NDP ramps up fundraising efforts

‘Core supporters’ to match every dollar raised toward party’s cause

OTTAWA—The federal New Democrats are pushing their supporters to get in on what’s being billed as a donation matching program as the party looks to fill its coffers ahead of a looming contribution deadline.

Sunday marks the financial close of the third quarter for fundraising and parties like the NDP traditionally put on endof-quarter pushes to boost numbers before they become public.

The NDP is trying to claw its way back up the financial lad- der after the party pulled in $4.86 million from 39,053 donors last year, far behind their opponents. The Tories raised $18.84 million from 94,786 contributors in 2017, outflanking the Liberals by nearly $5 million.

An email blast to supporters this week promised the NDP’s “core supporters” will match every dollar that contributors make towards the party’s cause before the Sept. 30 contribution deadline — essentially a strategy to have regular donors contribute alongside casual contributors.

“Invest in our NDP team — and every dollar you give will be matched,” reads a New Democrat donation website that carries the headline: “Double your impact.”

The website gives supporters the opportunity to contribute suggested amounts between $5 and $35 — or to type in any amount they choose in a box.

The party relayed a similar message to supporters in an email blast, saying: “Get in on the matching — give $3 right now and double your impact!”

That email, from Sept. 26, says the NDP team is meeting Monday and needs to be able to green light every part of its plan for the fall.

“Our core supporters know that — and that’s why they’re helping us hit our goal by matching every single donation until tomorrow at midnight. It really is the best kind of matching.”