Charitable organizations such as synagogues may only raise funds that will be used to promote their mandate to provide religious and educational services to the community. We typically receive no government funding, although, in these times of COVID-19, grants and loans to help pay for staffing and critical infrastructure are available for a limited time.
Under normal circumstances, our shul is only able to raise funds using approved channels such as the following:
As with all faith-based organizations, Congregation Shaar Hashomayim derives a significant portion of its operating revenue from the dues paid by members. When you join the synagogue and stay current with your dues, you are helping to preserve the synagogue's role in providing the community with spiritual guidance, a place to learn, and a place to come together for fellowhip and community engagement.
Donations to the synagogue can take many forms. Some of our members have chosen to create trusts earmarked for specific purposes. Others have provided funding to use as the synagogue sees fit. Still others offer donations and pledges for other reasons, such as celebrating events and honouring friends and family.
Another common way to raise money for the synagogue is to help volunteer for community-sponsored third party fundraisers, such as Bingos. Bingos are licensed by the province, and part of their mandate is to distribute some of their net revenue to charitable organizations of their choosing. Among the recipients are those non-profit organizations who help the Bingos with their staffing requirements.
We need volunteers to represent Congregation Shaar Hashomayim at local bingos. In exchange for our volunteers' participation, we receive a portion of the bingo revenue to support the synagogue. To become a volunteer, you must successfully complete online training. Once you pass the course, you will receive a special white golf shirt with the Shaar logo, and can then volunteer to assist on various bingo nights. Thank you for volunteering!
