Fundraising

Organising Fundraising Activities

Whatever the event, it is the hard work and commitment behind the scenes that makes it all possible.

Getting started

Creativity is the key to successful fundraising - good ideas are good cash generators. Keep the ideas simple and make sure you inform as many people as possible. Hold a brainstorming session with colleagues - try to think of something that fits well with your organisation, people's interests and the goals of the The Children's Medical & Research Foundation and Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin. Feel free to call us to discuss your ideas and ask for support.

Preparation

Decide what you want to do and how much you want to raise through each activity and at each event. Consider the time and resources available and set yourself a realistic target. It is also advisable to check if any other activities or events are taking place on the same day as your activity.

Co-ordination

If possible and appropriate form a committee to help you with your event, try and make one person the co-ordinator for the event. They will be a point of contact for the participants. Divide the organisation of the activities into sections, eg publicity and posters, selling tickets, staffing and sponsorship. Once people have signed up to join in the event, arrange a meeting with all the people involved, outlining initial tasks to be completed and write an activity timetable and checklist.

Maximise your fundraising

Here are some pointers to help maximise the success of your event:

• Always remember fundraising should be fun, so get creative to attract as many people to take part as possible
• If time is a problem, give your fundraising a regular focus, such as making 4pm every Friday a time for fundraising and planning events
• Add a fundraising element to an event that is already happening  ( e.g. mini marathon or local dinner dance etc..)
• Know your talent - speak to people around you and find out what their hobbies and interests are and who they know. This might be helpful in organising guest speakers, events or prizes
• Use local businesses to your advantage. You may be able to organise a collection in a local public place such as a shopping centre or airport. You can also ask a local venue to allow you to use their facilities for free.

Publicising your event and talking to the media:

Publicity can add value to the success of an event. Publicity can help boost the profile of the event for your company, amongst your staff and within the local media.

After the event

• Get feedback from friends and colleagues and evaluate your event: what was successful, what could be changed or improved next time?
• We can organise to send letters of thanks to all those involved in the organisation of the event.
• Ensure that all money due in has been received.
  

Keep it legal

Because we depend so heavily on the generosity of the Irish Public for our funds to help Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin and The Children’s Research Centre it is extremely important that Fundraising Activities taking place in our name maintain the trust of the public.

If you are planning to raise money for The Children's Medical & Research Foundation and Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, please let us know.  Contact our development office 1890 507 508 and that way we can also help you with promoting your event.

Street & Shopping Centre Collections

If you want to collect money in a public place you must first obtain permission to do so.  To collect in the street or in a Shopping Centre you need to get a permit.  So that we are aware of all fundraising activities we would ask you to contact our development office and they will apply for the permit for you.  Obviously the more notice you give us the better ( please note it is extremely difficult to attain a permit with less then two weeks notice.).

Branding
The use of The Children's Medical & Research Foundation logo needs to have prior approval by us.  Please ask us for guidelines on how to use our logo if you are printing your own posters etc or we can provide you with posters specific to your event.

Insurance
If you organise an event that involves the public or is in a public place you will need to ensure you have the correct public liability insurance.  Please contact us if you have any queries.

Fundraising  - After the event

Please make sure that the money you raise or collect reaches The Children's Medical & Research Foundation as safely and as quickly as possible  - we can provide you with lodgement slips so you can lodge money directly to our account as you raise it.

In the case of coin collections or ticket sales – try and ensure that the money is counted by at least two people so that discrepancies do not arise.

Please make all cheques payable to The Children's Medical & Research Foundation – will a letter detailing the Event and the people involved in raising the money.  If you need thank you letters and receipts issued please list the full names and contact details for these people.