Top fundraising tips

What can I do?

• choose an event that you and your friends will enjoy doing, and take into account the resources available to you 
• think about fundraising ideas that will increase the total you raise, such as raffles or auctions 
• be innovative – try and give people something fun and original for their money 

Timing is everything

• think about the best time to hold your event; this will obviously depend on what type of event you are planning 
• check the calendar for any clashes 
• make sure you choose a date which allows you plenty of time to prepare  

Location, location, location

• pick a suitable venue for your event. It should be the right size for the number of people coming and have the correct facilities e.g. disabled access and parking
• make sure it is easily accessible by public transport and by road
• keep your costs down: think about any venues you know which will be free, or let the venue owners know that you are raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity and they may charge you less for hiring the building

 Plan your way to success

• think about how much help you will need and enlist your friends, family or colleagues
• allocate specific jobs to your helpers in advance 
• write a checklist of all the things that need to be done and draw up a timeline; use these together to plan the run up to your fundraising event
• always have a back up plan to cover every eventuality, and remember to book your venue early

 Money, money, money

• aim to raise at least 3 times as much as you spend. Keep expenses to a minimum and try to get items or services donated
• if you are spending money, discuss this with us and keep all your receipts. By keeping a record of money spent and received, you will have an idea of how the event is going as well as who you need to thank

Maximise your fundraising

 Sponsored events

• the more people you ask, the more donations you’ll get!  Remember to take your sponsorship form wherever you go
• use facts about the charity to motivate people to give generously
• have your biggest sponsor at the top of your form to encourage people to pledge more
• try to approach people after pay day
• go to www.justgiving.com to set up your own sponsorship page

 Matched Giving

• some employers generously offer to match any money raised for charity by their staff – find out if you or any of your helpers could double your total through a matched giving scheme at their work

 Gift Aid

• the Gift Aid scheme allows us to claim back the tax paid on donations made by individuals.  You can increase the money you raise by simply getting people to fill in a Gift Aid Declaration form (PDF) or ticking the box on your sponsorship form
• remember that gift aid can only be claimed on sponsorship and donations; please see the fundraising guidelines for more information

 Get the word out

• invite friends, family, colleagues, neighbours and even business contacts to get involved
• advertise in any local clubs or associations you are involved with.
• promote your event through posters and leaflets in your local area.
• contact your local press, radio or television with a press release.

Keep it safe and legal

• no matter what type of event you are planning, there will be legal and safety issues that you will need to consider; make sure you read our fundraising guidelines

Finally, aim high!

• make sure your fundraising goal is achievable but set your sights high. Stay focused on your target amount, and consider it a challenge