Fundraising Tips & Guidelines
For many the thought of fundraising is a rather daunting prospect. However it doesn't have to be. The first obstacle you may encounter is found in the ideas phase. What activity shall I do you wonder? We've compiled a list of creative suggestions. Click here to read them.
Right! Now you've got past the ideas stage. The other problem most likely to make fundraising harder is found in the execution phase. How do I fundraise effectively? How do I ensure as many people find out about what I'm trying to do? Here are a few tips we've rustled up.
Tell your network
Whether it's your family, friends or general network, make sure everyone who's linked to you is aware of what you're trying to do. You'll be taken aback by how much support you'll receive. People are often keen to fundraise, but don't manage to find the time. Therefore when they see someone making the sacrifice they're more than happy to offer their support. There's an abundance of goodwill in the world, much of it in your personal network. Don't be afraid to tap into it!
Use the web
Set up a Just Giving or a Virgin Money Giving page to gather in sponsorship online. You can also use your Facebook or Twitter account to help spread the word! The great thing about using the web is that you broadcast what you're doing to people who may not know you personally but want to support. You extend your reach and spread the word at a faster rate! Another great benefit is that it's free and simple to use! If you are using Twitter try sending your Tweets out across the day not at the same time everyday.
Use the SP sponsorship form
If you're not able to use the web for sponsorship, print off one of our sponsorship forms and carry it everywhere - to the supermarket, to church, to the gym! You could bump into someone on the train and they donate on the spot! You never who know you may run into that will want to help you out. You can download a copy here.
Find a team
Fundraising is easier when there's a team pulling together to make it happen. Not only do you have a close source of encouragement but the labour is divided.
Local events are excellent opportunities to both meet with the community and raise awareness as well as funds. We would recommend that you involve lots of people to help you and share the workload
Promote your event
If you've decided to do a fundraising event there are a few ways to make it easier for you. Make sure you sell tickets in advance. Promote your event as much as you can, use the web, local radio, local newspapers, your workplace and family and friends. Use the ‘shar your story' form on this website to tell us about it so we ca share it here. Finally, make sure you do it on a date that doesn't clash with any other major events in your area or a major sporting event!
Keep it fun
Even though the cause you're raising funds for is serious, it doesn't mean you can't have fun while fundraising. There are times when it will feel a tad bit stressful but keep the bigger vision in mind. In the aftermath of fundraising many find that they've learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Make sure you do your utmost to enjoy yourself! Keep the fun in fundraising!
Helpful Guidelines for Fundraising
Here are the Samaritan's Purse guidelines about fundraising. We are very fortunate as an organisation to have resourceful and ingenious volunteers who never fail to amaze us with their wonderful ideas. The ideas listed here have been drawn up from the events that our supporters
have held for us in the past. First of all some basics....
Basic Guidelines
As with all charities, raising funds is an important aspect of the work as the generation of funding for projects overseas enables very needy people to be supported. For any queries you have regarding any of the items below please telephone our Head Office on 020 8559 2044. It is essential to work within the guidelines set down by the Charities Commission, so before you start we ask that you carefully note the following:
- Raising funds for Samaritan's Purse will bring relief to the suffering of children and their families. For a list of the areas you can raise funds for go to our website https://www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/donate
- As a Christian Charity we ask that funds are not raised through games of chance e.g. tombolas, raffles or anything which is linked to the National Lottery
- Street Collections or similar are not generally appropriate for our type of work unless explicit agreement is obtained in advance - you can talk this over with your Samaritan's Purse Regional Manager telephone our head office on for their details 020 8 559 2044
- You should always take great care to ensure that you could (if asked) provide an audit trail when handling cash.
- If you're not sure about what events you can and can't do, feel free to drop us an email or telephone us (contacts at the end of the page) and we'll clarify
Sending in Finances
- Cheques, made payable to "Samaritans Purse International" are much safer for you to deal with than cash - the address of the Head Office is Samaritan's Purse, Victoria House, Victoria Road, Buckhurst hill, IG9 5EX.
- Always encourage people to gift aid their donations (envelopes for this purpose are available on request) and standing orders can also be encouraged (leaflet available)
Raising Money for Operation Christmas Child
It is essential that each shoebox is accompanied by £2.50 so that Samaritan's Purse can transport the box overseas. The majority of funds raised through the shoebox donations are used directly to support the work of OCC - including transportation, warehouses, communication and administration, both here in the UK and for our partners in the destination countries
The shoebox leaflet is a good tool to encourage people to donate the money to accompany their own shoeboxes make use of these and ensure that the message about the donation is clear
Money raised for Operation Christmas Child must be paid into the charity account either when you donate your shoebox or as a separate donation to the project. Money raised cannot be used to buy shoebox fillers or ‘top-ups' either for your own boxes or a warehouse/checking centre. Of course, individuals are entitled to use their own funds to buy fillers for use in warehouses if they wish, but we do not encourage that. For example - £10 spent on fillers could be much better used by the charity e.g. buying chickens which provide a sustainable income for a family in Uganda.
Paying in Donations & Receipts
All donations - apart from cash donations [see below] should be sent to Buckhurst Hill: Donations Administration, Samaritans Purse International, Victoria House, Victoria Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex, IG9 5EX
Once your donation has been sent into the office you will receive a receipt letter and Thank You Certificate
Please make sure that all donations give as much information about the donation as possible - that is what project it is for, how and why the money was raised and details about any special thank you required
Don't send cash through the post. If necessary, put it into your own bank and write a cheque payable to the charity. To avoid misunderstandings, it is best if you are able to get someone independent (unrelated) to verify that the amount you received is the same as the amount you send in on your cheque
Afterwards...
Thanking everyone who was involved with your in your fundraising efforts is a great way to ensure that they will help you again!
People always like to know how successful the event was, so tell everyone how much was raised amount raised and what a difference that will make
Send photos, films reports about your event to us and we shall make sure to send it to others.
Contact List
Samaritan's Purse Head Office - 020 8 559 2044 social.media@samaritans-purse.org.uk
Dave Vann - 020 8 559 2044 ex 211 dave.vann@samaritans-purse.org.uk
Christiana Mbakwe - 020 8 559 2044 ex 212 christiana.mbakwe@samaritans-purse.org.uk
Ruth Jones - 0782 50 33 716 ruth.jones@samaritans-purse.org.uk