Here, we've shared our top tips for fundraising success. This will help you think through some of the basics of planning and promoting your event.
The what, when and where
Once you’ve decided on the type of event you want to run, think through:
- When are you going to do it? Give yourself enough time to organise everything and make sure it doesn’t clash with other things that are going on that same day.
- Where are you doing to do it? Think about what your event needs to succeed and plan the location accordingly. For example, if you’re selling alcohol, you’ll need a license.
- What’s the budget? No event will be completely free to run (unless you’re very creative!) so make sure you’ve thought this through carefully and can cover your costs or get what you need donated.
Have a goal
Set yourself a fundraising target and decide how much you want to raise, and when you want to raise it by. A great way to motivate your supporters is to demonstrate how their donation helps. For example, you could tell them that £4.49 pays for us to help a young person via the Ask Brook helpline. Have a read of why fundraise for Brook? for more ideas to help you make your case.
Make it easy to support you
Setting up an online fundraising page is both a great way to share your goal – and reach it. It’s also the easiest way to raise money, because you don't have to handle any cash and the money comes straight to us, so we can put it to good work immediately.
Online fundraising also makes it really easy to collect Gift Aid, which adds 25p on for every pound you raise, with no cost to you.
Brook is registered on a number of giving sites including JustGiving and BT MyDonate.
If you're collecting cash please read our advice on paying your money in.
Shout about it
Promotion is key to getting the support you need and without it, your event is unlikely to go with a bang.
- Send an email or text round to friends, family and acquaintances to let them know about the event, why you're supporting Brook and how they can get involved or donate! Make it personal and they're more likely to be motivated to help.
- Facebook and Twitter are perfect for shouting about what you're doing – make sure you link to your fundraising page on Facebook and Twitter and remember to keep everyone updated with your plans.
- Contact us at supportbrook@brook.org.uk to let us know what you’re planning! We’d be proud to give you a shout out on social media or via our newsletter.
- Let your colleagues or fellow students know – send a friendly email round or put up a poster in a communal area, don't be scared to ask for support. We can send you a poster template to help.
- Ask people to share what you are doing with their friends. Emails, retweets or 'likes' all help spread the word!
- Take pictures! Doing a run or challenge? Get a shot of you lyrca'd up! Planning a bake sale? Some tempting cake shots are definitely in order. Photos will remind people what you're up to.
- Free advertising is easier than you think! If you are planning a local event, get nearby shops, hairdressers and pubs to put up a notice or even ask your local paper to feature your fundraising.
- Be loud and proud about what you’re doing. Carry a sponsorship form with you everywhere, invite everyone you meet, write to companies or organisations and ask for support – explore every opportunity.
×
