How to run your own event

Six simple steps to running a successful fundraising event.

Step 1: Your idea

  • The simplest ideas are often the best. Think about your target audience. What will your friends, family and colleagues be excited to be a part of?
  • Make sure your event is actually going to raise money (!) and that the time you spend organising it is realistic.


Step 2: Where

Decide on a venue:

  • Remember if you don’t ask, you don’t get – venues will often give you a discount on rental costs or even waive them completely.
  • If you want to sell alcohol or have live music, make sure the venue has the right licenses.
  • Check the public transport links to your venue are good.


Step 3: When

Decide on a date:

  • Think carefully about clashes with established events or public holidays
  • Think about the weather


Step 4: Budgeting

Set yourself a realistic target:

  • Work out all costs and estimate how much money you are going to bring in
  • Look at how you can reduce costs wherever possible
  • Set a date before your event begins to review payments made and money received


Step 5: Promotion

Shout about your event:

  • Think about who you are targeting and how they will best receive information, eg email, posters, flyers.
  • Think about where you want to promote – how far and wide?
  • Look at cost of printing and remember to ask printers if they will waive the cost for you as a charitable donation.


Step 6: After the fun is over

Say thank you:

  • Don’t forget to thank all those who took part and any companies who donated services