Fundraising Resources
By participating in Bay Street Games, you are helping Capitalize for Kids drive system-level change in the child and youth mental health sector across Canada, so kids can get the care they need when they need it.
The first step is to get started, and there is no better time than now - the longer runway you have to fundraise, the easier it will be to reach your goal!
Fundraising Tips
Customize your personal & team fundraising pages
Every member of your team will be provided with their own fundraising page and a team fundraising page. Don't forget to customize your personal page by adding a profile photo and your social media links, as well as creating a personalized profile message.
Make a donation
Kick start your campaign by being the first person to donate to your fundraising page. This personal contribution will demonstrate to potential supporters that youth mental health is a cause you are passionate about and that you stand behind Capitalize for Kids.
Secure your first donations
To get the ball rolling, first ask close friends and family (or anybody that you think is most likely to support you!). A few initial donations on your page will show buy-in and encourage others to participate.
Make a list & send out your asks
List the names of all the people in your life: family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, etc.- don’t leave anyone out! Send an email, text, or social media message to each and every one of them asking for their support.
Ask your firm to match
Many firms will match employee fundraising efforts. If your firm will provide a match, be sure to tell any potential donors that their gift will have double the impact.
Spread the word
Share your fundraising page on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X. Tell your networks why you’re participating in the Bay Street Games and ask for their support!
Follow up
Email, text, WhatsApp, and phone your contacts to remind them to support your campaign. That extra nudge might be just what they need to remember to donate!
Say thank you!
Be sure to thank all your donors. We have included key messaging to support your asks, and your thank you messages.
Fundraising Key Messages
Whether you’re recruiting teammates, asking for donations, or thanking donors, we‘ve included a little more about Capitalize for Kids and our cause to help your messaging.
About Capitalize for Kids
Capitalize for Kids began as a charitable investors conference that raised funds for SickKids. Today, we are a growing community of financial services professionals rallying our friends, families, and firms to support kids’ mental health. Since 2013, Capitalize for Kids has provided both consulting services and funding to more than 70 community mental health service providers, helping them increase capacity, enhance data, improve access to care, and reimagine care. To date, we have raised over $24 million, helping children and youth across Canada access vital mental health support.
Our Approach to Philanthropy
We don’t cut blank cheques for our beneficiaries. Instead, we work with them to identify opportunities to build capacity, increase access, and reduce wait lists. We combine internal staff, top for-profit consulting support on a pro-bono basis, and innovative funding to solve complex problems in the child and youth mental health sector and create lasting, scalable change.
Mental Health 101
There is no health without mental health. Everyone has mental health, and at some point in their lives, everyone will face challenges related to their mental well-being. Mental health is influenced by a range of physical and social factors, including genetics, biology, behaviours, past experiences, and identity, to name a few.
If you're experiencing mental health challenges, you're not alone. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 1 in 5 Canadians will face a significant mental health issue in any given year. The path to regaining mental health looks different for everyone—it’s important to find the strategies, supports, and services that work best for you.
However, not all Canadians have access to private mental health care. That’s where the publicly funded mental health system plays a critical role. At Capitalize for Kids, we work within the publicly funded child and youth mental health system to ensure that children, youth, and their families can access timely and appropriate care when they need it most. We are deeply committed to improving mental health outcomes for young people across Canada.
The Challenge
Kids are speaking up and asking for help like never before. Unfortunately, service providers just can’t keep up with demand. Here are the facts: 1 in 5 youth in Ontario will experience some form of mental health challenge, with 5 out of 6 of these children not receiving treatment. 36% of Ontario parents have sought help for their child.
