Fundraising – Individuals

Need some inspiration?

If you are looking for inspiration for your fundraising event or activity here are some ideas. If you need help or advice you can contact our events team. Don’t forget you can set up a fundraising page and use our tools to help you fundraise.

Give it up

We all have our guilty pleasures or things that we know are bad for us. Set yourself a target to give something up for a period and raise funds for us! If you give up something that costs money, such as food or drink, then you can donate the money you saved. If you pick something that is a real personal challenge and shows determination then ask people to support you through donations.

Give it a go

Set your yourself a target for an activity you could take up for a set amount of time and ask people to sponsor you. For example you could choose to walk, run or do yoga every day for a month. If that’s not your thing how about cooking/baking or dancing/singing? It’s up to you. Choose something you want to try, set your target and tell everybody about your plans so you can start raising money.

Personal Challenge

Challenge yourself! Sign up to one of the many events such as obstacle courses, fun runs or long distance events which are available. All are great personal challenges and help to attract donations. You could also come up with your own challenge, perhaps an abseil, an eating competition, or a skydive!

Make a day of it

Check out your calendar for dates of importance or awareness days and celebrate that special day by raising money. This might involve a dress down or a fancy dress day in your office or activities or themes that celebrate national or international days of importance.

Weird and Wacky

Here are some suggestions that are a little different – sponsored head or beard shave, waxing, dunk tank, pie throwing, arm wrestling, back to front day, limbo competition or a mini leap frogging marathon.

Feel good fundraising

Fund raising doesn’t always have to involve something crazy or challenging. It can also be a time to do something for yourself. You could have a ‘Big Night In’ with food and games and donate the cash that you would usually spend on a night out. Hold a pamper evening or yoga class and ask participants to donate the price of the experience.

Matched giving

Whether you are raising money in the office or outside of work, ask your employer about matched giving. Lots of our fundraisers have doubled the amount raised through matched giving by their employer so do not be afraid to ask.

Visit our justgiving page

Your event or activity will be a real success and a little planning can make all the difference. Here is a checklist of things to consider:

1. Select your event or activity, venue, date and time
2. Choose what materials or resources you need through our fundraising toolkit. Don’t forget to enlist people to help you
3. Set and follow a budget
4. Create your fundraising page and circulate it to possible supporters. You can find a printable sponsorship form in our fundraising tools section
5. Advertise your event or activity/invite guests
6. Thank everyone who attended or donated and make sure any additional offline funds are sent to us

Make sure everyone knows about your fundraising plans

The more people who know about your event or activity, the more you are likely to fundraise. As well as personal invitations and word of mouth, digital and social media are great ways of spreading the word.

Read our social media guidelines

There are some legal and safety issues to think about when fund raising. You may find this information published by the Government, the Fundraising Regulator and the Institute of Fundraising helpful.

Some examples are listed here and we are happy to help as far as we can but it is down to you to ensure that you are compliant.

Use of our Logo

You can download our Hospices of Hope logo from our fundraising tool kit. Please be aware that you must only use our “in aid of’ logos available from our toolkit. If you are unsure, please contact us.

Our Relationship with You

We cannot accept liability for any loss, damage or injury suffered by you or anyone else as a result of taking part in a fundraising event that is not directly organised by our staff.

Flyers

Certain activities e.g. giving out flyers, may require a special licence from your local council or governing authority.

Raffles, Lotteries, Prize Draws, Race Nights, Casino Nights etc

All of these are popular ways of fund raising but there are some important rules about how they are run which are on the Gambling Commission’s website. A licence may be needed.

Insurance

Check that the venue and equipment you will be using are covered by insurance. If not. you may need public liability cover as you will be responsible as the organiser of the event for any claims made by third parties.

Catering and Food Hygiene

Please ensure that you prepare, handle, cook, store and display food safely. Please cont.act your local council for food hygiene regulations or see www.food.gov.uk. If you are using a caterer, the caterer will need a food hygiene certificate and public liability insurance.

Licences

If you are selling alcohol at your event you may need a licence if your chosen venue does not already have one. You can apply for a temporary licence. A licence may also be needed if you have live or recorded music, dancing, a film or play or an indoor sporting event. More information is available here.

Lights … Camera … Action

If you are taking photos or videos, ensure that you have consent to use these. Be particularly careful if children are attending.

Data Protection

Please make sure you do not keep personal information any longer than you have to and do not share details without permission .

Collections

Public collections need a licence from the local authority and collections on private premises may require the consent of the owner .

Safeguarding

If children and/or vulnerable adults will be attending the event or activity ensure that safeguarding issues are addressed.

Finances

Consider how to handle cash safely – for example by using a secure box or collecting bucket. Have regard to your safety when transporting cash. Do you have a secure place to keep any money collected and can you transport it safely from the event?

Health and Safety

Please think about health and safety if you are holding an event. Carry out a risk assessment. Do you have a first aider? Have you identified any potential risks or fire hazards? Don’t forget to follow all social distancing rules and government guidelines on COVID-19 and ;inv other ootential threats.