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Fundraising

There are many ways that groups and organisations can raise 'free' money.  Raffles, jumble sales, sponsored activities, local appeals, the list is endless.   Sometimes when you are trying to raise relatively small amounts of money it could be better to choose the fundraising route rather than looking for grants. This may take less time than applying for grants and can have the added advantage of being fun to do.

Fundraising advice

Things to think about before you start fundraising are;

• The fundraising target - the amount needed to run all of the planned projects/ activities.  Create a Blue Peter style 'Totaliser' to keep track of the amount you have raised and how far you have to go

• Do you have the capacity for your fundraising activities? Think about ways of getting volunteers involved - contact your local Council for Voluntary Services or CVS, who can help to recruit volunteers and provide volunteer services for community groups. Details of local CVS's are available here

• Think about the initial expenses and materials you may need for example tickets, collection boxes, badges, prizes

• What about the future and an ongoing fundraising strategy?

Why do people give?

Try and think about why people will give to your cause, would you give money towards it yourself? If not, why not? Try and remember that not everyone will be as enthusiastic about the cause as you!

People will give money if they see it is for a worthwhile cause and sometimes if they have a personal link to the cause, so make sure there is something telling people about the group/ activity/ cause of the fundraising using pictures to catch attention.  People will also give money for something fun, or that they can get involved in - try to be as creative as you can.

Fundraising ideas

The following are some fundraising ideas to help you get started;

• Bring & Buy sale

- get people to donate unwanted gifts or items and sell them in a jumble sale

• Barbeque

- take the activities outside and organise a bbq, sell tickets for the event & tie in other activities or charge for the food

• Sponsored bike ride / walk

- get everyone involved, look for routes which can be suitable for all the family

• Cake sale

- sell cakes, biscuits or something a little unusual

• Coffee morning

- proceeds for the teas/ coffees and biscuits go towards your group or activities

• Concert

• Car wash

• Dress down/ theme day

• Drawing competition

• Duck race

- plastic ducks on a small stream or river, bets taken for the winning duck

• Guess how many sweets in a jar/ guess the name of a teddy

- always popular with the prize being the jar of sweets/ teddy

• Game shows/ quizes

- recreate a TV game show or do a quiz for £1 entry

• Keep-fitathon

• Masked ball

• Mile of £1 coins

• Raft race/ rowing competition

• Odd jobs

• Raffle

• Lucky dips

• Tombolas

• Sweepstakes

• Sponsored swim

• Sponsored silence

• Skittle Evening

• Talent Contest

• Treasure Hunt

• Tug of War

• Valentine’s Ball

• Victorian Evening

Don't forget that for some of these activities, you may need to work with other organisations such as the local police/ District Council and provide support services such as first aid for sporting activities.  You will need to be aware of health and safety issues, particularly if activities involve children.  The Home Office has produced a Good Practice Guide for small events and sporting events on the highway, on roads and in public places.  This can be downloaded here