Featur e
If you do not believe strongly enough in your mission to ask for financial support, then you are heading for a disappointing election day. You have to mine all of your resources for contacts and make your own money calls too. Get your spouse in on it as well.
Jeff Knoll
be influenced by a donation from anybody, but in order to be effective once elected, you need to be able to have the confidence of your electorate as to your motives. One final point on this, every time you take a donation,
you need to apply what I call “The Globe and Mail test.” You have to ask yourself “would I be comfortable with a story that I took a donation from X appearing above the fold in the Globe and Mail?” If the answer is “yes,” then you are good to go. If not, then send the cheque back and just say “no.”
C&E: You have focused on regular donations, what about event based fundraising? Is it worth the effort?
Stephen: Events play a very important role in any campaign. It focuses the fundraising team’s effort around an event and, even if the key contacts cannot make the event, it makes them think about giving. Also, it allows key campaign work- ers to be rewarded with a free ticket.
Jeff: Events play a dual role – not only can they be very effective ways to raise money, but then can also be used to build profile and present platform speeches. Depending on the nature of the event, they can also provide an opportunity to simply meet and greet large numbers of supporters in one location. Events can take many forms from traditional dinners and
receptions to more home-spun garage sales and BBQ’s. Be sure to clarify with the clerk of your municipality as to the rules for collecting and accounting for the proceeds. Keep your costs low to maximize profit. My first event was a garage sale. I raised a few thousand
56 Campaigns & Elections | Canadian Edition
dollars selling stuff that I had accumulated and collected donations of goods from friends, family and supporters as well. I recall the day well because we had a blast. My kids got involved and I met hundreds of people. I spent all day selling and getting votes and confirming sign locations. Of course, the practicality of such a small scale event depends on the specifics of your campaign and budget, but the ultimate message is clear – events allow you to raise money and voter support at the same time.
C&E: Is there a cost effective way to accept credit cards for donations?
Stephen: PayPal is an excellent and immediate method for someone to donate on-line and it can be done while you are on the telephone with them.
Stephen J. Sparling is a former three-term municipal councillor and a well-known political fund raiser. He has chaired sev- eral national, provincial and municipal fundraising campaigns. Stephen has also lectured and written extensively on effective political fund raising in Canada. He is the President of ARI Inc., a national business development firm focused on finance, government relations and promotional campaigns. Jeff Knoll is a 3-term local and regional councillor serv- ing constituents in the Town of Oakville/Region of Halton, Ontario. He was first elected in 2000 and is seeking re-election in 2010. Jeff is the Founder and CEO of
Film.Ca Inc., the operator of Encore Cinema locations in Oakville and Burling- ton. Prior to his election in 2000, Jeff held many positions within campaigns, legislatures and political party structures. He has been politically active since 1979.
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