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Fund raising ideas
FUND RAISING TIPS and IDEAS
There are many ways of fund raising whether at National or local level; I hope that the following will help your branch in planning future fund raising events.
o If you are fund raising on a National level then you must always use the above logo with the charity no 279359.
o If you are fund raising locally for local charities then you must state that you are collecting for your local charity under the banner of the Coastguard Association.
o A charity fund raiser is a great way of letting the public know about the Coastguard Association or your local branch, while at the same time enjoying the challenges and the rewards of assisting those less fortunate than ourselves.
o Planning is crucial. Events don’t just happen by chance. They should be meticulously planned, well in advance. Give yourself plenty of time.
o It is important to come up with good ideas and I urge every fundraiser to come up with novel and unusual or dramatic concepts, which will capture the public’s imagination and generate media interest.
o Publicity too has to be considered, flyers and posters help to raise your profile as does keeping the local press up to date. Coastline and our website are there for your use for forthcoming events.
o Local businesses that will often want to be associated with charitable events and can provide not only financial backing but also support in kind. Goods can be used as raffle prizes or at car boot sales.
o The need to work closely with your selected charity is underlined. Official charities will provide fundraisers with authorisation, details of national campaigns and advice about where money raised can be used.
o Always remember to keep things official and adhere to regulations in areas such as street collections, contact your local council.
o Bike rides and sponsored walks always remember to contact the Police who will provide you with a booklet on the do’s and don’ts.
o Finally local causes seem to do best – a case of charity beginning at home, perhaps; and it is only good manners and sense, to formally thank all your supporters and helpers. You may be returning to them at a later date.
Ideas
o Non Uniform Day - Give a donation to attend school / college in your own clothes.
o Job Swaps - We all feel at times we can do better than the boss can. Auction the MD's / Head of Department's / Cleaner's job for an afternoon.
o Fancy Dress - Pay to come to work in fancy dress. (H&S permitting)
o Guess the Baby competition - photos of the staff / colleagues as babies.
o Fashion Show
o Concert / Play / Musical Evening
o Trivia Quiz - Pop / Sport / General Knowledge / etc.
o Fete
o Car Boot Sale
o It's a Knock Out
o Sponsored Silence
o Sponsored Haircut
o Five / seven a side football / rugby / hockey / etc.
o Sponsored Walk
The Way Ahead
Once you have chosen your event there are many areas that you must cover to make it a success.
The keyword is PLANNING - allow plenty of time to look at the various aspects of the challenge that lies before you.
o Discuss with friends, colleagues, and management how easily the event can be organised.
o Do we have the people to make all parts of the project run smoothly?
o Will the event cost us anything to get off the ground?
o Arrange a date.
o What resources do we need?
o How do we publicise the event?
o What can go wrong?
o Can we get a celebrity?
Publicising the event
Your event must be well publicised if it is to be a success.
At work:
o Work notice boards
o Company magazine
o Announced at briefings
o Word of mouth
At home:
o Leaflets to families
o Leaflets to local suppliers
o Announced on local radio
o Advertisement in local paper
o Notices placed in public places in the community, for example, surgeries, libraries, local shops
The media
If you are able to get the support of your local Radio and TV station your event's profile is taken onto another level. You will find it invaluable when approaching people in the local business community. If they think that they might be able to get some good (and cheap) local PR, they are more likely to help.
The person to get in touch with in the local paper is the news editor. If you know a reporter use the personal contact as this always works better than the cold contact. Find out the paper's deadlines for copy and photographs. They must always know:
o What the event is
o Who is involved?
o Why the event is taking place
o When, where and what time?
o Contact name for further information
When you are planning your event, always try and think like a newspaper reporter. Think what is newsworthy. Try to create a publicity stunt / have a local dignitary / local celebrity / and always have a photo opportunity.
Handy hints when seeking sponsors
o Set your sponsorship target - aim high!
o Seek help from your friends - network, friends of friends - you will collect more than you thought possible, but you need to work at it.
o Think about organising small events, a coffee morning, disco, jumble sale or a car boot sale - whatever you feel comfortable with. The only limit is your imagination!
o Start your sponsorship early - well in advance of the event.
o When you approach people for sponsorship, ask them if they would mind giving you the money NOW - offer a receipt (we can provide you with a book if you need it). It is easier to give money back should you have to pull out of the event, as opposed to trying to collect after the event - people lose interest quickly, and often find excuses for not giving you the money.
o Always maintain a record of your sponsors and ensure that your list reflects those who have paid and those who have still to give you their contribution.
o If you belong to a club or association, get them involved as a sponsor, either by organising a fundraising event, or by 'matching' the funds you raise.
o Ask local companies or firms to sponsor you in return for wearing their logo on your T-shirt.
Sponsorship ideas that have worked
o Approach companies for corporate sponsorship (companies have donated between £100 and £350 for their logo on a shirt). Approach the Public Relations department or Community Development department
o Put a note through all your neighbours' doors telling them who you are and what the event is. On the note, put a time when you will come back to collect the money or pledge
o Get a friend or colleague to organise your fundraising while you train
o Get the press involved as much as possible. Try to get your photo or a story about your fundraising in the local paper as much as possible
o Do something different - pull a car along a stretch of road, get a Mohican haircut (if your boss allows it) etc.
o Organise a plush dinner with guest speakers
o Photocopy the sponsorship forms and pass them out to friends and family who live in different parts of the country
o Organise a raffle with prizes from local shops
o Do bucket collections round the local pubs and clubs (get permission from the owners first)
I wish you every success. Remember there are over 90,000 charities in the UK who are all looking at ways of getting the publics support.
I believe we do a great work for our colleagues, and we can continue to do so with your help and commitment to our charity the Coastguard Association.
