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Fundraising

There are lots of ways that you can raise finds without having to rely on family and friends for individual sponsorship. Remember, a significant part of your challenge is to raise funds for charity! With a positive attitude, planning and preparation and a spoonful of determination we assure you that raising the funds is very achievable – most people find raising the money fun and quite often exceed the sponsorship target.

Once you have registered for your challenge, your chosen charity will be in contact with you to discuss your fundraising and also be able to provide you with fundraising materials such as sponsorship forms, t shirts, collecting tins, etc. Remember, they are the experts so please do keep in regular contact with them to let them know about your efforts.

In addition to receiving your fundraising pack from the charity, we’ll also send you some hot tips and ideas that have worked extremely well for our previous participants. Check out some of the ideas below:

'On your bike' for charity!

'On your bike' for charity!

Intrepid trekkers

Intrepid trekkers

'Cheers!'

'Cheers!'

  • RaisingFunding.co.uk: Everyone is involved in raising funds at some time; this site gives clear information about the regulations, the pitfalls and offers some great fundraising ideas.
  • “FUNDEO” have a huge variety of games and fundraising ideas that will enable you to quickly reach your target! When ordering your pack, please quote referral code “GAC11″ to receive your discount!
  • It is a good idea to try to combine more than one fundraising idea at one event. For example, hold a raffle during your Karaoke night, or shave your head for a local pub-crawl. Remember – original ideas create interest!
  • Why not arrange a race night in aid of your chosen Charity. Remember – it is best to treat this primarily as a social event, encourage as many as possible to attend and the rest will take care of itself.
  • Try to persuade local pubs, businesses, restaurants and theatres to donate prizes, or ask local stores to allow you to collect or pack shopping bags with friends and family.
  • It is certainly a good idea to take your sponsorship forms wherever you go – you never know who might be willing to sponsor you!
  • Approach organisations such as local youth clubs, Women’s Institutes, Rotary Clubs and Lions Clubs to see if they can help you.
  • Press releases to local newspapers not only advertise the fundraising events you are holding for the Challenge, but also create more interest from local individuals and businesses who may be willing to donate prizes or help through sponsorship.
  • Try approaching local banks, libraries, shops and schools. They may be willing to gather sponsorship money for you. You could do a presentation to them about your challenge and gain more support.

Where you work

  • Find out if your Company has a newsletter or magazine that could circulate an article about the Challenge and the events that you are holding to fundraise for it.
  • Advertise on your staff notice board. If your Company has an e-mail or internet facility find out if you will be able to use it to help spread the word about the event you are taking part in.
  • Approach your Company and see if they will actually sponsor you for the event. Ask them if they will donate a pound for every pound that you raise, helping you to double your total! Some Companies match your sponsorship meaning you may only have to raise half the amount.
  • Ask suppliers to your Company whether they may be willing to sponsor you on the Challenge. Remember – they rely on your Company for business and are often found to be a good contact and very supportive with sponsorship. Make sure that you ask your employer first before contacting people – check this is not against Company policy.

Local Media Coverage

  • Talk to local newspapers to see if they would be willing to write a news story about you. Through this you can advertise your fundraising efforts and thank your Company Sponsors. If they take a picture you could wear a t-shirt bearing the Company Logos of those who are sponsoring you.
  • Approach your local radio station and try to persuade them to give you some air time. They could interview you to discuss the Challenge: a before and after story would be a really good idea and may create local interest.
  • Try to get yourself in as many newsletters as you can, through friends and family, clubs you may belong to – in fact any organisation that will help you to raise local interest about what you are doing and increase your potential for sponsorship.