The first step in fundraising is to find out from the local recreational department, the various service clubs and the large businesses in the community if they will support a club in the area. It could be that they will give a one-time only donation to get the club started, or they may provide some funding over a period of time. A prepared submission is superior to a verbal discussion as ultimately a written statement will be requested. Most of the better organized clubs have their own fundraising projects, such as raffles, runathons, dances, competitions and bingos. Many companies wanting to organize road races to help promote their products seek help in the technical aspects of the race from the local track club and will either pay a flat fee or will offer the entry fees in return.
Dances provide a good opportunity for a social get-together.
A number of clubs have been able to obtain licences to operate a bingo. Check with your municipal officials. A steady source of funds with minimal work is the result of being successful in this venture. At the beginning of each year the club should send a completed club affiliation form along with the payment of the appropriate fee to the Ontario Track and Field Association. Additional privileges include grants to offset travel expenses of athletes attending National Championships and grants for coaches' training.