Arranging your own fundraising activity, whether large or small, is an excellent way to help the Behçet’s Syndrome Society. As with most things, it will need some planning. There will be several things to consider, from where to hold an event to how many people to invite.
If you haven't fundraised before, don't feel daunted. Help is at hand! Below you'll find some useful tips that will help make your activity fun and as stress-free as possible.
Fundraising tips
Decide on a date for when you'd like to hold your fundraising event. The weekend may be easier for everyone to attend, unless you plan to hold your activity during work or school hours. Check the calendar for any clashes, such as an important test match or friends' birthdays.
Find a venue. If your event is too big to hold in your workplace or school, then consider local halls, community centres and sport centres. You will need to contact the owners of these venues and get their permission. Make sure you plan your activity well in advance as some venues book up quickly.
Work out a budget. Set yourself a fundraising target and make sure it's around three times as much as you spend – otherwise it may not be worthwhile.
Write a checklist of all the things that you'll need – for example, costumes, equipment and refreshments – then tick them off as you go along. If you're in need of clothes, for a fashion show, ball or fancy dress party, perhaps a charity shop can help.
Set up a fundraising group. Fundraising with friends can be very rewarding, and you can help and support each other in doing some great fundraising.
Delegate. Find out what skills people have, then try to give them tasks they'll enjoy. So if some of your friends are creative, why not get them to design and make badges, banners, etc?
Try to keep costs low. Ask local businesses, for example, if they'd donate prizes and cover the cost of printing posters, banners and so on.
If you are under 18, please check with your parents or guardians that it's ok for you to take part in a fundraising event.
Advertise your fundraising activity. Tell everyone in your neighbourhood, social club, gym, office, etc. Remember, word of mouth is always one of the most successful forms of promotion, but you can also put notices in your staff or social group newsletter.
Contact local newspapers, radio and TV stations and ask them for publicity. Ask them to also include your contact details in case readers or listeners wish to sponsor you. Perhaps you could get a local celebrity to come along to your event, which could help with its promotion.
Invite everyone you know! The more people you involve, the more money you will raise for our research. So invite friends, family, colleagues, neighbours and business contacts. Make a list and ask for suggestions – you will be surprised at the number.
Put your most generous sponsor at the top of your form. Hopefully others will follow suit.
Ask your sponsors to Gift Aid it – this means we get an extra £28 for every £100 you raise, for free. Ask us for further details.
Ask your employer if they operate a matched-giving scheme. If they do, they will be able to match £ for £ on the money you raise.
Keep a record of everyone who has supported you. This is good practice but also helps you keep track of who you need to thank.
