Frequently Asked Questions - About the Rainbow Society

1. How long have you been in operation?
2. How many wishes have you granted?
3. What makes you different from other similar organizations?
4. How many staff do you have?
5. Where do you get funding from?
6. How much of my donated dollar goes directly to wishes?
7. Do you need volunteers?

1. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN OPERATION?
We were incorporated in 1986.

2. HOW MANY WISHES HAVE YOU GRANTED?
Of course, this number changes on a regular basis. Click here to see how we're doing.

3. WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SIMILAR ORGANIZATIONS?
There are two main differences; first of all we are the only wish granting organization in Alberta to include children with chronic illness in our mandate. Also, we are a stand-alone Society - in other words, we are not part of a national or international organization like similar programs. We operate only in Alberta, for Alberta children. Therefore, all of the money raised in Alberta is spent on Alberta children.

4. HOW MANY STAFF DO YOU HAVE?

Executive Director                                                  Edmonotn Head office

Office Manager /Volunteer Coordinator                     Edmonton Head office

Program Manager/Book keeper                                Edmonton Head office

Fund Development Manager, Central Alberta             Edmonton Head Office

Regional Manager, Southern Alberta                         Calgary

Development & Special Event Coodinator                  Calgary

Regional Manager, Northern Alberta (vacant)             Grande Prairie

Please click here to see a complete list of contacts.

5. WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR FUNDING FROM?
All of our funding comes from individual and corporate donations along with proceeds raised at various fundraisers held throughout the province. Some of the fundraisers are our own events while other events are held on our behalf. Click here to see a complete listing of our events in your area.

We do not receive operations funding from any level of government (except matched donations through Community Spirit), or from agencies such as The United Way.

6. HOW MUCH OF MY DONATED DOLLAR GOES DIRECTLY TO WISHES?
In 2012, we spent 100% of our receipted donations directly on wishes.

In 2012, 91 cents of every dollar raised was directed to our program.

Enhanced Charitable Tax Credit

Great news for donors!

The Alberta provincial charitable tax credit on annual donations over $200 is now 21 per cent. When added to the federal charitable tax credit of 29 per cent, you receive a 50 per cent non-refundable tax credit for every dollar donated over $200.

For example, if you donate a total of $500 to four or five charities throughout the year, you would receive a combined federal and provincial charitable tax credit of $200. For more information on Alberta's charitable tax credit, click here.

The charitable tax credit applies to Canada Revenue Agency-registered charities ONLY. These organizations are eligible to issue official income tax receipts.

For more information on making donations to registered charities, click here to view information from the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency).

Our 2011 Annual Report is available.

We have formally adopted and adhere to Imagine Canada's Ethical Fundraising and Financial Accountability Code.

We have formally adopted and adhere to The Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement.

7. DO YOU NEED VOLUNTEERS?
We are always looking for volunteers to assist us in a variety of ways. Click here to get volunteer information in your area.