Does Medecins Sans Frontieres need to know about all fundraising activites conducted on its behalf?
Yes, because Médecins Sans Frontières Australia is required by law to be accountable for the activity we must issue an authority stating our approval and the conditions under which you can fundraise. In addition, in some states of Australia the fundraiser must also apply for permission to fundraise from their state authority.
Can I fundraise every now and then for Medecins Sans Frontieres when I have the time?
Yes. However each time you raise funds, Médecins Sans Frontières Australia will need to issue an authority for the specific project and period that covers the activity. Simply complete our online application form and we will be in touch.
Can I begin fundraising while I'm waiting for my application to be approved?
No, Médecins Sans Frontières Australia must approve all fundraising activities before they commence.
I'd like to collect donations in my street or my local area. Can you provide me with a receipt book and identification?
No, there are a number of activities that Médecins Sans Frontières Australia can’t authorise for community fundraising projects, and this includes general cash collections in public places or door-to-door approaches by individuals. Therefore Médecins Sans Frontières Australia does not issue identification badges, cards or collection tins.
I'm going on a trek in Nepal this year. Can I arrange a sponsorship in aid of Medecins Sans Frontieres for this?
No, Médecins Sans Frontières Australia is only able to approve fundraising activities that take place in Australia.
I'm booking a venue for my fundraiser. Does Medecins Sans Frontieres cover the insurance?
Médecins Sans Frontières Australia cannot allocate funds to cover insurance for this purpose nor does our public liability cover community fundraising events.
I'm going on a trip where Medecins Sans Frontieres has a project running. Am I able to fundraise for this? Can I visit a project?
For security reasons we are unable to allow supporters to fundraise for trips to countries where we have projects operating. Similarly, we are unable to allow members of the public to visit our international projects.
I want to invite as many people as possible to my fundraising event. Can Medecins Sans Frontieres help?
Unfortunately due to resource constraints, our privacy policy, and necessary discretion in contacting our donors, Médecins Sans Frontières Australia can’t promote community fundraising projects, or pass on donors’ details for fundraisers to contact them directly.
Can someone from Medecins Sans Frontieres attend my event or visit to pledge support?
You are welcome to make a request for a staff member or field worker to attend your event. Due to limited staff and volunteer resources, this is not always possible. However you can certainly make a request, but please note it may take six weeks before we can confirm. You can make a request online: www.msf.org.au/request-speaker
Can I promote my event to the media?
If you would like to send out press releases then these must be approved by Médecins Sans Frontières Australia prior to distribution. In addition, Médecins Sans Frontières Australia may allow use of our logo, depending on the proposed usage.
What should I tell the people donating or participating in my fundraiser?
Médecins Sans Frontières Australia should be named as the beneficiary of the project, for example including "proceeds of the event will go to Médecins Sans Frontières Australia", on all tickets or promotional flyers. In addition, the percentage or actual portion or gross proceeds donated to Médecins Sans Frontières should be disclosed to all participants.
Can expenses be deducted from money gathered in fundraising?
Yes, ‘proper’ or ‘reasonable’ expenses may be deducted but some legislation gives a strict limit. At least 50% of the total income from your project should be allocated to Médecins Sans Frontières Australia.
NB. Commissions or fees for you are not considered a reasonable expense and should not be submitted.
Can Medecins Sans Frontieres issue tax deductible receipts?
Médecins Sans Frontières Australia will issue tax receipts for donations but only to individuals or organisations who make a donation without receiving a product or service in return. Tax receipts can’t be issued for donated services like entertainment or exhibition set-up.
Does Medecins Sans Frontieres accept donated material goods?
No, as we don't have the resources or systems to convert them into donated funds, we are unable to accept material goods. Equipment and medicines for the field are prepared by our logistics teams in our warehouses in Europe.
