Fundraising for a charity you love, like The Urology Foundation, can be a rewarding experience. It requires grit, imagination and a whole heap of enthusiasm.
All it takes is a little planning and you'll be part of the fight against urology disease. Here are our top tips that we’ve learnt over the years that you might find useful and help make your fundraising a success.
Once you've chosen your fundraising idea it's time to start organising it. Decide how much money you want raise and how big you would like the event to be. If you're planning a big event ask for help from your friends, family and colleagues, you'll be surprised at how much they could help you achieve. Remember, we're here to help. Let us know what you're doing and we could provide some useful advice or resources you might need.
For more information on organising an event including issues such as safety, insurance and licences please visit:
https://www.theurologyfoundation.org/get-involved/fundraise/do-your-own-thing
Often the best fundraising idea is the simplest. Choosing something you already love doing, whether it's baking cakes or playing tennis, will also make it easier for you. To help keep it simple write out a checklist of all the things you need to do at each stage to keep you on track.
Give yourself enough time to organise everything and then set a date. Be aware of any major fundraising/sporting events in your area and plan around them so more people can support you.
It's cruicial to try and raise as much money as possible. Depending on what you're planning you may want to see if you can get a venue for free. Remember to consider disabled access and be prepared for all sorts of weather if your fundraising is to take place outside.
There are loads of ways to publicise your event and your enthusiasm is key. Contact your local radio station and newspaper, put posters up in your local area and at work. Use your social networks too to help get the word out. You could start a Facebook group or a blog to keep everyone updated.
If you have a personal reason that's motivated you to support TUF and feel you can talk about it share your story with your supporters. It will help people understand why this is important and bring your fundraising to life.
To maximise your fundraising create an online fundraising page with JustGiving, or a similar platform, so your supporters can donate easily and securely. Ask your sponsors to tick the Gift Aid box as it allows us to claim at least 25p from the government for every £1 donated. Find out whether your workplace has a matched giving scheme - many employers are happy to double the amount of money their staff raise for charity meaning you can help even more people with a urological disease.
When the big day arrives make sure you enjoy yourself. You have worked so hard and if you have a good time so will your supporters.
Don't forget to let your supporters know how much they have helped you raised. Your efforts and their support will make a massive difference in the fight against urology disease. You could share the thank you letter we will send you or create your own personal email or video.
Remember to pay in your money promptly. You can use our Collecting Money form to send in your money. We would love to see photos and videos of your fundraising. Share them on our Facebook page or email them to fundraising@theurologyfoundation.org
