CANCER SUPPORT IN & AROUND 

The simplest step you can take to kick off your fundraising journey is to set up an online fundraising page.

 

There are lots of websites that you can use, but we use JustGiving the most. Fundraising pages tend to work best for sporting events, as well as personal challenges (though sometimes you can’t beat old-fashioned sponsorship forms!). They could also be used to take ticket payments for an event or make donations in lieu for people who aren’t able to attend.

 

Fundraise page top tips:

• Upload a photo! Pages with a photo tend to raise 15% more.

• Set a high target. both to encourage your supporters and to challenge yourself. On average setting a target helps to raise 46% more donations!

• Explain a little about Mummy’s Star and what you find motivating about our work. If applicable share your personal connection to Mummy’s Star and explain why you are choosing to support us. Who knows, maybe you’ll inspire some of your friends to do some fundraising of their own!

• Share our price points to give your supporters examples of what their donation could pay for.

• If you are completing a challenge, give updates on your training, obstacles and milestones.

• Share your page using your social media pages and email signatures.

• Make sure to thank everyone who has supported you and give an update on how your event went!

• Around 20% of donations come in after an event, so don’t forget to keep up the momentum!

If you’re planning a bigger event, there are lots to think about! Use our handy check list to make sure you have everything in place. If you need any more help, don’t forget to get in touch and we will be happy to talk through your plans with you.

 

• Decide what kind of event you would like to host. Make sure you have the time and resources to effectively carry out your ideas.

• Assemble your dream team. Get your friends and family on board to help you out with planning. Think about any useful skills or contacts that could use.

• Set a time and date. You may want to consider: Does your audience work weekdays? Do they need to arrange childcare? What other major events are going on? What is the theme? Is the weather a factor?

• Set a budget and a target. You don’t want to find that you’ve spent more than you’ve raised! Keep it simple and source free and cheap materials whenever possible to keep the costs down. We recommend aiming to spend no more than £1 for every £3 that you raise.

• Choose a venue. Finding a free venue might be easier than you think.

• Spread the word via social media and word of mouth and ask us for an events poster.

• Enjoy your event and take lots of photos! Don’t forget to let us know how it goes.

• Pay in your money to Mummy’s Star by cheque, via bank transfer or online.

• Make sure to thank everyone who attended, donated and helped out with your fundraising via a letter or shout outs on social media.

Before collecting donations in public, you will need to ensure you have the appropriate permissions.

 

• For most public collections, such as on your high street, you will need a licence from the local council. Some councils need up to two months’ notice before issuing a license, so plan and get in touch with them as early as possible.

• If you are planning to collect donations at a private venue such as a pub, shopping centre or train station, you will need written permission from the owner or manager. You do not need a separate licence, but you should keep a copy of your permission letter with you.

• When seeking permission to collect donations, you may need a letter confirming you are fundraising in aid of Mummy’s Star. We can provide you with a letter of authority before you start collecting.

• Your collection tins or buckets must display the Mummy’s Star logo and registered charity number. They also must be sealed at all times whilst collecting.

Raffles are a great way to raise money, especially if there are exciting prizes to be won. If you are holding a raffle during your event, here are a few things to remember:

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• Only sell tickets on the day of and during your event.

• Tickets must all be the same price.

• Draw the winner(s) before the end of your event.

 

If you plan to run your raffle over a longer period of time than one day, it will be considered a lottery and you will need to purchase a local lottery license from your council. If you want to know more about organising a raffle or lottery consult your local council or visit the Institute of Fundraising website at institute-of-fundraising.org.uk 
or get in touch.

One of the most exciting parts of holding a fundraising event is counting the money you have raised. When counting cash, it is advisable to have two people present to witness and record the amounts collected.

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• If you are carrying money from one location to another or taking it to the bank, keep your personal safety in mind.

• If you are carrying a large amount of cash, keep it somewhere discreet. You may wish to ask someone else to accompany you too.

Please do not use the Mummy’s Star logo without our permission. If you need posters or other fundraising materials, we can provide you with these.

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If you want to create your own fundraising materials, there is a special logo that we can send you that makes it clear you are fundraising in aid of Mummy’s Star. We will also need to see a copy of your materials before you print or share them.