What is Golf for Cancer
The Canadian Cancer Society's Golf for Cancer Assist united communities through the shared goal of creating a world where no Canadian fears cancer. These events are also an opportunity to celebrate those who live and have lived in the face of cancer and those moving past cancer.
In 2023, 69 Golf for Cancer events took place across the country, raising more than $700,000 to support CCS’s investment into lifesaving research, compassionate support programs and advocacy work to shape a healthier society.
Why should I participate?
At the Canadian Cancer Society, we know that cancer changes people and nearly half of Canadians are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. But a cancer diagnosis doesn’t have to define a person. Our goal is to improve the cancer experience by helping people live longer and enhancing their quality of life. Together we can change the future of cancer in Canada Many of us have been directly affected by cancer and share a strong bond with others who experience the pain of this disease. Golf for Cancer unites communities through the shared goal of creating a world where no Canadian fears cancer and those moving past cancer.
How should I fundraise for the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS)?
Consider what you love to do and how you can turn that into a virtual activity. Online concerts, fitness classes or game nights are just some options! If you can dream it, we can help you do it. Visit our Get inspired page for more great ideas!
Do I have to sign up online to do a fundraiser?
Yes, you need to sign up to fundraise online to get started. But we’re here to help every step of the way! When you register your fundraiser, you’ll receive a call from us to confirm your registration and answer any pressing questions you may have. You will also have access to a wide range of online fundraising tools that will help you set up your fundraiser and make it a success.
What will you do with the money I raise?
By fundraising through a Golf for Cancer event you are supporting CCS’s ongoing investment in lifesaving cancer research, our national compassionate support system for people with cancer, their family and caregivers, and our advocacy work with governments at all levels to shape healthy public policies to prevent cancer and better support those living with the disease. Read more about where your money goes.
Will funds raised at my event stay in the local community?
As a national organization, funds raised through CCS fundraising programs like Golf for Cancer are distributed across Canada based on individual community need, local program delivery and research project.
CCS invests in some of the brightest minds leading some of the most promising cancer research across the country. No matter where in Canada a research project is conducted, the outcomes and findings save lives in local communities while having national impact and global reach.
CCS offers support program delivery in every province and territory across Canada. We also provide compassionate nationwide services that can be accessed by anyone from anywhere, including our wig bank, our online support community - cancerconnection.ca, our information helpline and our community services locator.
Can I designate the funds I raise to a certain type of cancer?
Yes, when you sign up online you’ll have the option to choose how the money you raise is used. For example, if you select “transportation support,” the donations you collect will be designated to transportation services to and from cancer treatments. In the event that donations received exceed CCS support of your designation type, your fundraising will be used to fund similar programs where the need is greatest.
Where can I host an online event?
Many organizers are now using Facebook or Instagram Live to broadcast online events in real time. These are easy-to-use, effective platforms for broadcasting all sorts of online events, such as virtual concerts, fitness classes, and much more.
I want to hold a ticketed event. Can I do that on my page?
Your online fundraising page is for donations and can’t support the sale of tickets. Once you register, you’ll gain access to a downloadable toolkit with tips for promoting and fundraising for online ticketed events. You can also contact us with your questions at connect@cancer.ca.
How will the Canadian Cancer Society help me with my event?
CCS will provide event organizers with a dedicated event support staff from our Supporter Engagement team and a toolkit containing: fundraising tips and tricks, support materials, promotional tools, recruitment tactics, event signage and other support materials.
We have created a fundraising toolkit, which includes tips and resources to help you succeed! When you sign up online and log in to your Fundraiser Portal, you’ll be able to access these tools. Please feel free to reach out anytime to connect@cancer.ca for additional support. You can also reach us through the live chat feature on the website.
Will the Canadian Cancer Society promote my event?
While we are so grateful that you’ve decided to support Canadians affected by cancer, we are unable to promote your online fundraiser. However, when you sign up online you’ll have access to a toolkit that has information, tips and tools to help with online promotion. CCS staff are also here to help, so please reach out to us at connect@cancer.ca if you require support.
Why can’t I use the Canadian Cancer Society logo?
The official Canadian Cancer Society logo is used to mark events run by the Canadian Cancer Society. You can find a Proud Supporter of the Canadian Cancer Society logo detailing your support for CCS in your Fundraiser Portal. Please contact us if you have any questions about where and how it can be used.
What if it rains on event day?
Golf for Cancer events are typically rain or shine. Please ask your event organizer about your event day plan for a rainy day.
Will the Canadian Cancer Society attend my event?
We are honoured that you’ve decided to support us but cannot guarantee attendance. If you have a staff partner, you may speak to them or contact us at connect@cancer.ca to request the attendance of a CCS staff person.
What if I don’t reach my fundraising goal?
When you sign up online, we ask you to set a fundraising goal. We encourage you to aim high while being realistic. That said, you’re not held to your initial goal, and you can change your fundraising goal on your page at any time. If you’re struggling to fundraise online, consult your fundraising toolkit for online fundraising ideas and tips. Remember you can always reach out to your CCS staff partner with questions. We’re here to help! Check your email for your introduction to your staff partner, or give us a shout at connect@cancer.ca.
Will the Canadian Cancer Society reimburse my event expenses?
The Canadian Cancer Society is not able to reimburse you for expenses incurred for your fundraiser. Keep in mind that the more expenses you have, the less (net) proceeds you will have to donate in the end. We encourage you to set a budget before you start fundraising. After signing up online, you will have access to your Fundraiser Portal, where you can download your fundraising toolkit that has information on how to keep any online expenses low and an event budget template you can download and populate for your own event.
Will the Canadian Cancer Society help me raise money?
When you sign up to fundraise, we are happy to provide you with the information, support and tools you need to make your fundraiser a success.
- Be sure to download the fundraising toolkit, which will provide you with tips and tools to help you organize a fundraiser from start to finish.
- Contact us any time for tips and support. We’re here to help you! Reach out to your CCS staff partner, email connect@cancer.ca or call 1-888-939-3333.
- We can also provide you with a letter of support that you can email to potential donors, supporters, and sponsors to show you’re officially fundraising for CCS.
I’m having trouble reaching my fundraising goal. What can I do?
We encourage you to download the fundraising toolkit from your Fundraiser Portal and make use of the tips for fundraising and promotion, but here are our top fundraising tips!
- Tell your story. Personalize your online fundraising page and tell your story! Share what has inspired you to host your fundraiser and make a difference. The story of why you want to change the future of cancer will inspire your friends and family to support you.
- Donate to yourself. Make the first donation to your personal fundraising page. This will show your commitment to the cause and help other people choose how much to give, so make a donation that you're proud of! On average, fundraisers who start with a self-donation raise $150 more than those that did not.
- Ask for donations. Send fundraising emails from your Fundraiser Portal to everyone you know and share your fundraising link on social media to encourage your friends and family to donate and share your fundraiser. This is the secret of our top fundraisers! Ask everyone you know to support you because every donation helps and cancer affects us all.
- Send follow-ups. A few days after you send your first emails or make your first social media post, send a reminder to anyone you haven't heard from yet. Most people need 2 to 3 reminders before they make a donation, so don't get discouraged if you don't hear from someone right away.
What are the different participation types?
There are 2 ways you can register to participate in Golf for Cancer
- Start an event and become an event organizer. Event organizers are a vital part of Golf for Cancer. Build your own fundraising event, invite your family and friends and work together to reach your fundraising goals!
- Join an event that already exists. From fundraising to the event day, share your Golf for Cancer experience by working together to meet your goals and celebrate success!
If you’re starting a new event, you’ll have to create an event name that isn’t already taken. If you’re joining an existing event, you’ll need to know the name of the event you want to join.
How do I register for Golf for Cancer
We can’t wait to welcome you at Golf for Cancer To register:
- Choose your participation type
- Create an account or sign in with the one you already have
- Follow the rest of the registration prompts
If you’re starting a new team, you’ll have to create a team name that isn’t already taken. If you’re joining an existing team, you’ll need to know the name of the team you want to join.
My fundraiser is over. How do I close my page?
Your fundraising page will remain open for the rest of the year and there is no action you need to take. If you no longer want your page to appear on our website, you can email us at connect@cancer.ca.
Is it safe to donate online?
When you or your supporters donate online to the Canadian Cancer Society, your information is completely secure. We use the highest levels of internet security and encryption to protect your credit card and personal information.
Will my information be shared or traded with anyone?
We collect your personal information to process your donation, issue a tax receipt, and provide updates about our impact and other ways to help. Your personal information will not be sold or traded with other organizations. For more information about our privacy practices, view our privacy policy at cancer.ca.
Does CCS host a national tournament as part of Golf for Cancer?
No, we do not host a national tournament. Allocating CCS resources to supporting local Independent Fundraising Events driven at a community level instead, allows us to maximize donor dollars and have the greatest impact on the lives people living with cancer.
Do I get a tax receipt?
If you make a personal donation, you will receive a tax receipt. For instance, if you donate online to your own fundraising page, then you’ll be issued a tax receipt for the full amount of your personal donation by email within 48 hours.
When will my donors get receipts?
When donations are made directly to your online fundraising page, the donor will receive a tax receipt by email. You can also choose to collect donations in-person. You can find a donation form and instructions for submitting donations made by cash or cheque in your Fundraiser Portal.
My donor didn’t get a receipt. What do I do?
Check with your Canadian Cancer Society staff partner or email Donor Care at connect@cancer.ca.
To ensure they are able to assist you, make sure you have the donor’s full name and all other available details. The more details you provide, the better.
What is the Fundraiser Portal?
When you sign up online, your Fundraiser Portal houses everything you’ll need for a successful online fundraiser! Once you’ve logged in to the site at cancer.ca/fundraise your Fundraiser Portal is your one-stop fundraising shop! From here, you can edit and personalize your fundraising page, send fundraising emails out to your contacts, download the fundraising toolkit and find other helpful resources