Community Event Resources

• Any fundraising event or activity benefiting Children’s Health must be approved in advance by Children’s Medical Center Foundation.

• To request approval, you must submit an online community event application no less than 45 days prior to the proposed event date. The application may be found here: Children's Medical Center Foundation.

• You must request approval for each event, even if the event is a repeat from a prior year.

• Events must complement the Children’s Health mission to make life better for children and must convey a positive image of Children’s Health. All determinations of appropriateness under these guidelines will be made by Children’s Medical Center Foundation in its sole discretion.

• At least 50% of the net proceeds from an event should be directed to Children’s Health. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.

  • TIP: According to the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance, fundraising event expenses should not be greater than 30% of the net income (gross income minus expenses) from the event.

• The appropriate name of the fundraising event beneficiary is “Children’s Health^SM” (not “Children’s,” “Children’s Hospital,” “Children’s Foundation,” etc.).

• Based upon the proposed use of the logo, Children’s Medical Center Foundation will provide the approved logo with the “benefiting” mark and logo standards to the Event Organizer. Event Organizers agree to use only the logo provided by Children’s Medical Center Foundation. The Children’s Health logo is a registered trademark and Event Organizers agree to not alter the Children’s Health logo as provided by Children’s Medical Center Foundation in scale, typeface, color, configuration, or position and to immediately remedy any non-approved uses of the Children’s Health logo or name as determined and communicated by Children’s Medical Center Foundation.

• Children’s Medical Center Foundation must approve all uses of the Children’s Health written name and logo for publicity in advance of their reproduction, printing or distribution – this includes advertisements, fliers, press releases, website content, social media posts, etc.

• Event Organizers may not use Children’s Health-branded stationery and letterhead.

• Event Organizers must send requests for use of the Children’s Health logo with the “benefiting” mark or Children’s Health name to the Brand Review Page and allow up to 1 week for review.

• Event Organizers may not, and they should ensure that their employees, agents, vendors, independent contractors or subcontractors do not, use the Children’s Health name, brand, logo, or likeness in their marketing and communication materials, including case studies, news releases or websites without the prior written consent of Children’s Medical Center Foundation. In no event shall any consent given extend beyond the Event for which the request was made.

• In naming an event, “Children’s Health” or any variations thereof may not be used in the title of the event but instead shall listed as the beneficiary. For example, an event should not be referred to as the “Children’s Health Bowling Tournament.” Instead, it should be promoted as “Bowling Tournament benefiting Children’s Health.”

• Event Organizers may not use the words “partnering” and “sponsoring/sponsored by” or any variations thereof in reference to Children’s Health or its entities when naming or promoting the event.

• Event Organizers agree to cease all use of the Children’s Health name, brand, logo, and likeness immediately upon conclusion of the Event.

• Event Organizers agree that Children’s Medical Center Foundation may revoke this license for the Event Organizers’ to use the Children’s Health name, brand, logo, and likeness at any time.

• Event Organizers assume all risks and liabilities associated with their event, and they hereby release and agree to hold harmless Children's Health and its affiliates and all of their directors, officers, employees, agents, and successors and assigns, from and against any and all claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney's fees, arising out of or relating to the event, including, without limitation, any personal injuries or damage to property, which may occur in conjunction with the event. The status of Children's Health as a beneficiary in no way implies a business agreement with the Event Organizers or any participants thereof.

• If the event requires participants to sign a consent or waiver, then Event Organizers will provide such consent or waiver to Children’s Medical Center Foundation for its review and feedback in advance of such event.

• Event Organizers may not state or imply that they are an agent, affiliate, or partner of Children’s Health, or that they hold any other business relationship with Children’s Health.

• Children’s Health does not publicly release its mailing lists. Children’s Medical Center Foundation may choose to educate or inform select constituencies of Children’s Health about external fundraising events on a case-by-case basis.

• All community fundraising events must comply with all federal, state, and local laws governing charitable fundraising, raffles, gift reporting and special events. Event Organizers are responsible for obtaining any necessary permits, licenses, and clearances required by the applicable laws and ordinances. Event Organizers must also obtain appropriate insurance coverage for the event, if necessary.

• Event Organizers may not sell, exchange, raffle, auction, or give away – or offer to sell, exchange, raffle, auction, or give away – any live animal as a prize, an inducement to enter a place of amusement or a business establishment, or an inducement to participate in a charitable fundraising event.

• If Event Organizers plan to solicit contributions, sponsorships, or in-kind gifts from businesses (whether local or national), the list of potential business solicitations must be submitted to and approved by Children’s Medical Center Foundation in advance of any contract for such contributions, sponsorships, or gifts.

• Event Organizer must submit the proceeds of the event to Children’s Medical Center Foundation within 60 days of the event or must provide confirmation of when the proceeds will be received. Only the net amount (final net proceeds from the event) should be submitted to Children’s Medical Center Foundation. Receipts from Children’s Medical Center Foundation are only sent to the entities from which the money is directly received.

• Checks for the final net proceeds should be made payable to Children’s Medical Center Foundation and mailed or delivered to the following address:

  • Children’s Medical Center Foundation

  • Attn: Annual Giving

  • PO Box 847253

  • Dallas, TX 75284-7253

• Event Organizers hereby authorize and grant Children’s Medical Center Foundation (i) complete access to all external fundraising activities, and (ii) the right to audit Event Organizers’ books and records related to the event at the completion of the event or at any time during the fundraising activity as deemed necessary by Children’s Medical Center Foundation. Under no circumstances may an Event Organizer or any other individual keep any portion of the charitable proceeds from the event as profit or compensation for organizing or volunteering at the event.

• If Children’s Health will not be the sole beneficiary of an event, then Children’s Medical Center Foundation must have the opportunity to review and provide advanced consent to the other beneficiaries, including the proposed formula for sharing the charitable proceeds. All beneficiaries of an event should be listed on invitations and promotional materials in a manner approved by Children’s Medical Center Foundation.

• An online toolkit that includes downloadable resources such as: logos, sample emails, sample social media posts, approved photo images and “a mission moment” video.

• The use of the Children’s Health written name and/or approved Children’s Health logo with the “benefiting” mark. Children’s Medical Center Foundation must approve all uses of the Children’s Health written name and logo for publicity in advance of their reproduction, printing or distribution- this includes advertisements, fliers, press releases, website content, social media posts, etc. Materials for approval must be sent to Foundation Brand Review and allow 1 week for review.

• Access to online fundraising software at Fundraise for Children’s Medical Center Foundation

  • Note: Costs for fundraising event may not be deducted from funds raised on this platform.

• Advice on event planning.

• Posting your event details on Children’s Medical Center Foundation’s online calendar of events.

• Assistance in directing contributions to the priorities of Children’s Health.

• Acknowledgements for event organizers, as well as donors, for direct contributions to Children’s Health.

• Children’s Health banners for event day, as available.

• A letter of endorsement on Children’s Medical Center Foundation letterhead.

• Space at a Children’s Health facility to host your event.

• Mailing lists of donors, board members, sponsors, vendors, past supporters, medical staff, volunteers, team members or other affiliated constituencies.

  • Children’s Health does not publicly release its mailing lists. Children’s Medical Center Foundation may choose to educate or inform select constituencies of Children’s Health about external fundraising events on a case-by-case basis.

• Help with solicitating sponsorship revenue, auction items or prizes on behalf of your fundraising event.

  • If an event organizer plans to solicit contributions, sponsorships, or in-kind gifts from businesses (whether local or national), the list of potential business solicitations must be submitted to and approved by Children’s Medical Center Foundation in advance of any contract for such contributions, sponsorships or gifts.

• Staff or volunteers to distribute event fliers, posters or other promotional materials within Children’s Health facilities or within the community.

• Posting your event on our Children’s Health or Children’s Medical Center Foundation social media channels.

• Authorization to use the Children’s Health or Children’s Medical Center Foundation name to open a bank account to hold the monies raised at your event.

• The Children’s Health and/or Children’s Medical Center Foundation tax exemption number, unless agreed upon beforehand.

• Insurance for your event.

• Staff or volunteers to help with promoting, publicizing or selling tickets to your event and/or attending your event.

Register Your Event with Children’s Medical Center Foundation

Once you have the event details in mind, complete and submit your application no less than 45 days prior to your proposed event date. Submit the online application to Children’s Medical Center Foundation.

We will contact you within two weeks of receiving your application. If you have any questions in the interim, please call 214-456-8360.

Choose an Effective Planning Committee

The success of your event is increased by the enthusiasm and dedication of the people who plan and organize it. Plan to involve enough volunteers to share the workload and to garner a wide range of skills.

Establish Event Goals

Set realistic goals that you can measure and attain. Be sure to track your progress to generate stronger event participation and community goodwill.

Brainstorm Ideas

Several minds are better than one, so write down all ideas. Encouraging group participation now results in greater fundraising ideas later.

Be Sure to Choose the Right Event

Your event must complement the Children’s Health mission to make life better for children. It should also fit the size, talents, goals, interests and time availability of your group

Identify Your Audience

Who is most likely to attend and support your event?

Schedule the Event Date

Choose an appropriate and convenient event time for your attendees. Take into account school calendars, sports schedules, national holidays and dates of other events benefiting Children’s Health.

Develop a Budget

Identify all possible sources of revenue and anticipated expenses. Don’t forget to try and get items donated to help reduce expenses and to ensure a larger contribution to support patients and families at Children’s Health. TIP: According to the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance, fundraising event expenses should not be greater than 30% of the net income (gross income minus expenses) from the event.

Promote and Publicize Your Event

Publicize your event early and often. Utilize advertisements, fliers, press releases, website content, posters, community bulletin boards, word of mouth, social media and email. Remember you must get prior approval from Children’s Medical Center Foundation for all uses of the Children’s Health name and Children’s Health logo with the “benefiting” mark. Send approvals to the Foundation Brand Review and allow up to 1 week for review.

Donate Your Funds

Checks for the final net proceeds should be made payable to Children’s Medical Center Foundation within 60 days of of the event and mailed or delivered to:

Children’s Medical Center Foundation

Attn: Annual Giving

PO Box 847253

Dallas, TX 75284-7253

Say Thank You

Acknowledge everyone who participated in or supported your event and let them know how much you appreciated their help. You want them to feel valued and encouraged to participate or help in future events. Children’s Medical Center Foundation will also add your participants’ and volunteers’ information to its records so that Children’s Health may communicate future opportunities to them.

When you give to Children's Health, you are helping fulfill its mission to make life better for children. That should be inspiration enough. Whatever you do—make sure it is fun!

Art show: Ask students to create a piece of art to "sell" at an art show.

Benefit concert: Know a talented band or performer? Invite them to perform and charge an entrance fee.

Birthday celebration: Have your cake and help kids too. Fundraise in honor of your birthday on Facebook, or by registering with us.

Car wash: Host a car wash and charge a small amount as donation.

Comedy Night: Ask a comedian to donate their time and plan an in-person or virtual comedy night.

Coming of Age: Mark your big day with generosity. Have guests donate for a bar/bat mitzvah, communion, Quinceanera or sweet 16.

Company picnic or BBQ: Celebrate by throwing a company BBQ, picnic or potluck. Invite colleagues to make a small donation in order to participate.

Concert or school play: Is your school band, orchestra or choir putting on a performance? Ask for a small admission fee or donations from the audience during intermission.

Dress down (or up) day: Talk to your school or HR department to set a day to dress casually or creatively for a donation.

Fitness Class: Workout and support kids at Children’s Health at the same time. Reach out to your favorite fitness instructor and organize a class at your local gym, park, or spot of choice. Don’t forget to encourage donations.

Gala: Recruit some friends to help plan and host an evening of food, music, and great company.

Homemade items: Get crafty for the patients and families at Children’s Health and donate proceeds to the hospital.

Ice cream social: Give everyone an excuse to take a break and indulge during the summer months.

Lemonade stand: Tried and true! Host a stand in your neighborhood or at a school sports game.

Motorcycle or car ride: Hit the road and gather pledges per mile. Destination? Generosity.

Paint night: Organize a paint night with friends! Many studios will partner with you and donate a portion of the class fee.

Pancake breakfast: Host breakfast in the school cafeteria for a small donation. Ask the principal and teachers to serve.

Silent auction: Collect prizes for your auction: gift certificates, baskets, sports tickets, lunch with your president, a close parking space, or a one-week vacation. Suggest a minimum starting bid and watch the excitement begin!

Talent show: Show off your talent and wow your supporters! Charge at the door and sell tickets in advance.

Walk Run or Bike: Participate in any in-person or virtual race or cycling event, or choose your own challenge and support the hospital along the way. We have your motivation covered.

Wedding: Celebrate your special day by providing hope for kids. Donate in lieu of favors or ask for donations in lieu of gifts.

Yard sale: Ask the community to donate items for a yard sale at your school.

Creating your own materials for your fundraiser? Download our Children’s Health logo with the “benefiting” mark to use. Any materials with our logo must be approved by the Children’s Medical Center Foundation staff. Send approvals to Foundation Brand Review.

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• Children’s Health 2024 Fact Sheet (pdf)

• Foundation NPC Donor flyer (pdf)

Explore resources to fundraise for Children’s Medical Center Foundation