Top tips for fundraising
1. Set up an online fundraising page at JustGiving
Great for all types of fundraising, especially sponsored events, setting up an online fundraising page is a quick and easy way to increase the amount you raise. Visit our section on the JustGiving website to create your page.
- Remember to personalise your fundraising page with a message and photo. Tell people why you are doing it and how the money you raise will help. Always get someone generous to sponsor you first – a higher amount at the top may mean those who donate afterwards give more.
- Add the link to your email signature, Facebook page or Twitter account – and don’t be afraid to keep reminding people!
- Keep fundraising after your event. Around 20% of online donations come in after people finish their event, so send a final appeal once you’ve crossed the finish line!
2. Get sponsored
As well as online fundraising, we can also give you paper sponsorship forms to put up at work or in your gym, local church or community space. It’s worth keeping them with you at all times, as you never know who will want to sponsor you!
Again, get someone generous to sponsor you first to increase your fundraising total.
Don’t feel bad about asking everyone you know to sponsor you – be proud of your fundraising!
3. Get your employer involved
Many companies will be happy to offer a donation or even match the money you raise, so don’t be afraid to ask your employer whether they operate a matched giving scheme.
The MS Society can send a letter confirming the amount you have raised if you need it.
Your work is also a great place to run a fundraising event, whether a dress down Friday, raffle or Cake Break. You could even ask them to make the MS Society their Charity of the Year.
4. Make more with Gift Aid
Ask your sponsors/donors to Gift Aid their contribution, and you’ll add 25p per £1 onto your fundraised amount at no cost to you or your sponsor/donor.
Donations can be gift aided by the sponsor/donor completing a sponsorship form, Gift Aid envelope or Gift Aid declaration form. Please note: Gift Aid can only be claimed on donations from individuals. Money raised from activities such as raffles or tombolas cannot be gift-aided, nor donations received from companies.
5. Cover your costs
If you are organising an event or activity that has costs involved, then it makes sense to reduce them as much as possible by:
- asking your employer or local businesses to sponsor the event
- asking a company if they would hire out their premises for free or at a reduced rate
- asking local shops or restaurants to provide vouchers or gifts as prizes for a raffle
Let us know if you need a ‘Permission to Fundraise’ letter to use as proof that you are fundraising for the MS Society.
6. Tell the world
Get as many people involved in your fundraising as you can, whether online or in person. Share your fundraising on your Facebook and Twitter accounts, tell colleagues, neighbours, family, friends and people from your local school, church or religious centre.
If you think you can get the local press involved, contact our press office to get advice and a template press release. You might want to blog for us too – email us to find out how!
7. Add a splash of orange
We have lots of promotional items like balloons, t-shirts and posters to help you promote your event or decorate your stall or venue. If you would like to request these please contact your local fundraising office.
8. Show off your efforts
If you have any good photos of your event or copies or any articles from local press, please send them to us so we can showcase your fantastic work.
