Hello lovely fundraisers!
We’re mixing it up in the ICS office this week and bringing you our first themed blog. So, what better way to start than with Planning.
Coming up with a plan for your ICS fundraising is key to make sure you’re going to be successful and have a good time whilst doing it.
Without further ado, here are our 9 Top Tips:
1. Get others involved - you don’t have to shoulder your fundraising all by yourself. Start thinking about who you can get involved in your fundraising and any connections you may have. Even if it’s just catching up with someone who has fundraised before over a brew to get some good advice. Check out this video we made to help you.
2. Get organised – get a diary, a wall planner, make checklists, put in reminders into your phone. Whether it be old-school paper lists, or writing stuff on your iPhone, it is crucial you have tools to help you feel on top of things.
3. Do your research – it’s important to make sure what you know what you are doing! Your event or activity needs a purpose and most importantly you need to know if it is legal. You can look up legalities for your activities by clicking here.
4. Set yourself goals – when breaking down your plan, set yourself mini goals and targets of what you want to raise as this will make it much more manageable.
5. Timings and deadlines – you need to have a timescale for each one. How long will it take to organise? When are you going to do it? Is it planned before your 50% or 100% deadline? If you spread them out over the course of your fundraising you’ll be chipping away at your target and on the road to success in no time.
6. Budget – it’s super important that your fundraising events or activities have minimal costs involved. We do not want you forking out your own personal money to raise funds – there are plenty of things you can do that doesn’t cost anything. Use the letter of authority as a way to get raffle prizes from local shops and businesses, to try and get the stall fee waivered at a car boot and to encourage people to donate. Not sure where the letter is? Don’t worry, just ask your Fundraising Support Officer and they can guide you.
7. Figure out your audience – who do you want your activity to appeal to? Think about their needs and what they will enjoy.
8. Locate a venue or space – whatever you decide to do, you need to have somewhere to host it. To keep costs low do it at home or a friend’s house, contact a community centre or church hall or do something in a local pub.
9. Practice makes perfect – whatever activity or event you are doing it’s a good idea to make sure you are prepared. If it’s a bake sale, or a dinner party you’re doing try to make sure you have had a go at making it at least once before the big day.
So there you have it! Plans are sorted and you’re good to go. Don’t forget to have fun and enjoy your fundraising too! Also, if you take any photos we’d love to see what you get up to. As always, remember to get in touch with your Fundraising Support Officer if you need help with anything.
