Some suggestions on raising money for RNIB with the minimum of fuss.
Top ten ideas for successful fundraising
1. Fixed a date?
Now work back to make sure you get everything organised in time!
2. No more paper sponsorship forms!
Setting up a personal fundraising page is easy to do. Simply create a page using the Justgiving website. Your guests can log-in and donate by credit or debit card, 24 hours a day. Plus online donations from UK taxpayers collect a 25 per cent bonus via Gift Aid.
3. Share your reasons
If you have a personal reason for supporting RNIB, share it with your supporters and the local press.
4. Don't forget Gift Aid
Please ask your supporters to Gift Aid their donation, so that RNIB can claim 25p for every £1 donated from the tax man. It won't cost them extra - we just need their home address and postcode.
5. Join an existing event
Look for an existing event that you can attach a fundraising angle to. Add a ticket raffle, tombola or maybe an auction to an event where you know there will be plenty of people.
6. Involve your friends
Get a group of four or five people together to help organise the event. Give each person key areas to organise such as catering, printing tickets, promoting the event, booking venues and entertainment, getting volunteers to help out on the day.
7. Organising a sponsored event?
Get friends and family to write their amount on the sponsorship form first - they tend to be the most generous and set the standard for everyone who sees it next.
8. Find out about matched giving
If your employer is in a matched giving scheme ask them to equal the amount you have raised.
9. Spread the word using your social networks
Tell all your friends, family and colleagues about your fundraising activities via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and any other social networks you are part of. Remember to keep people updated on progress and share photos or videos of the day.
10. Say thank you
Make sure you say a big thank you to everyone who supports you!
Getting started
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Fancy dress parties
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Guess how many sweets
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Balloon races
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Karaoke nights
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Guess the baby competition
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Sweepstakes
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Sponsored walks or runs
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Themed dinner dances
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Ten pin bowling
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Donate old mobile phones and inkjet cartridges
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Fashion shows
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Book sales
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Coffee mornings
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Quiz nights
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Open gardens
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Make and sell cookery books
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Board game evenings
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Duck races
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5-a-side football tournaments
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Treasure hunt
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Cheese and wine
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Sponsored challenges - shave your head, beard or eyebrows!
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Cake sale
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Car boot sale
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Fun runs
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Auctions
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Darts evening
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Exhibitions
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Long distance walk
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Wine tasting
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Jumble sale
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Sunflower growing competition
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Dance or ball
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Car washing
Fundraising checklist
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What costs are involved with the event? Are you sure you will raise more money than you will spend? Have you got written confirmation of any agreed costs associated with your event?
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Have you checked that the date and time of the event does not clash with any other local events or major televised sporting events?
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Do you know who you will sell your event to, and is there enough time to reach them?
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Have you got enough volunteers to staff the event?
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Do you need any special licence, insurance, council permission etc.? If in doubt, contact us on 0845 345 0054 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or fundraising@rnib.org.uk
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Have you made sure that the event is branded so that supporters are aware of what they are raising money for?
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Is there a safe and secure place for any money to be stored during your event?
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Don't forget to thank everyone who helped you. Make sure they know how grateful we are for their support and tell them how much they helped you raise.
Fundraising information and contacts
For help and advice call our Fundraising enquiry line on 0845 345 0054 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or email fundraising@rnib.org.uk.
Advertising
Don't rely on word of mouth! We can help you with posters and leaflets to advertise your event. Make sure as many people as possible know about your event so tell your local newspaper and radio all about it.
Branding
Contact us for help with posters, leaflets, badges, sponsor forms, collecting tins, t-shirts, etc.
RNIB Campaigns
Find out about RNIB's campaigns and see if you can time your event when there might be information about our work in the media. We want people to open their eyes to the fact that over 50 per cent of sight loss is preventable if caught in time. RNIB is campaigning to eliminate preventable sight loss by the year 2020 and your support will help.
Contacting the media
We can help with press releases, information about RNIB and images. Don't forget to tell us if your event is likely to be of interest to the national or regional media.
Finally, what to do with the money
When you are ready to bank the money you have raised please contact us. We will advise you on what you need to do - and most importantly we will be able to thank you.
Legal advice
If you are planning a collection in a public place or door-to-door, you must have the correct permits completed, which are supplied by your local authority.
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Public raffles involve laws and regulations. If you would like to hold a public raffle, please speak to us first.
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If you are planning to sell tickets to the public for an event involving performing or dancing, you will need to get a Public Entertainments Licence. Please contact your local RNIB fundraiser for advice.
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If your event is taking place on private property, please make sure that the owner/manager has given their permission. It is best to get their permission in writing.
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RNIB cannot take responsibility for personal safety, loss or damage to goods at individuals' fundraising events.
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If there is any element of your fundraising plans you're not sure about, please call us first so we can give you all the advice you need to make it successful, legal and fun.
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Our Fundraising Enquiries Team can be reached on 0845 345 0054 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or fundraising@rnib.org.uk