1. Make a fundraising plan
Make a list of all your fundraising ideas, including how much each will raise, and when you plan to do them. Think about any opportunities you might have through work, friends and family and any clubs you belong to. Be sure to keep it realistic! Tell everyone how much you plan to raise. It’s really inspiring!
2. Find a fundraising partner
It’s easier to fundraise with someone else, so work with your team mates or encourage a friend or colleague to join you and fundraise together - anyone willing to help will be a huge asset. You’ll have someone to brainstorm ideas with, share your fundraising with and motivate you to keep going, as well as having more contacts to reach out to.
3. Create an online sponsorship page
The easiest way to start fundraising is to set up an online sponsorship page. Go to www.justgiving.com/care to set up your page and send it to everyone you know, including friends, family, and corporate contacts. Add the link to your page to your email signature and Facebook page to keep reminding people to sponsor you.
4. Write a launch email
The best way to start your fundraising is to write an engaging email to everyone you know to encourage them to sponsor you. Write something personal, whether it’s the fact that you have never done something like this before, or what inspired you to support CARE International. The best time to send this is just after pay day. Click here for a list of inspiring examples of CARE’s work and see how donations from £5 can make a difference.
5. Enlist the support of senior managers
The chances are if you get your boss on board, your whole company will get behind you and support your fundraising, be it dress down days or a raffle at your work Christmas party. They might also have some great contacts for corporate sponsorship.
6. Check your company policy
Many companies support their employees' fundraising efforts with either a donation or matched giving. Make sure you check as a priority.
7. Approach suppliers and corporate contacts
Your company deals with other businesses every day of the working week so use these relationships to your advantage. Ask them for support in your event preparations whether it's fundraising, gifts in kind, raffle prizes. Check with your manager before asking.
8. Organise fundraising events
A great way of fundraising is to organise an event, whether it's a pub quiz or a dinner party. You and your supporters will have a great night out, and you’ll raise funds towards your target. When you sign up we’ll give you details of tried and tested fundraising ideas that have been popular and successful for previous CARE fundraisers, and ways to maximize fundraising during your event.
9. Publicise your event
Approach your local newspaper, radio or trade magazines by sending them a press release (don't forget to add your justgiving link at the end). If you would like assistance with media coverage, please call 020 7091 6111 and ask to speak to our PR and Communications Executive.
10. Collect small change
Every penny counts! So make sure you're collecting them; at work, at home, at the gym and at the pub with a CARE collection tin.
Call us on 020 7091 6111 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and we’ll help you get started.
