How to raise funds
Easy ways to get started fundraising
The best way to raise funds is to make it fun. So, you might like to look at ways of involving your interests and hobbies or long-term goals. Maybe you’ve always wanted to go white-water rafting? Or skydiving? How about a cycling trip or sponsored walk? Why not get your family, friends and work colleagues to join in with you?
There’s always something you can do
At home
A raffle, a barbecue, cheese and wine party, garage sale, video night, coffee morning or card sale.
Out and about
A sponsored run, walk or cycle ride, raffle, car-boot or jumble sale, a treasure hunt, dog-walking for friends, a tennis or sporting tournament, adult and child sports day, paint-balling weekend, street-party, stall at your local fete or supermarket collection.
A night out
Try a pub-quiz night or karaoke evening, darts, billiards or pool competition, a raffle, talent contest, summer ball, pub-crawl and collection or a fancy dress party/ competition.
At work
Set up a swear-box, a staff sports day, dress down day, a raffle or prize draw or a cake sale
At school
A lunchtime ‘tuck’ shop, sponsored aerobics or disco, sponsored silence or art exhibition with pupils paintings being auctioned off.
Top ten tips – for fun and effective fundraising
1. Plan, plan and plan again
Make a thorough plan for your event, including what you’ll be doing, the venue, number of volunteers, any necessary permits or local authority approval and above all a budget. You’ll also need to let us know exactly what you’re planning to do before the event.
2. Have the facts at your fingertips
If you expect people to raise money for your cause, you must be expected to know exactly what will happen to the funds that they raise. Be sure that you have a clear idea of just how the funds you help raise will be used in Women for Women’s work. People will ask you so you’ll need a clear, detailed answer.
3. Set up online sponsorship
Setting up your own sponsorship web page helps you to achieve your fundraising target by reaching friends and family anywhere in the world, without even leaving your desk!
If you would like to set your own personal fundraising page click here now http://www.justgiving.com/wfwa/donate/
4. Ask everyone and anyone to help
Make a list of everybody you know – not just people you think are most likely to contribute – friends, family, colleagues and social contacts – everyone and anyone, the more the merrier.
You’ll be surprised how many people you know, and they can’t say yes unless you ask them!
Remember, be sure to give colleagues, friends and family sponsorship forms, and ask them to use their contacts to raise money on your behalf.
5. Make yourself known
Get in touch with local newspapers, radio stations and television programmes to let them know what you’re doing. You could even consider asking a celebrity to endorse your event.
6. Something special
Christmas, birthdays, and other special occasions offer fantastic opportunities to boost your fundraising. Chat to people at your office party, enclose details of your event in a Christmas card to friends and family, or even ask for donations instead of a birthday present.
7. Keeping track
Don’t forget to keep track of all your income and expenditure. You’ll need to send your records in to us after your event in accordance with the Charities Act.
8. Stay in touch
It helps to keep in contact with people who have sponsored you. You could send an email or newsletter about your progress and a picture or a thank you letter after the event to thank them for their pledges. This will help engage supporters and make them feel that they are part of your team.
10. Be safe for everyone’s sake
Remember, it’s up to you to ensure that everyone’s safe while they are fundraising. Make sure that all children are safe and that you do not allow them to collect money alone or without an adult.
With adventure activities, like abseiling, parachuting, white water rafting or any other hazardous event, particular care should be taken.
