top fundraising tips

So you've decided to organise your own event - what next? 

Planning your event

Choose the date, time and venue carefully... 
... you need to make sure the people you hope to attend will be able to come! Think about other events that might be happening at the same time, like a local gala or big football match, and try to avoid a clash.

Choose a venue that's the right size and has the right facilities for your event. Have a hunt around for the best deal!

Work out your budget  
Tot up the costs of your event and your potential income, including entry fees, individual and corporate sponsorship, donations and collections on the day, raffle tickets sales, auction donations, programme advertising and refreshment sales. People can be very generous, so try and get as much as you can free of charge.

Delegate tasks and organise resources  
Make a list of everyone you know and cross them off as you ask them for help. If you are planning a big event, make a list of all the tasks that need doing and make a note of who will carry out each one. Write down everything you will need on the day and in the lead up to the event. A timetable is always a good idea.

Sponsorship
Companies can help you with a donation, items for raffle prizes or publicity for your event. Your own employer may be willing to match what you raise, thereby doubling your grand total (it's tax deductable for them, and may be a good PR opportunity).

Make use of any internal communications such as a staff magazine, email, intranet and notice boards. Tell them about us and why we need their money.

Let us know  
Our community fundraising team is here to help you as much as possible. We have collection boxes, balloons, stickers, banners, sponsor forms, T-shirts and much more! Contact them on 01423 877210.

We can also provide advice on legal issues - remember that you may need to contact the local council or police about your event, and if you plan to collect in public, you may need a licence.

Publicity

You've organised your event, so now it's time to shout about it! There are many ways to let people know what you're doing. Here are just a few ideas...

Get in touch with your local paper or radio station
Newspapers love local stories about local people, and even if you don't think you are newsworthy, they might. If you need help, get in touch with our PR team who can give you advice or write a press release. Contact them on 01423 877210.

Distribute posters and fliers
This is a very cheap way of spreading the message. We can provide you with blank branded posters for you to write your own details on, or we can help by designing posters, tickets or fliers for you. You can also create your own right now. Remember to include our Registered Charity Number (516898) on any printed materials.

Word of mouth
Networking can work wonders when you're planning an event, so tell everyone you know. Why not offer to give a talk to local community groups?

On the day

There will be lots of things to think about on the day, so depending on the type of event you are holding, here are a few to get you started:

• Direction signs and marshals
• A safe place for keeping cash
• Parking and access
• Toilets
• Shelter, whether it rains or shines!
• First Aid
• Volunteers

Remember - the main thing is that everyone enjoys themselves!

Important information
It is very important that everyone involved in fundraising for us does so in a responsible and legal manner. We also ask that any monies raised in aid of Yorkshire Cancer Research are sent to us within three months of your event. Please note that there are legal requirements regarding certain events. If you are thinking about organising any of the following, please contact us on 01423 877210:

• Street collections
• House to house collections
• Alcohol sales
• Lotteries and raffles

Remember that if you encourage your donors/sponsors to Gift Aid their donation, we can claim back 25p of tax on every £1 they give. Find out how Gift Aid works. 

Cheques, postal orders or CAF vouchers can be sent to us at:
Yorkshire Cancer Research 39 East Parade, Harrogate, HG1 5LQ

or you can pay by MasterCard, Visa, Switch, Solo or Delta by calling 01423 877210.