Community fundraising

Event fundraising
Events require good planning and the input of committed staff or volunteers and resources. Think about the kind of events that would be most appropriate to your target group and how much money would be required to organise the event.

Examples of community fundraising activities:

  • Coffee mornings and other social events
  • Craft fairs
  • Sales of art or work
  • Fashion shows
  • A ball
  • Discos
  • Picnics and family outings
  • Auctions

Remember to utilize Gift Aid for any money raised during these events; it can for example be applied to charitable auctions. Gift Aid cannot be claimed on the full price paid for the auctioned item, though if the market value of the item for auction is known, the difference between the market value of the item and the amount paid by the donor can be treated as a donation and is therefore eligible for Gift Aid.

Useful resources:

Sponsored and challenge events

  • Many runs and events take place all around the UK and participants are welcome to raise funds for any charity in the process.
  • Individuals can take part in a trek or cycle ride overseas; the participants usually pay their own costs and asking friends and family for sponsorship.
  • Are you aware of any local or national events that donors would like to raise money for?
  • Voluntary and community organisations arranging their own events need to consider their potential liability if anything goes wrong and make sure that a full risk assessment is conducted.
  • If the voluntary and community organisation is organising a sponsored event, check that the event meets health and safety regulations and does not impact adversely on the local environment.
  • Remember to include a Gift Aid statement and ‘tick box’ on your fundraising forms so that donors have the option to Gift Aid their sponsorship money.

Dinners and entertainment
Fundraising events often take the form of formal dinners where individuals or companies buy tickets to attend. Other fundraising activities can be incorporated into the entertainment for these events, such as a raffle or auction.

Good practice when planning events:

  • Contact the local authority to check whether a licence is required.
  • Ensure volunteers and staff attending the event are fully briefed.
  • Ensure the venue complies with health and safety regulations and is accessible for all.

Consider preparing Gift Aid authorisation forms for your guests to ensure that they are able to Gift Aid their donations at the events. Try not to ask for people to drop coins into buckets, as an alternative, why not provide envelopes on each chair or seat so that donors can provide their authorization for Gift Aid.

Local schools and youth groups
Local schools and youth groups can be a source of committed and energetic volunteers. They might be able to help by organising an event to raise money and awareness.

Good practice when working with young people:

  • Seek permission of the head teacher first.
  • Bear in mind the ages and capabilities of the young people when designing fundraising activities.
  • Ensure that activities are safe and legal.
  • Remember to include a Gift Aid statement and ‘tick box’ on your fundraising forms so that donors have the option to Gift Aid their sponsorship money.

Clubs and associations
Local community groups such as Rotary Clubs often raise funds for charity. Good practice when working with clubs and associations:

  • Be clear about the level of support that the voluntary and community organisation can give to the group.
  • The organisation’s liability for the event may depend upon the level of support given, e.g. if the event was held on the organisation’s premises rather than that of the supporting club or association.
  • Thank the group for their efforts and offer recognition.