Fundraising Dos and Don’ts

Do:

Prepare well. Develop a plan of action, showing what needs to be done, by when and by whom.
Draw up a budget and stick to it. Costs should not usually exceed 30% of the planned return.
Make a list of your fundraising sources: friends, family, work, local schools, pubs, clubs…
Try to get your event sponsored by a local business or source free items from colleagues.
Advertise your event as much as possible.
Write a press release. Contact local radio and press and post on notice boards in supermarkets etc.
Maximise your fundraising! If you’re hosting a barbeque, why not hold a raffle at it also?
Be passionate about you cause. Be willing to speak to anyone and everyone about your cause.
Say thank you to everybody who gives you their time, whether it be helping you in your event or donating.
Give yourself plenty of time to plan your event.
Write a blog about your fundraising events and we’ll put it up on our website.

Over-estimate your fundraising target or the support you’ll receive for your event.
Rely too much on family and friends.
Under-estimate the potential of tried and trusted local events.
Lose sight of your target.
Do door-to-door collections.
Be afraid to ask people to donate—you may be surprised at people’s generosity when given a little nudge!
Forget to have fun!