That’s totally okay—and thank you so much for being willing to help! Launching a fundraiser doesn’t have to take a lot of time or experience. We’ve made it as simple as possible, and we’ll be here to support you along the way.

If you’re doing a birthday fundraiser or setting one up online, it can take as little as 3 minutes to launch. We have guides and suggested text.  If you want to do something more hands-on, like a bake sale or event, it can take a bit more planning—but it’s all up to what you’re comfortable with.

 The best fundraisers are the ones that feel natural and fun for you! Some people thrive with in-person events like bake sales, birthday parties, or community potlucks. Others prefer digital fundraisers—sharing a personalized fundraising page or starting one on Facebook or Instagram. What works best often depends on your network and comfort level, but the key is to make it personal, share why you care, and invite others to be part of something meaningful to you.

When choosing a fundraising goal, think about what feels both meaningful and realistic for you. Consider how many people you plan to reach out to and what you think they might be able to give. Every dollar makes a significant impact—and you can always raise your goal later if you surpass it! Whether it's $200 or $2,000, every dollar helps support our work and sends a powerful message of solidarity.

Our cups are always half-full, and we have high hopes for you. Remember, we're here to support you. 

There are no penalties for you or RAICES for not reaching your fundraising goal. You can also extend your fundraiser if you’d like more time.

We have guides and suggested text pre-populated on fundraisers you launch through RAICES that help speed through the process. Setting up a fundraiser through our platform can take as little as 3-minutes.Item description

Scroll up and look for instructions in the first drop-down above. You’ll be able to set a goal, share your story, and upload photos to inspire your community. (Click here to curate facts about RAICES and immigration that are meaningful to you.)

It's up to you—but here are a few things to consider:

• Birthday Week or Weekend: Most birthday fundraisers are set to end a day after your birthday.
  

• Consider Your Availability: Think about when you'll be most available to promote the fundraiser and engage with donors.
  
  

• Keep it Relatively Short: Your donation page is automatically set to expire after one month but you can make the duration shorter or longer at your discretion.

It's also important to set aside some time to promote your fundraiser—sharing posts and sending emails will help spread the word and bring more friends on board.

Please make checks payable to RAICES and mail them to :

RAICES
P.O. Box 786100
Attn: Development
San Antonio, TX 78278

If supporters indicate with their mailed donation that the gift is being made in your honor, RAICES will be able to add their donation to your fundraiser manually. (See below for directions on how to track the progress of your campaign.)

Supporters receive gift acknowledgments/tax receipts made out to the name and address listed on the donation check. These are typically received within 2–4 weeks after the donation is deposited, depending upon USPS delivery timelines, which can be delayed.

RAICES is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. RAICES does not provide tax advisory services, and we recommend consulting a tax advisor regarding any questions concerning the deductibility of your gift.

Yes.

• For check donations, receipts are mailed to the address listed on the check.

• For online donations, receipts are sent immediately via email.

Please do not send cash—RAICES is unable to issue tax receipts for cash donations.

Online donations made via credit or debit card or ACH are automatically tracked on your fundraising page. When you get a new donation, you'll also receive a notification email that includes a progress bar, and real-time updates are visible in your donor portal.

Yes, as a fundraiser administrator, you'll be able to see who has donated through the donation table in your admin dashboard. The table shows the donor’s name, amount donated, date, and comments (if the donor left any) on their donation. All of this information is private and only visible to the administrator. 

We’re so excited you want to support our mission! If you’re under 18, please have a parent or guardian help you set up your fundraising page and manage any donations.

We also ask that you cc your parent or guardian on any emails you send to RAICES staff.

We prioritize unrestricted giving, which allows us to direct funds where they can be most impactful in support of our clients’ urgent legal aid needs. This flexibility helps us stay nimble and responsive to the evolving needs of immigrant communities. (Click here to learn more about how your support makes a difference.)

We’re here for you! Email jorge.rivas@raicestexas.org at any time with questions. We’re happy to support you and help ensure your fundraiser is a success.

Please send more information about the item/product/event you're producing, along with mock-ups of your design, to jorge.rivas@raicestexas.org. Please include any relevant deadlines we should be aware of. We'll review your request and get back to you as soon as possible.