FAQ TOPICS
REGISTRATION
Is there a registration fee to participate?
Nope! Registration is completely free, but fundraising is encouraged to support the Canine Companions mission of providing expertly trained service dogs to people with disabilities free of charge. We encourage participants to set a personal or team fundraising goal and ask their friends, family and colleagues to support them with a donation. You can choose to jumpstart your fundraising by making a donation yourself.
I want to bring my kids with me. Do they need to register?
Yes, please! All participants must register online or in person at DogFest. (This also includes a free bandana for your pup!)
I registered as an individual, but now I want to join a team.
No problem! Call 800-572-2275 and let us know the DogFest event in which you are participating and the team you would like to join. We’ll take care of the rest.
Are walk-up registrations available?
We gladly accept walk-up registrations on event day. However, you can save time and guarantee you receive your dog bandana (while supplies last) by registering early! Plus, DogFest is a fundraising event, so if you register early, you have the chance to fundraise and qualify for the commemorative t-shirt and other fun swag!
I want to register someone else on my computer, but the site won't let me because I'm already registered.
The website "remembers" you on your computer. If you want to register someone else, you'll have to log out first, and then start the process again using their email address for the registration.
I forgot my password, what do I do?
From the DogFest homepage, click the Login button and select how you chose to create your login. Click on the Forgot Password link, enter your email address, and click the Reset My Password button which will send you an email with instructions.
FUNDRAISING
General Fundraising
Where does my money go when I donate to DogFest?
We are so glad you asked! The money you raise for DogFest supports Canine Companions’ mission of providing expertly trained service dogs to people with disabilities at no cost. Not only can you see how your donations are used by viewing our latest annual report on the Canine Companions website, but you can also see the impact you make! Please, take a moment to review the success YOU made possible last year.
How much money should I raise?
As much as you can! If you raise a minimum of $125, you qualify to receive a commemorative DogFest t-shirt (while supplies last), presented to you at the event. If you raise at least $250 by the fundraising deadline, you have the opportunity to receive a fundraising recognition gift. The more you raise, the bigger the difference you'll make in the lives of people with disabilities.
Team Fundraising
What are the benefits of a team?
The more the merrier! Fundraising as a team expands your fundraising efforts and allows you to set goals and celebrate together. A team also multiplies the fun you will have on event day... consider coming in coordinated outfits or costumes. Let your creativity shine and work together to support a special cause.
Do teams have to fundraise?
You know you want to! No, team members are not required to fundraise, but we strongly encourage and appreciate it. Donations may be made to the team or to individual team members. Remember the fundraising recognition program is based on individual fundraising totals. There is no program for teams, nor are team donations allocated across all team members.
How do I change my team name, team goal or team page?
Only the team captain has the ability to change the team name and goal by logging in and then clicking “Manage My Page.” Once there, be sure to click “Manage My Team Page” on the left navigation. Then make any of the edits you’d like. After making your changes, be sure to click the Save button at the bottom.
How do I join or create a team?
An individual registrant can join or create a team when logged into their personal page. After clicking “Individual Participant” on the left navigation, select “Participate as part of a team.” To join a team, find the team name on the “Join an Existing Team” tab. To create a new team, go to the “Form a New Team” tab to create a team. Click “Save” when finished.
Can I transfer some of my donations to another participant or team member?
Out of respect for the donor’s intent, donations will not be transferred from one participant to another once the donation has been received and posted.
Can I split a donation between multiple participants and team members?
Teams often hold fundraising events for DogFest, with the intent to divide the proceeds evenly among all team members. Unfortunately, we are unable to split funds among multiple people, and the donation will be made to either one individual or the team as a whole. Allocation of a single donation is possible in the case of a cash donation only. Should your team receive a donation, the donation may be entered in the following ways:
- Cash – Each individual to receive credit must submit cash, along with the Offline Donation Form, that corresponds to the credit given.
- Check – This form of payment cannot be divided among individuals. The donation must be entered on behalf of one team member or the entire team as whole.
- Online Donation – Donation must be made to an individual registrant, a team or the DogFest event in general.
Where do I mail my donations?
Mail your donations (made out to Canine Companions) to:
Canine Companions
Attn: DogFest Houston
P.O. Box 446
Santa Rosa, CA 95402-0446
Please be sure to write your name and year in the memo line of all checks.
Is there a fundraising recognition program for teams?
No, there is not a special program for team fundraising. The top 100 teams for each DogFest event are listed on that event’s website to celebrate and acknowledge those top teams. The DogFest fundraising recognition program is based on the funds raised by individuals and only individuals qualify for this program.
Fundraising Pages
What should I put on my Personal Fundraising Page?
Make it your own! You have the option to upload your own text, images and video, or use the standard default content provided. We recommend you customize the page as much as possible so your supporters will understand why DogFest and Canine Companions is important to you. Participants who update their pages with personal stories and pictures have twice the fundraising success than those who use the standard page.
How do I change my password?
You can do so by hovering over the Log In or Sign Up area in the top right of the screen. Here, you’ll enter the credentials you created during registration. If you can’t remember your password, click the I need help with my password link to the right of the Log In button, where you’ll be able to enter your email and generate a reset password email. Pro tip: Usernames are always email addresses. If you forget your username, you can either reference your initial registration email or contact the organization hosting the event. Or you can contact us, and we will reset your password which will send you a link via email to create a new password.
How do I manage my page?
Edit My Page In this area, you can customize your personal fundraising page. Your ability to customize different areas of your page is managed by the nonprofit organizing your event. If you’re unable to edit or move certain widgets, it’s likely because your admin has not enabled this functionality.
After you click the Edit My Page button, you’ll see a number of boxes that allow you to customize your page. These boxes are called widgets. To edit a widget on your page, click on the gear icon in the top right-hand corner of the widget. Each widget will provide a variety of options allowing you to edit the look, feel, and content that’s displayed.
My Fundraising Tools
You can navigate to all areas of your Fundraising Center and copy URLs for your personal/team fundraising pages, as well as your personal donation page, from this dropdown.
What is a personal page?
A Personal Page is your fundraising page where you can direct your friends to learn about your participation and make donations! Upon registering, you will be provided a standard personal page. You aren’t required to personalize it, but on average, participants who update their pages with personal stories and pictures have twice the fundraising success than those who use the standard page.
How do I unsubscribe from email?
There’s an unsubscribe link at the bottom of each email you receive from our platform, Qgiv – this will opt you out of all emails except those that are triggered by an action you or one of your friends takes. But please note – if you opt out of email, you will be opted out of all email, including important updates.
How can I see who has donated to me?
Sign into your account visit My Fundraising Tools and click on My Donation on the left of the navigation menu. You'll find the list of donors under your thermometer.
How do I change my personal goal?
If at any time you’d like to make a change to your fundraising goal, you can do so in this area. You’ll see the Update My Goal button right below your thermometer that you’d click, enter your new goal, and save.
What should I put on my fundraising page?
The choice is yours. You can upload your text and image, as well as a video if you like, or use the standard default provided. We recommend you customize the page as much as possible so your friends and supporters will understand why Canine Companions is important to you. A thermometer to track progress towards your fundraising goal is included, as well as a list of your supporters. Participants who update their pages with personal stories and pictures have twice the fundraising success as those who use the standard page.
I just finished personalizing my fundraising page. What now?
Tell your friends and family about your page! Send an email to your contacts letting them know your page is set up and request their support. Share the link to your social media accounts, too. Visit your Fundraising Dashboard under your Fundraising Tools to access your URL and link your account to your personal Facebook account.
How do I update my page content?
You may also navigate between the different areas of your fundraising center via your Fundraising Dashboard. You’ll see a menu down the left side that contains the same navigation items as your My Fundraising Tools dropdown, along with a few additional options/pieces of information.
First up is your Personal Avatar. The avatar will be used on your personal fundraising page and throughout the system on activity feeds such as leaderboards, recent activity feeds, etc. By default, the avatar contains your initials.
How do I preview my page?
Use the Visit My Page button to go directly to your fundraising page.
How do I send an email?
Access your dashboard. Select Invite Friends to Join You from the left navigation menu. Select Invite Your Friends Using Email, add their email address, edit the Subject if you’d like to personalize it, review the default copy in the Message field and personalize if you’d like and click Send Email.
Do you impose any guidelines for the fundraiser?
We reserve the right to decline association with any activities or third-party fundraisers if we believe the activity may have a negative effect on our reputation.
- All events must comply with federal, state, and local laws, including fundraising rules and regulations.
- The activity will be promoted and conducted in a manner to avoid the appearance of our organization endorsing any product, firm, organization, individual or service.
- Our official organization logo should be appropriately used in conjunction with such an activity but may not be altered in any way.
- Our organization operates under the Better Business Bureau guidelines for charitable giving. In compliance with these guidelines, the Canine Companions requires full disclosure on all packaging, advertising or promotional materials when funds are raised.
Facebook Fundraising
How do I connect my fundraising from the DogFest website?
To set up a Facebook Fundraiser that’s connected to the DogFest fundraising, log in to your Qgiv account from the event webpage. Then, navigate to My Fundraising Tools. Select Fundraising Dashboard from there, navigate to My Fundraising Tools. Under the Quick Start section, select "Share on Facebook"
In this tab, you’ll see a large blue button inviting you to Share My Personal Fundraising Page. If you’re part of a team, you’ll also see Share My Team’s Fundraising Page.
How do I connect my DogFest fundraising from Facebook?
If you happen to be logged in to Facebook within your browser, you’ll be automatically connected.
-or- If you’re not logged in, a Facebook dialogue box will pop up and ask you to sign in with your Facebook credentials.
Once logged in, you’ll be able to share a direct link to your personal fundraising page.
What if I previously created a fundraiser on Facebook and now want to link it to my DogFest page?
Existing Facebook fundraisers cannot be linked to a DogFest page. Fundraisers on Facebook not created through the DogFest software will not sync to your thermometer and DogFest. We recommend you delete any existing Facebook fundraisers that you wanted to count towards your DogFest fundraising, and then visit your page to create a new fundraiser on Facebook.
What if I previously created a fundraiser on Facebook and now want the donations to be added to my fundraising total?
Thank you for raising money to support Canine Companions. Unfortunately, donations received through a fundraiser created directly on Facebook cannot be tied back to your DogFest fundraising efforts. Facebook has not created the technology to allow for this two-way flow of information. If you’d like to fundraise through Facebook, close the existing fundraiser and set up a new Facebook fundraiser through your personal page.
Will donors to my Facebook fundraiser receive a receipt?Will donors to my Facebook fundraiser receive a receipt?
Yes, a payment receipt includes the Canine Companions’ tax ID number and confirms that the person has made a donation as a charitable contribution and that they’re not receiving any goods or services in return.
Matching Gifts
What is a matching gift?
A matching gift is a gift from a donor's employer that matches the donor's original gift. Employers who match donations will typically match dollar for dollar.
How do I know if my employer has a matching gift program?
Search for your employer, ask your human resources staff or visit your company's intranet.
How do I request a matching gift?
The first step is to talk to your employer about their matching gift process. Generally, your human resources department is a great place to start.
What do I do with the form once I've filled it out?
Refer to the instructions on the matching gift form provided by your employer. If you need to mail the form to us, please include your name and "DogFest EVENT" on the form and send to :
Canine Companions
Attn: DogFest Matching Gifts
P.O. Box 446
Santa Rosa, CA 95402-0446
If I enter the donor's gift and the matching gift through the Donation and Email Center of my personal page, do I enter them as one gift?
No, they are two separate gifts. Please enter only the employee's gift and mail/email the matching gift form, and Canine Companions will enter the match information into the system to be reflected in your fundraising thermometer. The match amount will show as “unconfirmed” until the match is received by Canine Companions.
How will I know when the matching gift has been paid?
Check the Donation and Email Center to review the donations to your fundraising efforts. It usually takes months before we receive matching gifts.
Will a pending matching gift count towards my fundraising minimum?
No. All funds must be received by the fundraising deadline to qualify for the fundraising recognition program. The sooner a match request is submitted, the more likely it will be received by the fundraising deadline.
EVENT DAY
Where do I park?
ANSWER VARIES BY EVENT
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, both pet dogs and service dogs are encouraged to join the fun at DogFest. Please follow these guidelines when determining if DogFest is right for your four-legged friend:
- No female dogs in heat.
- Dogs attending must be social and friendly with other dogs and people. Dogs who display aggressive behavior, as determined by Canine Companions volunteers or staff, will be asked to leave.
- Dogs attending must be comfortable in crowds.
- Dogs must be up to date on vaccinations. This means puppies must be six (6) months old and have completed their full set of puppy vaccinations, including rabies.
- All dogs must be kept on a leash, no longer than 6 feet, at all times.
SPONSORS AND VENDORS
Why sponsor DogFest?
When a DogFest event raises $50,000, it enables Canine Companions to fund a graduate team from the puppy’s conception to the dog’s retirement, transforming a life through a four-legged partner. Because DogFest is spearheaded by a group of passionate volunteer leaders, the return on the investment is very high. In addition to making a difference in someone’s life, you will benefit from increased exposure and goodwill throughout your community and in the workplace.
Who can sponsor DogFest?
Anyone can sponsor DogFest, from businesses to organizations, from foundations to individuals. Your meaningful contribution to Canine Companions as a DogFest sponsor sends a message that you care about our community. There are a handful of sponsorship levels to choose from and, with each level, you receive valuable visibility and sponsor benefits. Sponsorship opportunities include both cash and in-kind sponsorships that help offset event-related expenses. Sponsorships are donations made to DogFest Houston, not to an individual or team.
How much is sponsorship?
Sponsorships start at $250. Select a sponsorship level that works best for you. Sponsorships at all levels will help change the lives of children, adults and veterans with disabilities.
How will my sponsorship donation be used?
Your sponsorship will enable us to provide more dogs to those who need them. Refer to the sponsorship page for examples of how your donations may be used.
Are my contributions tax deductible?
Yes. Please reach out to the regional staff person to learn more about the tax-deductible portion of your sponsorship. Please contact your tax advisor with any questions. Canine Companions is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Federal Identification Number: 94-2494324.
How do I sign up to become a DogFest sponsor?
Go to the DogFest Houston sponsorship page
I have a question not answered above.
We'd love to assist! Please call 800-572-2275.