Community fundraising top tips

Whether you are planning to organise a fun run, tea party, or hold a fashion show for Home-Start, read our top tips first

Choose a date and venue

Will you hold your activity at home, at the office, in the garden or somewhere a little different? Think about what time of the year is best and find out what else is going on in the local area.

Plan your theme

Why not plan a bike ride, a tea party or something completely original.

Set your fundraising target

Set your donation or entry fee for the event and plan some fundraising activities such as a tombolas, raffles and auctions to raise even more money. Think about any costs you may incur and make sure you stick to your budget.

Invite your guests

The more guests you have, the more you can raise for children. Email, phone and send out the details of your event to all your friends, family and colleagues.

Promote your event

Put up posters in your local area or contact local papers for coverage if you want even more people to join you.

Get some help

Contact your local shops, pubs and restaurants to donate items, prizes or display posters. Contact Home-Start UK for extra help and ideas. Ask friends, family and colleagues to help out, donate and get their ideas.

Collect donations from your guests

Ask your guests to complete a Gift Aid form for all donations they make to Home-Start. This will enable us to claim an extra 28 percent on every pound raised at no extra cost to you or the person making the donation. Set up your own just giving fundraising page and make it easy for your friends and family to make a donation.

Have fun and make it safe

The key to a great event, and successful fundraising, is to enjoy yourself. The more fun you have, the more your guests are likely to give! As well as having fun it is vital that in holding any event you protect yourself and others and are careful to safeguard children.