Host a DIY Fundraiser for refugees in Utah!

Do It Yourself (DIY) Fundraising is an easy way to get involved with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Salt Lake City while supporting refugee and new American families right here in Utah. By organizing a DIY Fundraiser, you are helping spread awareness about the people served by the IRC while providing critical funding that will support our newest neighbors as they work hard to build a new life in our community.

DIY fundraising events are your opportunity to be creative! Gather your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, religious or civic group, book club, softball team, yoga class or any group of community members passionate about serving refugees to spend some time learning and supporting the work of the IRC in Salt Lake City. You can request a member of our Speakers Bureau to come and share about our work at your event.

Get started now with your fundraiser! Contact us at [email protected] for more materials, resources and support to launch your fundraiser.

After collecting monetary donations, you can make a cumulative gift online at Rescue.org/GiveSLC or mail a check directly to the IRC in Salt Lake City office. Find more details about collecting donations in our FAQ below.   

You can host:

• A casual buffet or an elaborate sit-down dinner
• A pizza party
• A gift fair
• An art show, or...

You can put on:

• A fashion show
• A comedy night or play
• A concert
• An art exhibit, or...

You can hold:

• A stoop, garage or yard sale
• A race or sporting event
• A holiday fundraising campaign
• A bake sale or plant sale

Leah (age 6), her mom, Kim, and their family baked and sold over 100 dozen cookies raising over $600 to support newly arrived refugees in Salt Lake City.

Photo: Courtesy of the Johnson Family

Here are a few examples of past events community members have organized:

• A volunteer hosted her birthday party in the name of the IRC and raised funds from family and friends. 
• An event planner with musician friends organized a mini-concert in their back yard, inviting neighbors and friends. 
• A young girl, with the help of her mom, baked 100-dozen cookies, raising funds to sponsor a family during our annual holiday gift drive, Light One Candle. 
• Children grew seedlings and sold them around their neighborhood. 
• A former staff member dedicated a 3,000-mile bike ride through Southeast Asia to the IRC and asked his network to donate. 
• And the list goes on!

All funds raised stay local and are put to immediate use through more than 20 programs and services offered by the IRC in Salt Lake City in addition to direct assistance to families, including support covering rent and utility expenses, transportation costs, interpretation access and more. By raising funds for the IRC in Salt Lake City, you can serve refugee families and individuals from around the world who have become contributing members of our community.

FAQ:

How will my fundraiser benefit the IRC?

Monetary donations to the IRC in Salt Lake City ensure that essential programs and services remain robust, responsive and agile in meeting the needs of refugees and new Americans who work hard to rebuild their lives. Donations help the IRC provide a breadth of ongoing direct assistance, respond quickly with emergency services when needed, and support temporary and permanent housing costs for newly arrived refugees and new Americans.

How can I collect the funds and get them to your office?

You can collect cash, checks, or donations via cash application payments (such as Venmo) from participants in your fundraiser. Funds raised can be donated directly on our website at Rescue.org/GiveSLC. Gifts made online through our website do not incur fees and 100% of the donation remains local in support of our work in Utah.
Checks can also be dropped off or mailed to our office in Salt Lake City located at:

221 South 400 West

Salt Lake City UT 84110

If you would like to organize a fundraiser via platforms like GoFundMe, please reach out to us at [email protected] to learn more about this process before kicking off your fundraiser.

Are donations tax deductible?

Yes, all donations to the IRC in Salt Lake City are tax deductible! The IRC is a U.S.-based non-profit organization with 501(c)3 status. Our federal EIN is 13-5660870.

How can members of my group get a tax receipt?

All donations made through our website, Rescue.org/GiveSLC, will automatically receive a tax receipt via email. Donations collected via other methods should be carefully tracked to ensure individual donors receive a receipt for their gift. Before launching your fundraiser, please email us at [email protected] to learn more and receive guidance on this process.

How do I request a speaker for my event?

We have formed our Speakers Bureau of trained representatives of the IRC in Salt Lake City. Request a speaker today!

Do you have any recommendations for caterers for my event?

Yes! If you are planning to provide refreshments or even a full meal, we encourage you to hire a Spice Kitchen Incubator entrepreneur to cater. 

Additional Questions? Contact us at [email protected] or by phone at 801-328-1091.