we are not able to be at all activities. If you would like to have a Red Cross representative attend a check presentation please contact us at 313-833-2641. You may also see the agreement form for address information on where to send collected funds.

10. How much of each dollar collected is used for relief efforts? At least 91 cents of every dollar donated to the American Red Cross goes directly to assist disaster victims when benefiting national or international disasters (i.e Haiti).

11. Can I collect items such as food and clothing? During times of disaster it is against Red Cross policy to collect items such as food and clothing as it impedes our resources to deliver direct services to victims. The best way to support immediate relief is to give financially. Having the flexibility of funds enables the Red Cross to get the specific resources needed for the victims.

12. Can I use the Red Cross’ tax-exempt status when purchasing materials? No. Third Party Fundraiser event organizers cannot use the American Red Cross’ tax exemption status in conjunction with the event.

13. Will Red Cross provide media or help us promote the event? We are unable to provide assistance with media coverage or promotion due to the number of activities. If you do send a press release on your own, we ask that you use the following wording:
[Organization name] is helping the victims of (i.e. Haiti) by hosting an American Red Cross fundraiser to support its Disaster Relief Fund.

14. Can I use the Red Cross name or logo on our materials? Individuals and/or organizations wishing to use the American Red Cross name to promote special events or fundraisers must follow all American Red Cross name standards and practices. Only the American Red Cross name in text may be used. The use of the American Red Cross logo is strictly prohibited. Copies of all promotional materials, which bare the American Red Cross name must be submitted to the Marketing Department for approval prior to the event. The American Red Cross reserves the right to deny the use of the American Red Cross name on any promotional materials that does not confer with the American Red Cross standards and practices.

15. Do I need to complete any paperwork about the event I am hosting? Yes, you need to complete a Red Cross Third-Party Fundraising application. This form is necessary for Red Cross files should we be questioned regarding your efforts.

16. Can I go door-to-door to ask people for donations for the disaster relief fund? No, the Red Cross can not be liable for this type of fundraising due to possible scams.

17. Can I sell things and then give Red Cross the proceeds made from the sale less the cost of the materials? Funds collected in exchange for goods and/or services are only deductible over and above the value of the goods and/or services received. Individual raffle ticket purchases are not deductible per the IRS.

18. Can my business have a portion of the proceeds from sales of a product or service? Yes. It is treated as a third-party fundraiser unless there is a guaranteed contribution of at least $10,000 to the Red Cross. Contributions based on proceeds of more than $10,000 are treated as cause-related marketing agreements. We can provide you with an agreement to facilitate this type of activity. Name usage and materials standards are somewhat different for cause-related marketing events.

19. Can we say we’re partnering with the Red Cross? Please express that you support the Red Cross. The Red Cross appreciates your support however; due to our specific guidelines for partnerships, we ask that you not refer to this as a partnership.

20. How do I submit third-party donations? Within 10 days of the event, please send the checks along with a copy of your Red Cross third-party agreement to the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter, P.O. Box 44110, Detroit, MI 48244-0110. Checks and cash may also be delivered to our main office at 100 Mack Avenue (corner of Woodward Avenue) in Detroit during normal business hours, Monday – Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Friday, 8:30 a.m. until noon.