One way of raising money for us or effectively increasing your sponsorship money is by organising a fundraising event.
Getting Started:
Decide what sort of fundraising event you would like to organise Think about what you and your friends enjoy doing, expand on these ideas and decide how these activities can be turned into a fundraising event. Invite people with common interests and make the event as much fun as possible for everyone involved.
Stuck for an event idea? Click here for inspiration!
Once you have decided on your event contact the fundraising team at the MS Therapy Centre.
We will be able to provide you with advice, collecting tins and promotional material to help you make the most of your event.
Allow yourself plenty of time to plan the event. This is especially important if it involves selling tickets or securing sponsorship. Have a plan of action: who will do what, and when. Does the date clash with any other local event, or with anything that may make people reluctant to participate on the day – eg. a major (televised!) sporting event?
Involve the community Asking friends, family or colleagues to help is a great way to share the work and widen the impact of your event. You may want to set up a mini fundraising committee: people will feel more involved if you allocate them a particular role of responsibility according to their skills and knowledge. Ask local businesses to give money or goods to support your fundraising efforts, perhaps in exchange for a mention on your publicity material. You may want to approach local businesses for prizes, equipment or to donate their services for free; it will increase their local profile and show the community they care.
Draw up a budget Decide on a fundraising target. If you know what your expenses will be beforehand, then you can budget for these and still meet your target to help raise as much money as possible.
After the Event:
Thank everyone involved: participants, guests, anyone who gave their time to make it a success. Likewise, always thank anyone who has sponsored you.
Count the money! Two people should do this together, as soon after the event as possible. Keep a note of the total, and get someone to send a cheque made out to 'MS Therapy Centre' for that amount to:
West of England MS Therapy Centre, Units 40 - 42 Southfield Rd Trading Estate, Nailsea, Bristol BS48 1JE
Send some photos of people enjoying the event and quotes to fundraising@mstherapybristol.org.uk to use on our website and future fundraising material. You could be the star of our next newsletter!
Legalities
There are a few legal bits and pieces that you should be aware of when organising a fundraising event. Following these guidelines should ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Please contact a member of the Fundraising team before you organise any event. It helps us to know what you are planning, the location and the date. This is so that we can contact the relevant authorities and arrange any licenses for you if necessary.
We can provide you with a letter of authority. This states clearly that you are raising money on behalf of Penny Brohn Cancer Care and have our full support and permission.
In any promotional material where you mention West of England MS Therapy Centre it is the law that you must include our registered charity number 801155.
For any activity that involves an element of risk, be sure to take the necessary safety precautions. Have first aiders on hand on the day, and check whether any special insurance is needed. Make sure to consider health and safety legislation, contact your local council for more details.
Some fundraising events, such as raffles and prize draws, are subject to restrictions. Likewise, if you wish to use collecting tins you may need a permit. Having a tin at your event venue is not subject to regulations, but for street collections, door-to-door collecting and similar activities, you must have a permit from the local council. Please contact us if you are in any doubt.
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